Bachmann Narrow Gauge first released the OO9 scale model Quarry Hunslets at the end of 2022 and, since their addition, has seen multiple requests for more locomotives.

In response to demand, the latest addition can now be revealed as ‘Holy War’ and will be launched and able to be purchased with partner, the Bala Lake Railway at its ‘Welcome Back Alice and Holy War’ event which takes place on Saturday the 29th and Sunday the 30th of April 2023.

Eleven Alice Class Quarry Hunslet locomotives were manufactured for the Dinorwic Quarry in North Wales, of which ‘Holy War’ saw delivery in 1902 and numbered No. 3 before being renamed in 1908.

A great deal of the locomotives working life took place at the highest level of Dinorwic Quarry known as Lernion level, and was housed in the highest engine shed in the country at some 1,860ft above sea level.

‘Holy War’ saw withdrawal from service in 1967 and marked the very last steam locomotive to work in a Welsh slate quarry ending 120 years of quarry steam.

In 1968 the locomotive was purchased from the quarry and in 1970 was moved to Quainton Road before being sold in 1975.

With this sale, the new owner elected to move the locomotive to the Bala Lake Railway where a full restoration was completed alongside the addition of an enclosed cab. 1989 Saw Bala Lake Railway secure the long-term future of ‘Holy War’ by purchasing her and during the 1990s opted to give her the stunning blue-lined livery which she wears today.

An overhaul of the locomotive began in 2018 with its return to steam this year alongside sister locomotive ‘Alice’ which has already been featured in Bachmann‘s Quarry Hunslet’s range.

The ‘Holy War’ model sees the locomotive recreated in its preserved condition, featuring the blue-lined livery and its enclosed cab down to the finest detail, including:

• Diecast boiler
• Running plate
• Separately fitted details including handrails, valves, springs, brake shoes and cab controls

The model’s 0-4-0ST wheel formation features authentically-profiled wheels with metal bearings to create smooth running and is powered using a coreless motor with a flywheel and also features a 6-pin DCC decoder socket. NEM coupling pockets are also featured at both ends, with which standard OO9 scale couplings are fitted.

The locomotive is priced at £149.95 and proceeds from each sale will go to support the Bala Lake Railway.

Those not attending the ‘Welcome Back Alice and Holy War’ event at Bala Lake Railway are able to order the model online here on the Bala Lake Railway website.

As an incentive, the Bala Lake Railway is including a free return ticket which will be valid from the 2nd of May to the 4th of November with models ordered before Midnight on Monday the 1st of May, this offer is also available to anyone purchasing at the event.

Online orders will be dispatched after the event.