Creating undulating terrain and hills can add depth and realism to a layout. Here are a few methods that can be used to achieve these effects :Foam and sculpting : one popular method is to use foam as a base and sculpt it to create the...

Rotor-sag, sometimes also referred to as rotor droop produces a notable curve in the rotor blades of a parked helicopter. This is due to the weight of the blade itself and is quite noticeable on large helicopters. This effect which is unique to...

Double heading is a term used in railway operations and refers to the practice of using two locomotives to haul a single train. This technique was commonly used in the past when locomotives had limited power and were unable to pull heavy loads on...

Leading wheels, also known as pilot wheels or guide wheels, serve an important purpose on a steam locomotive. They are the wheels located at the front of the locomotive, directly under the smokebox. Although unpowered, they play a crucial role in...

A 'Barrier Wagon' is a wagon or coach that is used to separate wagons carrying dangerous cargoes from the rest of the train. Barrier Wagons are generally used on trains carrying dangerous cargoes, such as explosives, volatile, highly flammable or...

An electromagnetic decoupler is a valuable addition to any model railway layout. It provides several benefits that enhance the operation and realism of a layout. Let's explore these benefits in more detail :Realistic uncoupling : one of the...

There are several tools that will be useful when it comes to building a card-based model kit. These tools will enable a Modeller to accurately cut, shape and assemble the card pieces thus ensuring a professional-looking result. Here are some...

An inspection pit is a feature commonly found in model railway layouts that mimics real-life railway workshops. It is essentially a recessed area in the ground that allows for easy access to the underside of trains or rolling stock for maintenance...

The term 'Jinty' refers to a specific type of steam locomotive that was commonly used in the United Kingdom. Officially known as the Fowler 3F Class, the Jinty locomotives were a class of small, tank engines that were designed for shunting and...

A Y-shaped turnout, also known as a wye turnout, is a type of track configuration that allows a train to diverge onto different tracks. It gets its name from its resemblance to the letter "Y". This type of turnout can be useful in various...

Tree armatures are a popular tool used by model railway and scale modellers to create realistic trees and foliage for their dioramas and layouts. They are essentially wire frames or skeletons that act as the structure for the trees, onto which...

Contra-rotating propellers, also known as counter-rotating propellers, are a type of propeller system that consists of two propellers mounted on the same shaft, with one rotating clockwise and the other rotating counterclockwise. This...