Cut down once again (N part 71)…

“I’ll just collect the 90s era liveries that you can get on these lovely N gauge models” I naively stated way back at the start of this N scale adventure. Today I’m sharing yet another modified, bashed model requiring extensive reworking to represent a specific prototype…

In the gap between I suppose that childlike enthusiasm for ‘box fresh’ liveries has morphed into a deep attraction to these miniatures. The act of making each a personal response to a prototype fondly remembered. 

In this instance I appear to be working through the Spring 1990 Platform 5 ‘Motive Power Pocket Book’ - the cover star created 26037, 03179 followed and now, with Cwmbach a physical reality, 08994 is taking shape before my eyes. This little pocket book survives in my collection due to its small size, and holding it, flicking through the pictures I am transported back over 30 years to a simpler time, where the pages held such a treasure trove of inspiration and prototypes to discover. 

Unlike 08993 (pictured below) this cut down model required even more surgery. 08991 and 08992 were the initial vacuum brake only conversions. 08993 was dual braked and done slightly later. With the advent of the HEA it became apparent it was cheaper to convert two more air braked examples than rebuild 991 and 2. Instead, these worn out examples donated their already modified hood doors (hence why despite their donors being flat doored 994 and 5 have hinges). 

I started with a Kernow example and removed the circuit board and speaker to allow the reduction in height of the body. A Basra example was bought on eBay and stripped of its paint - the cab control desk cut off and the end modified to fit over the revised gearbox arrangement on the newer chassis. The Basra cab has the right wooden doors but the cab side windows need modifying. The cab of 994 and 5 when cut down featured smaller rear windows and a roof made up of segments. I drew up some parts and had these etched in thin brass to ease this modification. They fit beautifully… and the model already captures the diminutive stature of these curious prototypes.

The plan is for a Railfreight grey livery - fairly fresh as if recently outshopped. The contrast to the BR blue and green scenery will be nice, and I don’t need everything worn out and tired. You’ll probably see progress in Friday updates before a final reveal later in the summer, but there is, as always, no rush.

Creating this model then, this miniature is a connection to my origin story and a reminder, once more, of who I think I am. As you look at these photos, perhaps marvelling at the skill involved (!) I only see touch points, and a conduit to connecting with myself.

Until next time, more soon…

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