Commission: Talyllyn-esque Kerr Stuart in 16mm…

Not every model has to be mm perfect and accurate in every detail to exude character or feel like the prototype. This 16mm example is a case in point…

The basic form is right, the St Crispin kit from Boot Lane Works is dimensionally accurate and pleasingly designed, relatively straight forward to asssemble but built to a price so a few parts benefit from a good surface treatment whilst others are excellent out of the box (that chimney for example). However, it is left to the modeller to decide how far to take things in representing any specific prototype - so that’s what I did, and it was great fun.

I enjoy this job, and finding and sourcing parts for this model and scratch building others was good fun. Cast brass ribs shoulders with styrene but under the paint, can you really tell the difference? There is room in the boiler for wiring and batteries, I’ve also squeezed a LocoRemote in one of the side bunkers. Cab roof and saddle tank remain removable.

This isn’t an exact model of Edward Thomas either, at any point, it’s a collection of details that suggest the prototype and balance with one another nicely. It’s a pleasing composition and one I think does sell the theme rather well. I’ve always preferred the original Corris look but we’ve added the Talyllyn style cab. Livery is classic preserved era, but not 100% accurate. Paint? The green was airbrushed on - everything else hand painted including the lining. Decals and etched plates were fitted before she was given a coat of satin lacquer all over to tie the finish together, finishing touches are the Modelu lamps, lovely things.

I often get asked ‘can you build this’ ‘or that’ and the answer is usually yes! Any scale, gauge or prototype! Kit or Scratchbuild, modified RTR? No problem. Weathering? Yes, and new name and number, no problem? Just a crew? Or sourcing Rapido models? That too - oh and a good selection of books too… if I can help let me know, get in touch and we can discuss creating your own dream model. Until next time, more soon…

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