Commission: Ruston 44/48 (1 of 4)…

A few weeks ago I shared a photo of the four Ruston 44/48 in a Friday update. Today, I’m sharing the first in its own ‘Commission’ post, so a chance to see a little more of these rather burly 7/8ths scale garden railway locomotives…

The biggest model I’ve created for the garden, even than my own Alan Keef K40, this represents the genesis of two years of design and prototyping. The result, I hope, captures the curious and ungainly proportions of these ex military machines.

The model is a blend of technology and design, with some traditional scratch building. 3D CAD and printing (for example, buffers and weights, cab controls and axle boxes - and more importantly the gearbox and drive), 2D CAD and laser cutting (frames and bodywork) and etched brass (grills and hood doors). Details, exhaust, hand applied rivet and bolt heads finesse these as one.

Painted in Humbrol enamels, the sole ‘marking’ inspired by the prototype at Amerton and I drew this up as a decal and had it made especially for this model. Sealed with lacquer and then weathered with more Humbrol shades - a wash followed by detail painting, airbrushed exhaust and finished with dry brushed gun metal that has a wonderfully transformative effect, especially in this large scale. 

Posed here on the Dyfrdwy Tramway (balanced on the rails - as she’s 45mm gauge), the natural light picks out the variations in colour, in sheen and the subtle variation through weathering beautifully. This example is fitted with a Loco-remote, with working front and rear headlights. It has been a pleasure to use a few ‘commerical’ items - Slaters wheels, Model-earth tractor seat and Jerry can, SLR models lights and Dean Goods gearbox casing in the cab. 

I have a final batch of 16mm Hudson GoGo tractors planned this summer but am struggling with sourcing the drive chain and sprockets. If you’re interested in reserving an example then do get in touch. Whilst I have no plans for a second batch of these large Ruston I can offer them on a one off basis - as well as the option of reducing it to 16mm. Today though, I hope you enjoy these photos. Until next time, more soon…

Support my work

I love writing and creating material for the blog. If you enjoy what you read and engage with I would be appreciative of any donation, large or small, to help me keep it advert and restriction free. Alternatively, feel free to buy me a coffee.