Select a nice chunk of square slate about half an inch thick.
Get a hacksaw and cut it into a block, and then cut it into the rough size of your tiles with the hacksaw, Immideately put it in a bucket of water, then leave it overnight.
Get the blade from an old pencil sharpener and a toffee hammer.
Get the block of slate, and stand it on end, split the block in half so its now 2 pieces quater of an inch thick, repeat this, chopping it in the middle each time till you have roof tiles. if you do it like slicing cheese, a bit at a time, it usually just comes off in pieces and you get cut.
To split, place the blade across sharp side on the slate, blunt side, tap with the hammer repeatedly- not too hard, but you will get a feel for it. DONT slit your fingers open, it WILL hurt. use a pair of pliars to hold the blade if you think you will chop your digit off or smack your thumb
This isnt my idea, i learnt it from a friend, it works well, and ive just returned form bryneglwys quarry in wales with some 'prime' cuts of slate.
its waterproof, being slate and whats scrap can be made into platform edging stones/ slate waste wagons etc
Leaving it in water is important, it wont split otherwise this small.
If you loose fingers, eyes, other body parts, explode in a horrible firey way, its nowt t do with me
:lol: Ill try to make a video- Couldnt do it tonight in the end, but over the next few days, ill make an attempt.
Edit-: I learnt this off a friend, so I wont be claiming it as my idea! but hope it helps someone!
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Has it really been that long since I was last doing railways 
