Commission: Ruston 20DL in 7/8ths...

I have been working on and off building this Ruston 20DL in 7/8ths scale since just before Christmas. It has been a model I have been excited to work on as the prototype is one of my favourites, having driven 'Acorn' at Penryhn Castle once...

The model is scratch built, but combines both traditional and modern model making techniques. The chassis parts were drawn in 2D CAD and laser cut in acrylic, providing a dimensionally accurate and robust foundation. The body was then build around this in hand cut and formed styrene. The axle boxes are my own design, 3D CAD and then 3D printed by Shapeways - the grills are also my own work, drawn in 'Graphic' and etched in brass - complemented by a Narrow Planet 'Ruston' motif. The gearbox, couplers and controls are 3D prints from Dean Goods - these are dimensionally very nice, but being printed on an older style filament printer the quality isn't great. The seat and driver are of course from Model-earth.

Under the hood, so to speak, the model features a 12v gear head drive using Delrin chain to drive Slaters wheels, controlled by Deltang based radio control from Micron RC. The model features a charging socket underneath so that the body doesn't need routinely removing. The hood however, is a tight push fit, so if necessary it's easy to access the various drive components.

The model is finished in Ruston green (mid bronze green) and weathered to reflect a well used but generally looked after machine, as requested by my customer. The subtle variation in finish achieved by washes and sponges, complemented by dry brushing to suggest wear and some detail painting of rust and scratches.

 

I've thoroughly enjoyed the build - and will be sad to see it head off to it's new home next week. If you'd like to commission you're own Ruston, or any other prototype then do get in touch for a personal proposal. More soon...