China Clay Wagons were synonymous with Cornwall where the largest deposit of Kaolin, known more commonly as china clay, had first been discovered in 1746 by William Cookworthy . The resulting industry made Cornwall the pre-eminent global source of china clay and as railways were established, they were used to transport the material both locally and further afield, to destinations where the material was required, like the Staffordshire potteries.

The GWR, and subsequently BR, built open wagons like the one depicted by this Bachmann Branchline model specifically for china clay traffic. With a 9ft wheelbase and 12T capacity, the wooden planked body sat on top of a metal underframe and our model reflects this, with fine detailing engraved and moulded onto the body. The chassis meanwhile incorporates brake gear and sports tie-bars between the axleboxes. Decorated to the same high standard as any Bachmann Branchline product, the model also includes a representation of the tarpaulin cover that was fitted to the wagon to protect the valuable china clay load.