Peco expands 'OO9' Ffestiniog range with three new models
New OO9 models arrive from June 8...
Peco has revealed the release this month of three new model additions to its popular Ffestiniog Railway range. Available from June 8, the new GR559, GR582A and GR591A models faithfully represent rolling stock currently seen operating on the world-famous and historic Ffestiniog Railway, bringing greater authenticity and variety to narrow-gauge model railway layouts.
GR559 – Ffestiniog Railway 'Bug Box coach No. 5
Among the most iconic vehicles on the Ffestiniog Railway are the celebrated 'Bug Box' coaches. Originally constructed by Brown, Marshall & Co. beginning in 1865, these compact passenger carriages have earned a remarkable place in railway history.
Often credited as the oldest railway carriages in the world still operating in regular service, the 'Bug Boxes' have become a symbol of the Ffestiniog Railway's preservation achievements and enduring heritage.
The new model of coach No. 5 represents the Third Class Coach in its distinctive Victorian purple-brown livery. The model accurately depicts the carriage as it has appeared from approximately 2005 onwards, including the additional side windows introduced during restoration work.
RRP: £43.20 Our price: £38.88
GR582A – Quarryman Brake Van No. 7
Brake vans played a vital role in the operation of goods trains on the Ffestiniog Railway. Among the most distinctive were the railway's double-balcony brake vans, which provided improved visibility for guards while navigating the challenging mountain railway.
One original example remained in use during the preservation era until 1963. In 1998, a faithful replica was constructed to preserve this important part of the railway's operational history.
Initially painted and lettered in a style representing preservation-era Van No. 1, the vehicle underwent a repaint around 2016. During this work, the livery was revised to reflect the appearance of Ffestiniog brake vans during the 1920s.
The new model of No. 7 captures this later interpretation, offering modellers a historically rich representation of a key railway vehicle.
RRP: £39.55 Our price: £35.59
GR591A – Quarryman Brake Van No. 6
The third release in this exciting launch is the GR591A, depicting Ffestiniog Railway Quarryman Brake Van No. 6.
Unlike purpose-built brake vans, this vehicle began life as a quarrymen's carriage before being converted for brake van duties. This unusual heritage gives the vehicle a distinctive appearance that sets it apart from other rolling stock operating on the line.
Previously represented by Peco in green livery as model GR590A, Van No. 6 was repainted in 2018 into the characteristic brown livery associated with the railway's quarrymen's carriages. This new release reflects that updated appearance and allows modellers to recreate modern-day Ffestiniog operations with even greater accuracy.
RRP: £39.55 Our price: £35.59
Historical development
Accurate prototype research remains at the heart of Peco's narrow-gauge modelling programme.
For these releases, extensive reference material was consulted to ensure that liveries, numbering, lettering styles and vehicle details accurately reflected the appearance of the prototypes during their respective operating periods.
Particular attention was given to identifying subtle changes that occurred throughout the preservation era, including variations in lettering styles, repainting programmes and restoration modifications.
Modelling the Preservation Era
Many enthusiasts model the Ffestiniog Railway as it appears today rather than in its original Victorian or Edwardian form. These new releases have therefore been designed to represent vehicles that remain visible and recognisable to contemporary visitors.
The Bug Box Coach No. 5 reflects restoration changes introduced during the early 21st century, while both brake vans depict liveries and detailing associated with recent preservation-era appearances.
Whether paired with existing Peco locomotives, quarry wagons or passenger stock, these models help capture the distinctive character of the Ffestiniog Railway in the preservation era.
Available from 8 June – pre-order yours above now.
