A growing collection of Gronks…

Does it count if it’s not an 08? My increasing collection of Farish 08s has reached double figures - but not if I can discount the pair of 09s! Joking aside, there is good reason for this - which I’m sure is fodder for a posr of its own so for now, let me introduce 09013…

She started life as another Kernow ‘St Piran’ but after removing the last of the stubborn black paint she has been transformed to Cardiff Canton based 09013. Slightly out of period for the traditional ‘Speedlink’ era of Paxton Road I suppose she represents my childhood more accurately in some ways - it was 1993 when I met a good friend, Greg, in Year 8 (2nd year of high school) and he introduced me to Rail magazine… I now had a bang up to date source of information beyond what the library could offer and whilst I only had the occasional issue I was hooked.

So, back to our muse; 09013 sports a modified BR general livery - applied from scratch using custom mixed paints, shades determined by eye, deliberately faded to represent the prototype. Canton had added a depot plaque and metals sector decals to the cab side (supplied by Precision Labels) and in 1993, she still sported the high level airbrake pipework on each end.

This 09 was not actually my first choice. I’ve had a slightly longer intention to build 09001 (in fact I’ve had the parts and the donor model for this for over 4 months I think) - if you recall when I built the RMS Locotec example I stated the intention was to model a pair with different character elements that I’d need, seperately. HO16 had the from equipment box removed, and here, 09013 has the pipework. That wasn’t the only 09 element required, the prototype had also been fitted with the ‘NRM’ roof mounted aerial pod - I guess to allow trip working on the mainline? This was formed in styrene and a flat formed on the cab roof to secure this to - whilst a little clunky it captures the familiar outline I think.

The high level pipework was added towards the end of the project, just before weathering. It’s simply 0.37mm brass wire bend to shape with a few slivers of styrene here and there - once painted it is difficult to spot the subterfuge in this small scale. Instead, care was taken to shape the wire to reflect the prototype, the way the hoses bend and the more geometric and accurate form of the white pipework.

The faded paint responded well to my usual weathering - although I introduced a little of my dwindling stock of 133 to the fuel spillage, to add a touch of warmth to the grime in that area which has contrasted very nicely to the rest of the bonnet. Again, the way the brush kisses the cab handrails to create the rusting peeling effect, the gentle strokes down each bonnet door, cleaning off the weathered shades leaving just the most subtle of streaks and rusty dirty grease around the hinges. These tiny models are just bursting with character.

Whilst I find most Farish 08s are good runners once adjusted and run in, it has to be said, this one is exceptional. I’ve found it a rejuvenating spirit, if you like, to push and encourage me back to the bench. Plans for more extravagant wagon builds are in hand alongside some modified RTR and more kit builds. Whilst the layout remains unchanged, the cycle of models that grace the rails continues to evolve as I collect and create, curare perhaps, a series of moments capturing the simpler times of my childhood. 

This is railway modelling. Until next time, more soon…

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