The cab interior of No.18/Lewin is to be a wood grain effect, something quite commonly seen on Victorian locomotives and often practised today on engines with open cabs.  I don’t know if Lewin had such a finish or not, but given the large size of the cab sheet and impact made by the interior of the cab when viewed from behind, a wood grain (or ‘scumbled’) effect seemed to be an appropriate choice.

Having decided on the effect, some practice as to the execution has been required, so I have been merrily transforming a metal cupboard door in the engine works workshop.  Using a cream base (Craftmaster high build primer – as used on No.18) and Polyvine Scumble, plus a drop of oil based dye, the effect of wood grain is readily recreated.  Once the dyed scumble is brushed on, a soft brush with widely spaced clusters of bristles is dragged in the direction the grain is required, with occasional ‘shakes’ to reduce uniformity.  A ‘flogging’ brush is then patted down the grain to further soften the effect and introduce some texture.  As No.18 will have panels, I have tried two different mixes of the dye to create a similar but different effect. 

Once dry (which seems to take forever!) any borders and lining can be added then the whole lot varnished.  This is a very satisfying process and I am looking forward to applying it to the locomotive itself once it returns back to Beamish.