Using track screws to secure track to a baseboard has several advantages :It provides a secure and stable foundation for the track, which is crucial for the smooth and reliable operation of trains. The screws hold the track firmly in place and...

A siding is a very useful feature to have on a model railway layout. It provides a designated area for trains to be parked or for additional industries to be served. Installing a siding can add a lot of operational interest to a layout, allowing a...

When telegraph lines cross railways, a certain clearance is required to ensure the safety and proper functioning of both the railway and the telegraph lines. This clearance is known as the "line clearance" or "wire clearance". The specific...

A motorised track cleaner offers several advantages over more conventional alternatives when it comes to maintaining clean and operational tracks.  Typically these units are configured as an individual wagon that is hauled by a locomotive. The...

Station halts were not exclusively used on minor branch lines. While it is true that station halts were commonly found on smaller and less busy lines, they were also used on mainline railways. A station halt is a small and simple railway station...

Historically, a group of wagons connected together and forming a train was often referred to as a "rake." This term has its roots in British railway terminology and has been widely adopted within the model railway community. The term "rake"...

A worm gear is a type of gear used in model motors that consists of a screw-like shaft (known as a worm) and a wheel (known as a worm wheel or worm gear). The worm has a helical thread that meshes with the teeth of the worm wheel, causing the...

Scribing panel lines on a plastic model can be a challenging task but with the right tools and techniques, it can be done with great precision and accuracy. Here are some steps to follow :Choose the right scribing tool : there are various...

Telegraph poles are a common feature on model railway layouts, as they can add a touch of realism and authenticity to the scene. The distance between telegraph poles can vary depending on the scale of a particular layout. For N gauge layouts,...

Peco manufactures two types of track: - Set-Track is the standard geometry range, similar to the one used by Hornby. The range comprises curves, straights, crossings and points. - Streamline is the extended range with wider radii for the points...

Cutting masking tape into circles of a specific size can be a bit tricky but there are a few methods that can make the process easier. Here are three techniques that can be effective:Use a circle cutter: a circle cutter is a tool that is...

Lamp Huts were small structures, made of brick or wood that were used to store signal lamps and their associated supplies including lamp oil. These lamps were needed to illuminate signals and station buildings at night and in reduced visibility....