#MyrtleMondays: Fan Art & Guest Maker: The Ballingall Empress Express from How to Get Away with Myrtle!

Dear friends, I am battling a hand injury, so for the next couple of weeks I’m going to give the blog-typing duties to other folks: I have some guest posts lined up that you’re going to love! (Two words: cinnamon rolls.) Today I have a new project to share from our favorite fan-artist, C.J. Bunce. Check out his latest Myrtle Hardcastle Mysteries-inspired project!

Read more: All Aboard! Trains in Victorian England

Myrtle Hardcastle Mysteries Book 2, How to Get Away with Myrtle, takes place aboard a fabulous luxury train, the Ballingall Empress Express:

Inspired by the book, and with a little help from Ukrainian company UGEARS, my model-building fan-stroke-spouse has built the Empress Express!

Sir Quentin’s train brought to life in all its purple glory

C.J. details the construction on his website. Please swing by to see more photos from the elaborate construction of this all-wooden mechanical kit (including its secret identity), along with the special touches C.J. added to turn it into the setting for a jewel heist and murder.

That’s a B for Ballingall, right?

C.J. took care bringing every detail to life, from just-the-right-shade of purple to the fancy trimming expected on the most fabulous of railway cars. The elaborate inner workings of the model are fascinating enough to enchant your favorite young engineer. (Or, you know, youngish. Ish.)

Steaming through the countryside

Don’t forget, How to Get Away with Myrtle makes a perfect vacation read—especially if you are being dragged along on a boring family outing. And if you’re staying home, you might want to make your own model train. Or ghost ship.

Seriously. I cannot get enough of this fantastic photo! Amazing job, C.J.!!

Check out the full build of the Ballingall Empress Express at borg!