Builder/Type: Ruston & Hornsby 44/48DL
Works number/year built: 198287/1942
Previous bases: New to Harpur Hill, Buxton; Royal Air Force, Burtonwood; Yorkshire Water Chellow Heights and Thornton Moor, Bradford; Abbey Light Railway; Embsay and Bolton Abbey Railway; Apedale narrow gauge railway trust.
Notes on the prototype: Originally flameproofed and fitted with an exhaust scrubber mounted behind the cab to allow it to work into the bunkers at RAF Burtonwood. At 8 tons it was the biggest loco on the ALR and really too heavy for the ever-corroding trackwork, so it’s use was limited. However, still fitted with air brakes for passenger work and a large airhorn that was previously fitted to my dad’s Range Rover.
Notes on the model: The body is scratch-built in plasticard with a few brass and 3D printed fittings, such as the headlamps. It is atop a BullAnt motor bogie acquired from the late Rod Allcock. As a change from green, I have painted the model in the ‘Rusty’ inspired orange livery the prototype wore for many years.
