'Go-Go' 03s for the Burry Port and Gwendreath (Part 1)...

This is a crazy project, a rabbit hole like no other. Not only is it a distraction, it is technically challenging and fraught with potential pitfalls. Why am I even contemplating recreating these diminutive multiple working equipped prototypes?

I love the Class 03. No, I love models of the Class 03

I've loved models since Dad's Mainline blue example, through Tim's Bachmann Branchline re-launch (with the MAHOOOSIVE brass worm) and more recently recreating 03162 and Pride of Gwent in OO. Since my N gauge conversion I've modelled 03382, falling head over heels with the Farish model... a video of D2112 at Boston Docks and a then another more contemporary example to fuel my addiction. 

So a love affair... and as my good friend Chris said recently "Never stop falling in love. Make it as often as you can".

It was almost justifiable, if I passed on the opportunity I might regret not being able to source a pair in future...

So it was on somewhat of a whim that an evening in front of the TV with a beer or two, and my iPad led to this duo of Farish examples being ordered from Kernow... I kept pondering the conversion after the 08 last year and the NSE 03 that became D2112. It was this bargain pricing from Kernow that had me pondering their imminent 'sell out' - my resolve weakened - it was almost justifiable, if I passed on the opportunity I might regret not being able to source a pair in future...

Regular readers will know this isn't the place to come for step by step guides or how to videos - rather you will find my heart and soul, my ideas and my dreams laid out bare - not just for your entertainment either, this process of writing and interrogating my own drives, desires and ambitions is powerful stuff.

The models ran as you would expect - very sweetly (a small tip for anyone who finds a slight bind in their movement, loosen the screws on the keeper plate a quarter turn). Rather than ruin the pair I proposed to modify one, before turning to the second. The prototypes were cut down at Landore depot, Swansea, for their use on the Burry Port and Gwendreath line - and rather than just remove height from the base of the cab (which would have made my life much easier) they made the cut in different places. If you study photos you can see the welds on the cab sides where the cuts were made good and ground smooth - the result was the door is full size still, but sits lower. The rear windows are still the same position from the top of the roof, but the handle is raised. The side window is the same at the top, but has been reduced in height. The front windows too, are reduced in height. How to recreate this easily in miniature?

I love a challenge, and this was a great one! I decided to remove 1mm from the base of the cab and then add 1mm to the bottom edge of the front and cab side windows. All the handrails would need removing and raising up by 1mm too... and the rear lamps the same. After a dunk in IPA to remove the paint the work began and was easier than feared, and with some styrene, filler, wet and dry paper and a compass (to punch a centre for the revised handrail position) and small drill bits the cab was modified. The bonnet is a metal casting, but I noted the front footsteps were removed on the prototype so these were cut and smoothed - the exhaust was lowered by opening up the hole with a tapered broach until the base of the exhaust just fitted in - effectively lowering it by the desired amount.

This all describes task, but busy hands occupied my mind in a way that facilitated an almost meditative state. Familiar tools and processes, materials and the challenge occupying my mind, consuming attention which avoids distraction, worry and the real world.

Modelmaking is a mindful pursuit, where we can learn about ourselves. An opportunity for personal growth.

Work progressed quickly on the second and before long both were in primer and painting could begin - and that brings me towards the end of this first part. The models are painted and decaled, but awaiting glazing and weathering - which we will talk about and look at next time. 

Taking a quiet moment to compare the cut down engines to 03382, above (which itself was cut down after its career on the Avonside Wharf branch in Bristol) you can see the difference.

In my estimation this means it has been worth my effort. The subtle differences in paint finish (exhaust colour, border of grill on the front) and markings (both type and position of OHLE markings - and the number spacing and marking positions) are not immediately apparent but add to the depth of finish that can be achieved, even in miniature. Whilst I'm happy for my layouts to tell a more artistic story in their composition with blends of reality and imagination - I like my models to draw more directly on source material.

I've enjoyed this little distraction, this rabbit hole, a great deal. 

Sometimes we can feel stuck in a rut, as if we have lost our mojo, nothing is really firing our interest... Taking the downs as part of the cycle I know that on those occasions when creativity strikes, when a rabbit hole is discovered, it is restorative to ride the wave for as long as possible. I'm still surfing...

Until next time, more soon...

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