Mainline Railways was a British model railway brand that operated between 1976 and 1983, introduced by Palitoy, the well-known toy company behind Action Man and Star Wars figures. At a time when Hornby dominated the UK market, Mainline set itself...

A Wickham Trolley is a small railway maintenance vehicle once widely used across Britain's railways. Built by D Wickham & Co Ltd, based in Ware, Hertfordshire, these trolleys were essential for railway engineers and track workers. They provided a...

The Blue Riband subbrand was a significant step in the evolution of Bachmann Branchline, the UK division of Bachmann Industries. Introduced in the late 1990s, it was aimed at providing railway modellers with higher-quality locomotives and rolling...

Applying a camber to a tight curve of track on your model railway layout can help improve the realism and operation of the layout. A camber is a slight banking or tilt of the track on a curve, which helps to counteract the centrifugal force that...

A well-designed model railway is more than just a collection of tracks and trains: it’s a miniature world that captures the realism of full-sized railway operations. One of the biggest challenges modellers face is avoiding the "toy train look",...

The Timesaver shunting puzzle is a classic model railway switching (shunting) game designed by John Allen in the 1960s. It is a compact and engaging way to practice realistic railway operations, requiring efficient use of track space and strategic...

A well-designed shunting yard can bring realism and operational interest to your model railway. Whether you're modelling a bustling freight terminal or a compact industrial siding, getting the track plan right is crucial. In this guide, we'll...

To paint metallic effects without an airbrush, follow these steps:Use High-Quality Metallic PaintsOpt for brands like Vallejo Metal Color or AK Interactive. These provide a smooth finish even with a brush.Thin Your PaintsMetallics can...

Adding realistic tyre tracks to muddy terrain in your scale model can enhance the scene’s authenticity and tell a story of recent activity. Here's how you can achieve convincing results: 1. Choose the Right Mud Texture Start by selecting a...

When modelling fog in a railway scene, you’ll want to create a convincing sense of mist rolling over the tracks, softening details and adding atmosphere. Here are some techniques: 1. Layered Backdrops for Depth Use a painted or printed backdrop...

Keeping your model trains running smoothly requires regular maintenance, and lubrication is a key part of that. However, using the wrong lubricant or applying it incorrectly can do more harm than good. To help you keep your layout in top...

Waterslide transfers are a key component of scale modelling, allowing you to add intricate markings, insignias and text to your models with precision and realism. These decals are named for their application method, which involves soaking them in...