Am looking at a small diesel shunter for my next project.
Which do people think I should get?
Stock to be moved will be 10' or 15'wagons, a bogie full brake and maybe the odd longer 4 wheeled stock.


Possibly consider getting second hand or swap using forum classified.

My favourite is the 08, and the new outside frame Farish is wonderful, but its very common on layouts (as in real life).

The real answer depends entirely on location of your project, as the 03 and 04 where far less common around the country. 08 suits pretty much any place and time.

Of course all of the above can and should be overruled by rule 1 and you choose what you want.

I may get an 03 simply for this reason!

Skyline2uk

Well, the 04 will limit your sphere of operation to the 50s - early 70s, whilst the 03s will, essentially, take you on another decade. The 08 has more geographical and time scope, as well as livery. That said personally I think the prettiest of the shunters is the 03...in green, with wasp stripes; which is what I would choose.

I have the 03 and the 08, and would probably recommend the 08 for universality sake.
Beware though, you may have to adjust any platform clearances due to the outside frames!

Lol of course Nobby!

I can vouch for this, see  Filton TMD for further details!

Cheers guys,
Must admit I really fancy a 03 or 04, partly because I will want to use it on the shoebox boards as well.
I don't really want to have to strip down and rebuild them just to get a 08 to fit.

Another point to consider is whether you will do DCC, may be difficult to add a decoder to the 03, 04. Although it can be done as far as I have read.

Quote from: Matthew-peter on December 24, 2012, 02:51:18 PM
Another point to consider is whether you will do DCC, may be difficult to add a decoder to the 03, 04. Although it can be done as far as I have read.

Both are easy conversions. You do need a small square decoder but beyond that its one of the easier conversions.

Quote from: Oldman on December 24, 2012, 11:51:47 AM
Cheers guys,
Must admit I really fancy a 03 or 04, partly because I will want to use it on the shoebox boards as well.
I don't really want to have to strip down and rebuild them just to get a 08 to fit.

Take a look at the Sales section of the Rails of Sheffield website, Mike

DC only  will be selling my DCC (ZTC511) after christmas.

Quote from: EtchedPixels on December 24, 2012, 02:52:34 PM

Quote from: Matthew-peter on December 24, 2012, 02:51:18 PM
Another point to consider is whether you will do DCC, may be difficult to add a decoder to the 03, 04. Although it can be done as far as I have read.

Both are easy conversions. You do need a small square decoder but beyond that its one of the easier conversions.

Quote from: Oldman on December 24, 2012, 02:55:57 PM
DC only  will be selling my DCC (ZTC511) after christmas.

Ahh I see, as a 'novice' Id be terrified to try this. I think Id try it after a few 'larger' conversions.
Back on topic though, go with your instincts, if you prefer the 03 or 04 probably best off with one of these.

For me the 03 would be the shunter of choice as the others were not common on the WR until after the end of steam. Having said that,  I actually have none of the above but my little Farish class 14 is a beauty. Don't rule out the hydraulics. 

Why not go for all three? this way whatever mood you're in your sorted.

Both my 03 and 08 I've converted to DCC, using dcc automation Z gauge decoders. Not for the faint hearted though! My 08 also as most of you know has an auto coupler fitted on function 3

I do have a spare 08 in green that's DC sitting about too..

 Thanks for all your help the decision has been made.
Class 03 in green is loco of choice - used on the IOW, Weymouth Harbour, so won't look out of place with some green coachs.