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We always say here that good modelling is 75% observation, 25% execution - you'd be surprised at how many beautifully made models we see made by people who've apparently never looked closely at a real engine in their lives!

This 7 1/4 inch gauge slate wagon is the work of a long time customer - a man of clever ideas and great facility in the workshop (as well, we might add, as having impeccable good taste - he ordered one of the very first Staffords we ever built - the legendary "Gentoo" - then subsequently a Feldbahn when we launched the six-wheeled version of that design).

Inspired by slate wagons of the Ffestiniog Railway in the latter days of quarrying and based on a commercially available kit, this is a well-modelled example of a humble prototype, one routinely neglected in full size!

Despite its looks, the wagon is in ex-works condition - it has been artfully "distressed" to emulate the look and feel of an original wagon, part painted then weathered with a rusting "pickle" which was sprayed on and left for only a few minutes to produce the effect you see.

Following treatment the wagon was cleaned, dried and lacquered to preserve the look whilst preventing any further corrosion.

The result, we think, is wonderful - highly evocative of the long-suffering, hard-working rolling stock of the North Wales slate quarries.