By Duncan Bick

Last updated at 15:21, Friday, 22 June 2012

A Brampton man’s modelling is attracting international attention.

Andrew Naisbitt

Andrew Naisbitt, who runs Hadrian’s Hobbies on Market Place, has seen his recreation of a German steam train appear in prestigious collectors’ publication Continental Modeller.

This is the second time one of his creations has featured in the magazine.

“Models are interesting,” said Mr Naisbitt, 50. “It’s relaxing and it’s something different.”

He added: “I’ve been doing railways since I was about five years old.”

The model in question is a Bavarian mixed traffic locomotive, described as a ‘2-4-2’.

It is made from a combination of two manufacturers’ parts, LGB, based in Nuremberg and Bachman, which is headquartered in Hong Kong.

Because of this hybrid construction, it has been described as a ‘Bavarian Frankenstein’ train.

Mr Naisbitt decided to create this model after LGB announced in 2011 it would only be producing one new model in the forthcoming year, which would not be dramatically different from previous editions.

He has a love of variety, and decided to take on the challenge of creating his own locomotive, using pictures of 2-4-2s from the time they were in operation in the 19th and 20th century.

His model was constructed around a broken Bachman model using LGB parts he sourced from local shops and the internet.

Creating his own project was quite a challenge for Mr Naisbitt. “You need to come up with what you are going to do yourself,” he said.

Continental Modeller is a monthly magazine devoted to creations of locomotives and railway layouts based on those seen in mainland Europe.

It receives submissions from enthusiasts from around the world.

Mr Naisbitt was delighted when his model was selected for inclusion. He also had a design featured in 2011, of a Garatt locomotive.

He is now hoping to go for a hat-trick and have his latest model, which he is keeping under wraps, featured in the publication next year.

First published at 14:07, Friday, 22 June 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk