Commission: Oakley LB in 7/8ths

It’s going to go a bit Ruston here for a few days as I share photos of the completed Ruston LB commissions that I have custom built in 7/8ths scale…

These four models are the final batch of this prototype and I will not be building another, however, if you’re ever keen on one of these in the future I am happy to offer one off builds so get in touch for a personal proposal.

Let’s talk about today’s model though, one that represents RH432652 of 1959, bought new and based at Oakley Quarry in Blaenau Ffestiniog, the slate capital of the world.

I have modelled her based on just one photograph so there is some guesswork and conjecture involved but hopefully we’ve captured some of the unique character of the prototype. This actually was about leaving details off rather than adding them, so the headlight is plated over as is the door window. In addition the exhaust had been modified to exit out the top of the bonnet, so this has been faithfully recreated.

The photo was black and white, which can throw up problems with colour matching but it appeared that the bottom half of the front, the battery box on the cab and plated window were all painted a different shade - possibly even colour, perhaps after repair? There were traces of the trademark pin stripe Ruston lining on the bonnet and the fan grill and side grills appeared lighter - so in the interest of a balanced and believable model with character this is the result. Some of those elements have been recreated, and the model weathered with a patchy gloss finish which feels lovely in natural light and actually has photographed quite well here too! 

This one is off to a new home overseas. If you’re taken with the model and fancy one I do have the prototype still available here for sale (happy to consider sensible offers), otherwise always happy to consider one off custom builds, get in touch for a personal proposal using the contact form here, a Facebook or the forums. Until next time , more soon…

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