Commission: Talyllyn in 009…

Welcome to 2026! The first 'Monday' Commission post of the year, yet a model completed before Christmas, one of the quartet of Talyllyn 009 models on the bench before the holiday, Talyllyn in the current blue...

The model uses the Bachmann Skarloey - but my customer had already fitted the Fourdees conversion kit - which transforms the toy into a realistic offering. I was asked to finish her and add a crew - but first, I made two small changes that further improve the Bachmann body casting. The first, replacing the handrails with brass wire and knobs (where appropriate) is perhaps most obvious - relatively easy, definitely worth the effort. The second, less clear perhaps?

The coal bunker on one side has been smoothed and the coal load removed - this is quite difficult without damaging the saddle tank - I have done my best, and it's much improved, although still not quite as flat as the real locomotive.

The blue paint is mixed from Great Eastern ultramarine and a touch of Humbrol crimson which darkened it whilst maintaining the vibrancy (black dulled things too much). This was edged, by hand, with black paint before a coat of satin lacquer. Red 0.35mm Fox lining was applied over the top, hiding any defects in the edging applied by hand. Details were picked out with a fine brush, copper and brass as well as the buffer beams.

The Talyllyn name is a decal I will be adding to Light Railway Stores as a JH CMR product shortly, as I made more than I needed - these were eye-balled to match the Bachmann tank, and are shaded both red and black. The etched plates are from Light Railway Stores - and once applied, the body was sealed with satin lacquer.

Finishing touches then, adding the Modelu crew (George Williamson and Joanne Crompton) sharing the footplate and then glue-n-glaze in the spectacles and re-assembly. The finished model is rather lovely, and I've enjoyed working in the small scale - and narrow gauge once more. If you have a model you'd like me to breathe some life into, then get in touch to discuss your requirements and for a unique fixed price proposal. Until next time, more soon...

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