'Go-go' 03s for the Burry Port and Gwendraeth (Part 2)...

In the first part of this story the focus was the work involved in modifying the Graham Farish 03 to represent the Landore cut down cabbed 03s, modified for use on the Burry Port and Gwendraeth Branchline, near Swansea…

This second and final part considers their finish, where they come to life despite their tiny size. Whilst researching these distinctive units, converted over a few years, it is interesting to find the differences and note what gave them real character. We are lucky that Flickr exists and so many photographers have shared their work freely for the modeller and enthusiast to enjoy and review.

During this process I selected the pairing of 119 and 141. Over the years they were frequently swapped around, but photographic evidence, whilst not entirely necessary, is rather lovely in placing our models directly in history. I gathered enough photos of all sides to identify the idiosyncrasies - most visibly the different position of arrow and number. Beyond I noticed different positions and types of warning flashes, paint differences on the grill, grill surround and exhaust. It is the wonderful act of noticing these differences, slowing down to absorb yourself in the work, the research - it is more than just a nice feeling of getting the details right - it is part of a mindful practice, one that becomes imbued in the finished piece and lives beyond the moment itself.

03141 and 03119 at Pontyates - Passing over a crossing on Heol Llanelli, the 03's raise a little clag deep in the valleys, 4/8/83. Robmcrorie photo Flickr (https://flic.kr/p/okKGYc)

This photo shows the air connections between 03119 in multiple with 03141, stabled at Llanelli. 23rd October 1983, Jamerail photo, Flickr. (https://flic.kr/p/2m8GJQM)

Whilst far from perfect I aimed to achieve the irregular spacing, the position of markings and the patterns of wear and staining in the finish of these N gauge models not even 25mm tall, barely 50mm long. Small but powerful, magical even…

A note on a few practicalities… the glazing is original bar the front windows. The only ones that needed modification were the cab side windows. These were measured with a micrometer and cut down to size. I lost one cab door window, hence that one is now open - It’s easier to make an open window than a closed one! The lamps front and rear are various sections of micro strip with 0.75mm jewels from China. Weathered finish uses the usual Humbrol 98/33 mix, applied wet on wet and removed to match photos of the prototype.

Compared to 382, a renumbered but otherwise out of the box Farish bar the beefed up exhaust, you can see the cut down cab to great effect. Definitely worth the effort!

The pair are now ready for work and my rake of Farish 16T minerals numbers the 12 I had in mind… all that is missing now is a layout! I’ve been doing some soul searching of late and do have some concerns over my Gerald Road scheme. It might be possible to re-use this box for a colliery screen instead? Though my head tells me a longer viewing window would be helpful too… there is a new LACK shelf here waiting to go on the wall, which will give me the chance to move things around and consider ‘what next’. In the meantime, I absolutely loved creating this pair, telling this story and sharing it with you all. Until next time, as always, more soon…

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