After a couple of morose postings from me, here’s some good news. A finished model, delivered and paid for, with one happy new owner.

Riddles WD Austerity 8F 2-8-0 No 90643. This loco ended its days at Aintree Shed, and is depicted in model form as it was photographed at some time in the mid-1960s. For its kind it is remarkably clean, probably not long from an overhaul.

The model is built from a Just Like The Real Thing 7mm scale 1/43rd kit, with detail additions.

The crew figures were from Andrew Stadden.

The weathered finish has been kept to a minimum, with signs of rust, dust and grime beginning to appear.

I don’t mind admitting this build taxed me at times. It is my first big locomotive, and it taught me quite a few lessons, as well as a few new choice phrases when things weren’t quite going to plan!

There’s room on the bench for another couple of builds now.