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One of the finest models we've had in any scale - the project similar in scope and execution to the Standard Class 2 and 9F we've had in the past, both those engines in 7 1/4 inch gauge. The work of a prodigiously talented engineer, a man who built locomotives and traction engines over a thirty year period, all to a similar standard. At the time of his death he was working on four engines - a superb Burrell double crank compound road locomotive, Stirling Single, Great Western large Prairie and this, his magnum opus, "Evening Star" twenty years to date in the build and several thousand of hours in the workshop.

There are nearly fifty pictures below which show the quality of built and level of detail achieved. The builder was a perfectionist in all his work, more than happy to remake a part if a better technique or more accurate casting became available. Fit and finish is excellent throughout, the silver soldered copper boiler was commercially built and comes complete with original hydraulic test certificate. The builder worked from a variety of drawings, all of which are included, along with a box of loose parts ready to be fitted. We put the project at better than 85% complete - tender is finished and painted (and includes, of course, working water scoop), the locomotive needs boiler cladding, fittings, pipework and painting.

Not a job for a beginner, it needs somebody capable of working at this standard to complete what will be one of the finest 5 inch gauge locomotives built in recent years.

We took the locomotive to the Doncaster Show earlier in the year where it received much attention. Best comment of the weekend came from Ron Martin himself, who spent a long while inspecting it before, with a smile, saying "now that's a builder who knew what he was doing...". Praise indeed.