Huwood mines loco in 009…

What’s this? Not only a new narrow gauge kit, but also an industrial? Yes, let me introduce properly, the Huwood Hudswell in 009…

This kit will form part of the Planet Industrials range but is a sort of collaboration with Narrow Planet too, as the MDO wagons were a collaboration with Accurascale. Designed in my usual combination of a multi part 3D printed core with etched overlays, it utilises a Bachmann N gauge ‘Percy’ chassis with the cylinders removed.

This model is finished in a weathered white and Planet Industrials markings, and is typical of an underground livery, white for visibility. That said, these underground machines could equally be found on the surface, and I am considering offering an optional fold up etched ‘surface’ cab for the model at a later date.

This diminutive model might seem a peculiar choice, but Steve and I have a life long love of both industrials AND narrow gauge, and there felt like a gap in the market for ‘modern’ mining equipment narrow gauge models in 009. Alongside the Huwood we will have a mining tub which is suitable for both surface and underground workings, along with plans for another locomotive kit.

The Huwood is 95% ready, the prototype has proven general principles and will suffice to write instructions. There are a few tweaks I would like to make to the print design to improve quality and reduce problems in manufacture. I also hope to add a few extra details to the parts, including etched and 3D printed controls, brake shoes, sandboxes and such.

If you’re interested in keeping in touch with progress then keep your eyes peeled on my blog and if you haven’t done, perhaps consider subscribing to the Planet Industrials newsletter for first news of all releases. Until next time, more soon…