For modellers - Glasgow and South Western Railway Association

Glasgow and South Western Railway Association

Modelling The Sou-West
The Glasgow and South Western Railway Association in conjunction with Taff Vale Models is working to introduce a
7mm brass kit of the G&SWR class 403 2-6-0 – otherwise known as the Austrian Goods.
This locomotive, designed for freight traffic, was designed by Peter Drummond in 1915. A factory rumour that it was
constructed using metal destined for Austria was dispelled by David L Smith ( the recognised premier author of the
G&SWR) many years ago, but the nickname of Austrian Goods stuck, adding a peck of glamour. It was a superheated
version of the 279 class of 0-6-0 locomotive, with a pony wheel at the front to carry the additional weight of the
superheater.
It is believed that the design inspired James the Red Engine in the stories of the Rev W Audrey. In reality none of the
original locos were any colour other than G&SWR Drummond green, or LMS black.
This class of loco was chosen for several reasons. The originals were not just confined to the Glasgow- Dumfries-
Stranraer triangle in which the G&SWR operated but in LMS days examples were based on the Highland Line at Tain,
and at Carlisle where the regularly worked on ex Caledonian lines. They were frequent visitors to the Cumbrian coast
and the Se le& Carlisle. Although not fi ed for steam heat there are records of them being used on passenger
traffic, particularly at high days and holidays when every available locomotive was needed. The 2nd longest surviving
G&SWR tender locomotive, the last was scrapped in 1947, just making it into British Railways days but none were
taken into BR stock.
It is hoped that kits will be available to buy from early 2024 at a price in the region of £460. This will exclude wheels
and motor/gears. We are looking at taking deposits of £80 very soon to secure a kit. If you are interested and want
further information to pay, or wish to note an interest, ask questions but do not wish to commit, please contact us at
the address below.
It is hoped that we will have further details in autumn 2023
Please contact:- gswratreasurer@outlook.com
or
S Clinton, Treasurer G&SWRA, 5 Seabank Avenue, Largs, Ayrshire,
KA30 8EW

There are also plans around the cupboard door wagons used by many Scottish railway companies, pre grouping.
Since the sad demise of Mercian models the G&SWR class 45 is no longer available, and the DJH kit of the Manson 4-6-0 is a sought after kit!

Agenoria (now CSP Models) produced a kit of an 0-4-0ST Peckett locomotive - the G&SWR used one at Ayr harbour and it was later transferred by the LMS to work The Gleneagles Hotel branch. Although close, there are some differences between this engine and the Peckett W4 recently produced by Hornby in 00.

The Association produced a kit for the 8 Class 4-4-0 in 4mm sadly it is no longer available and we no longer have the moulds.

.

Just Like the Real Thing produced several variations of Manson bogie coaches.
The Furness Model Company produce a van kit in 7mm.
When the LMS was formed in 1923 by amalgamation of the Caledonian Railway and the G&SWR (and others) it did not take long for the G&SWR locos to be replaced. This meant that by around 1936 former G&SWR locos were no more. Thus did mean taht the LMS standard designs - Fowler 2P 440s, Fowler 4F goods engines, former Midland Compounds and the "Crab" 2-6-0s (known on the Sou'west as Moguls) were common to see on the lines, as well as former Caledonian locos. The intense suburban traffic saw Fowler, and later Stanier and Fairburn 2-6-4 tank engines. All of these are available in OO ready to run, and sourceable in O gauge. Even N gauge allows for a good representation of the Sou west. Larger locos including Black Fives, Jubilee and the British Railways Standard classes are available and eminently suitable.

GSWRA is registered as Scottish Charity number SCO46766