Commission: Ruston 44/48 in 7/8ths (4 of 4)…

This is the fourth and final model from this year’s 7/8ths batch, the Ruston 44/48 in 1/13.7 scale. Finished in a ‘preserved’ livery of Ruston green with off white lining, set off with red buffers she rounds out this quartet rather nicely…

The only 32mm model in this year’s batch, she has the full digital sound setup - so the only one of the four that could actually be played with, sorry, tested on the Dyfrdwy Tramway. 

As with the third example shared last week just the lightest of weathering, the use of drybrushed gun metal useful to recreate hi-lights as well as worn edges combined with a dusting of exhaust. Yet, despite the light touch the model drips with character, almost breathing - and when you fire up the distinctive rattly engine it comes to life. Models in this scale are alive in a way my 009 narrow gauge models never could be - and equally their size excites me - the inverse I suppose to the delight I find with N gauge shunters!

This fourth model has me reflected on the project. One that saw many false dawns as I wrestled with how to produce her distinctive bonnet doors whilst making the most of previous experience in designing the drive train and other components. I’d love to announce a new project for 2027 but the ongoing unavailability of Delrin drive chain makes this a non-starter - at least for now… that said, it is unlikely the next project will be Ruston based - perhaps something European?

As it is, I hope even if you don’t model in this larger scale, that you’ve enjoyed the photos of these creations. I have genuinely enjoyed bringing these to life this year and look forward to working in 7/8ths again soon. If you have a model or prototype in mind you’d like to create, I’m always happy to work on one off projects too - in any scale or gauge. You can contact me using the form here, email via my Facebook page or the forum messaging systems if you find me on RMweb or NGRM. Until next time, more soon…

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