Here are some images of an etched brass model of a typical tram or tub used in the North Wales slate quarries for the carrying away of slate rubbish. This was a kit of parts that I put together; it included scores of rivets that had to be individually soldered and snipped off to fit. Although this was only a small, simple model, I never want to build another etched brass kit again (and I certainly couldn't build anything that called for finer and more exact work without buggering it up). These vehicles are the type that were hauled by the beautiful open cab Hunslet quarry locos such as Wild Swan, Covertcoat and many others (quite a few of which have been preserved). Ben
Looks real fine. Yes, etched brass does try the nerves at times, but when you are done, you sit back and say, "Yes, I built it myself."
Alan, its 16mm scale (give or take a mm or two) - sorry, I should have put something of identifiable size (like a coin (I still have one or two in my purse!)) next to it. I actually built the kit around ten years or so ago and there is no way I will ever remember now who produced it. Why did I build it? I don't know, it must have appealed to me at the time; I may even have still had in my possession at that time a beautiful live steam 16mm Peckett 0-4-0ST by David Hick which went perfectly with the wagon. I sold the loco and it is the one model which I really really regret selling and wish I still had. I have the satisfaction of having completed the building of the kit but I will never again attempt anything equally or more ambitious as I know I would never finish it! Ben
