Ned and his dray

Over the years, Ned has built up something of a cult following. His first public appearance was on Monk’s Gate, where he could be seen waiting patiently for his handler to finish chatting idly with Mr Knight, the yard manager. This was when Monk’s Gate was located in London. He was subsequently relocated along with the entire railway when it was magically shifted to Birmingham. Lastly, he was then sent on down the Worcester and Birmingham Canal, eventually coming to rest in Bristol where now once again, he stands still waiting patiently for his handler and where Mr Knight’s close cousin is still stood waiting for who-knows-what to happen but looking cross about it whatever it is…

The truth is a little more straightforward though. He is straight out of a Slater’s box! I think his charm, however, is in his coat markings - copied from a photo of a real horse. I don’t think you can make it up very well and it’s always best to copy. Incidentally, Rusty the Jack Russel is also copied from real life. He can be seen at the gates to Bristol goods yard intent on causing mischief.