Commission: Backwoods NGG16 in 009…

It has been worth it, the ‘blood, sweat and tears’ of building that pair of power trucks and their valve gear, seeing this NGG16 complete…

Regular readers may remember just how long this has been on the bench too - and how it arrived as a collection of part assembled sub-assemblies with every etched component removed from the fret and loose  in the box! Tackling the power trucks first seemed sensible - and valve gear was easier than actual assembly in the end - but with those together the body work could finally progress.

There are some idiosyncrasies introduced by the previous builder - including the cab etches assembled inside out - but as a whole, she stands proud and boldly snowing the dogged determination that Peter, the kit designer had, in bringing such a complex model to market all those years ago…

Livery and identity selected by my customer - the boiler banding is Fox lining decals and the etched plates from Light Railway Stores really set her off - I hand painted them in two colours, which has worked better than expected. In the cab is a detailed and painted back head, glazed windows and out back, a bunker load of real Welsh coal.

 

All that said, I’m not in a rush to do another! But at least if you do want one I have a much better idea of how much work is involved. This Spring will see a pair of Tucker NGG16s on the bench - it’s a shame I’ve not had a chance to work on them at the same time to allow a side by side comparison - but the newer kit offers a much cheaper route - albeit not quite as finessed. 

This example will be heading home this week - if you’d like me to turn your flat etched kit dreams into a 3D reality then do get in touch and we can discuss your requirements and I can prepare a fixed price proposal. The contact form is in the top menu here, or on the commissions page. Until next time though, more soon…

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