We're pleased to announce that we're welcoming a brand-new manufacturer to Rails, with their first ever newly tooled models - the Cambrian Railways 2-Plank Open Wagons in OO Gauge from Bryngaer Models!

A common sight on the Cambrian Railways network (and beyond) with several hundred in service at any one time. These wagons were mainly used on traffic exporting slate from the mid-Wales, connecting with narrow gauge lines such as the Ffestiniog and Talyllyn railways. Also used on general goods traffic and permanent way work into GWR days.

This initial release includes four different models in a selection of Cambrian Railways grey and GWR grey liveries - with alternate running numbers available to build up a longer train.

WRITTEN BY RHOBAT BRYN FROM BRYNGAER MODELS:

Hi. My name is Rhobat Bryn and I am the Director of a new company called Modelau Bryngaer Cyf. Trading under the name “Bryngaer”, my aim is to produce 00 gauge ready-to-run Welsh railway stock from the independent era between 1840 and 1922. Where wagons and vans carried on into the Grouping and beyond, theywill also be available in those liveries.

My reason for doing so is simple. I love Welsh railways but I’m not very good atbuilding kits. I decided therefore that the time had come to produce ready-to-run Welsh stock and fill what I see as a missing piece in the model railway jigsaw.

It is my intention not just to produce Welsh rolling stock, but models of high quality, both in terms of design and livery. These days, modellers expect their models to be of the highest standard and Bryngaer intends to meet that need.

To start with, I shall be producing wagons and vans with plans to expand the rangeeven further if things prove successful. My first product therefore is a Cambrian 2-plank wagon, available in both dropside and fixed-sided versions. In addition to the Cambrian livery, the wagons will also be available in the Great Western livery of the grouping.

If you’re interested, then take a look at Rails of Sheffield website where you can see pictures of the products and also buy them for your layout. These wagons were seen all over the UK, especially as slates were delivered throughout Britain at the time so would not be out of place on any layout.

For me, this is the beginning of an exciting journey, one I hope you’ll share in as Bryngaer develops. Happy modelling!

The 2-plank wagon was a familiar sight on Cambrian Railways trains, with several hundred in operation. These versatile wagons carried a wide range of loads, including timber, barrels, and slate. The drop-sides made loading and unloading slate easier while also reducing the risk of breakage. 

Slate wagons often travelled well beyond the Cambrian system, with key loading points at Minffordd on the Festiniog Railway and at Tywyn (then known as Towyn) on the Talyllyn Railway. To protect vulnerable goods from the frequent Welsh rain, tarpaulins were commonly used, secured to lashing points on the solebars and at the wagon ends between the buffers and stanchions. Under GWR ownership, many of these wagons were repurposed for carrying Permanent Way materials, with some modified by having their doors permanently fixed shut using corner plates. 

Similar designs were also widely employed by contractors during railway construction.