Commission: WHR carriage(s) in 009…

This isn’t really two coaches rather two models of the same coach at different periods. The Pickering coach is a kit from the Miniature Modellers Hub - I’ve added a Dundas roof and some brake pipes plus scratch built detail to finish things off…

The print is well detailed and robust but does have a slight warp, or bow - which is rather nicely not unlike a bowing frame of the prototype. I added handrails like the previous similar example I did last year. Vacuum brakes were also added using parts from my big box of parts, added to each end. They were cleaned up and primed before painting in enamels. Both custom mixed, even as a base  under the later weathering, it’s easier to start with a faded shade rather trying to do this in ‘post processing’. The yellow coach then had the panel lines picked out in freight brown (!), a nice warm shade and drop lights in Humbrol 110. Some gloss lacquer formed a base for the custom designed decals I drew up from photographic evidence, along with the door labels my customer supplied from Endon, sealed with satin and then protected ahead of weathering.

The usual wash of 33/98 was applied to the chassis and sides, and removed on the sides with a wide flat brush leaving a convincing residue. This needs a very minimal application of thinners, too much and it takes ages to dry and leads to the residue re-animating and forming blobby patches. If you notice this, with a deft and careful hand you can rework carefully before it’s dry. The roof was just Matt grey, stippled on for some texture and then airbrushed dirt applied down the centre, my usual blend as I was doing my N scale class 47 at the same time.

The variety of commissions here is a delight. From these, and a 16mm/ft scratch-built Ruston also recently completed I’m working in etched brass alongside some layout design work and trying to write my next book, never dull. Always happy to discuss any commission idea, get in touch on the contact form and we can discuss your requirements and I’ll prepare a fixed price proposal. Until next time, more soon…

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