Commission: Seeing quintuple - Rapido 16" repaint x 5...

Recently completed this set of 5 'identical' models based upon the recent Rapido Hunslet 16" industrial model in OO gauge...

I was asked to repaint these by the owner of the real locomotive 'Beatrice', based on the Embsay and Bolton Abbey. Rapido included 'Beatrice' in their range of liveries, but rather than as preserved she featured a stove pipe chimney and maroon 'NCB' colours. Rather than base the repaints on this example, or even the green ones, I began with the lined black model and removed the limited red lining and lettering rather than working with a full strip down of paint. This allowed met to mask the cab interior after removing glazing and the back head, to preserve as much of the factory finish as possible. The tank just unclips, the cab unscrews leaving a chassis and footplate. The wheels were removed and the chassis sides and footplate edges were painted in Indian red, the wheel centres in green.

Turning to the body itself, this was sprayed green and then some custom lining transfers were drawn up based on sketches and dimensions of the prototype replicating the green with yellow and red pin striped edges to a sherwood green central band. I hand painted black edging on the cab and tanks, deciding it wasn't possible to replicate the fine red edge to these panels and then applied the transfers carefully. Getting them straight on the side tanks was imperative. Small numerals were also hand drawn based upon the prototype with photos and sketches provided to help get these 'just right' - and applied to the factory painted buffer beams. The name and works plates are in the Light Railway Stores range and are a lovely touch. The safety valves were touched in brass and then the models sealed with a fine satin varnish airbrushed coat to seal the decals and provide a less 'toy like' finish.

The results, 5 near identical models are an unusual sight here on the my bench - where one offs are the norm. If you have a model you'd like me to re-finish, renumber, repaint or bering to life with some weathering I can often fit these 'smaller' commissions around the larger scratch and layout builds that go on here in North Wales. Get in touch for a no obligation fixed price proposal, using the contact form on the website or Facebook or the forums. Until next time, more soon...