Commission: Claud Hamilton in OO…

This is a first for me, I think, a model finished in a pre-grouping livery! The subject, the attractive Great Eastern 4-4-0 D-14 ‘Claud Hamilton’…

Hornby produce a D14 in OO gauge, but this is a later LNER rebuild which lost a little of the aesthetics of the Holden designed original… however, upon inspection it was clear that the Hornby model coul offer up its chassis to make this model a reality. I then worked from drawings to produce a 3D printed body for the locomotive, and tender top. These were printed by Shapeways and checked for fit before progressing further.

The next step was to design some etched metal overlays to provide the detail and specifically the brass edging and nameplate and number plates on the splashers… using the same CAD files to create the etch artwork ensured a perfect fit. Thoughts turned to the rest of the detail - a GER dome and Ramsbottom safety valve came from Phoenix (along with the paint) and the dome is an Ivatt 2 from Wizard Models. Handrails are Comet medium and short knobs and wire - and the air pump is reused from the Hornby donor. Smokebox door handle is RT Models - and the rest is hand made or from the scrap bits box.

Painting started with Phoenix GER Ultramarine blue. I hand painted the black edging and other coloured bits at this stage too, before an overall gloss coat. I added the transfers next, the boiler banding and tender lining are Fox - as are the crest and lettering. The splashers are my own design, again from the CAD to ensure a perfect fit. 

A final coat of satin lacquer dulls the finish a touch but the overall finish is very much pre-grouping elegance - and a unique and special model for my customer - using my modern techniques, a modern kit bash I suppose… if you’d like to work with me to create your own dream model, then I’m happy to work in all scales and gauges so get in touch on the Commissions page to begin the conversation. Until next time, more soon…

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