Reverse Engineering?
With the help of my son I was able to move the pieces around, determine how they should fit together and
what was missing. This allowed me to develop a scale drawing from which I was able to make a model.
The Scale Drawing The Scale Model
I do not normally make models for other people but I was persuaded by the Professor heading up the Trust that it would be nice to have a model for display at an exhibition they planned regarding the history of the farm. I did make that model which is now on display at the Mynachlog Fawr farm exhibition at Strata Florida.
From Plan and Model to the Real Thing!
Subsequently a decision was taken to recreate the full size Gambo, the intention being to copy the existing remains. This was easier said than done because some pieces were so badly rotted or missing. I had only being able to make my drawing because having studied these vehicles for many years I knew how they were constructed.
Nathan Goss who had been tasked with construction work contacted me and requested a copy of my drawing, which I duly provided. Using this drawing he has constructed a full size version now on display at Strata Florida and a good job he has made of it.
The wheels being a very specialist job where made by a traditional wheelwright. You can find out more about the Trust at https://www.stratafloridatrust.org/
When I explain to people at shows how I make my drawings and models I often get the comment that a full size version could be made from drawing.
Now I can truthfully answer it has been done.
Saving Our History
Some time ago I learnt of a Horse drawn Gambo on a farm at Strata Florida Ceredigion. Unfortunately when I visited the Cart shed was in a derelict condition. The roof was collapsed, the doors could not be opened and looking through the cracks the cart was overgrown with brambles. The farmer informed me he had recently sold the farm and outbuildings to a Trust.
I contacted the Trust who advised me they would get in touch when they had cleared the building. When they did get in touch it was to say that the Gambo had fallen apart whilst removing it from the building but I was welcome to inspect it. The condition being that high vis clothing and hard hats were necessary due to building work!