Accurascale has announced its inaugural ‘O’ gauge train model, highlighting the Ruston and Hornsby 88DS diesel-mechanical shunter.
Originating from Ruston and Hornsby in Lincoln, the 88DS shunter made its first appearance in mid-1938, utilized initially by Tunnel Cement in Grays, Essex. Later, it became a common sight in various regions. These locomotives gained traction in industrial and manufacturing railway settings like quarries, gas works, paper mills, manufacturing works, refineries, chemical works, steelworks and coal mines.
Equipped with a four-speed transmission, these machines boasted a top speed of 15.5 mph and showcased remarkable towing capacities on both level terrains and slopes.
Accurascale intends to roll out nine Ruston 88DS models in its range. The designs will encompass a die-cast metal foundation, body structure, and standing area, accompanied by plastic components for the driver’s cabin and engine sections and sprung metal buffers, and draw hooks. Model enthusiasts can expect intricate details, including metal, plastic, and wire components like handrails, fixtures, braking mechanisms, and more.
The initial series will showcase variations including the West Midlands Joint Electricity Authority No. 1 in Ruston factory green, BR North Eastern Region Civil Engineer’s Department green for No. 83, BR blue for No. 20, National Coal Board BR blue for No. 63, and a few other distinctive designs.
DCC and sound will be available, boasting the ESU Loksound 5 decoder paired with Accurascale’s 88DS sound tracks.
The proposed price brackets are £229.95 and £319.99. Customers can look forward to receiving their orders in the early months of 2025.
Photos (c) Accurascale, https://www.accurascale.com/
Andy is a lifelong modeler, writer, and founder of modelrailwayengineer.com. He has been building model railways, dioramas, and miniatures for over 20 years. His passion for model making and railways began when he was a child, building his first layout at the age of seven.
Andy’s particular passion is making scenery and structures in 4mm scale, which he sells commercially. He is particularly interested in modelling the railways of South West England during the late Victorian/early Edwardian era, although he also enjoys making sci-fi and fantasy figures and dioramas. His website has won several awards, and he is a member of MERG (Model Railway Electronics Group) and the 009 Society.
When not making models, Andy lives in Surrey with his wife and teenage son. Other interests include history, science fiction, photography, and programming. Read more about Andy.
