How long it should take to construct a model kit may seem like a question that can't be answered as it of course depends on the complexity and size of the kit as well as the experience of the modeller, but that doesn't make it a silly question. If...

A 'tripcock' is a piece of safety equipment on a train comprising an arm that protrudes to make physical contact with a 'trainstop' (a piece of lineside equipment set at the same height as the tripcock) as the train passes. If contact is made...

Joining sections of flexible track mid-curve can often result in small but annoying straight pieces of rail where two sections of track meet in an otherwise perfectly flowing curve. This is caused by the metal rail's memory causing tension as it...

A static mainline is a dummy mainline track on a viaduct or embankment that spans the width of a smallish baseboard. It is used as a scene-break to hide the other side of the baseboard, but, as it doesn't go anywhere, it's generally not...

If you are wondering what model you should choose as a gift for someone, it would suggest two things, firstly, you are a really nice person and secondly, you are not absolutely sure what the lucky recipient would like.Sub-interests within a...

British locomotive classes 44, 45 and 46 were an early design of diesel-electric locomotive intended for mainline passenger duties. They were built between 1959 and 1963 and collectively became known as 'Peaks' thanks to early locomotives being...

The name 'Crab' is a nickname given to a type of 2-6-0, mixed-traffic, steam locomotive built by the LMS between 1926 and 1932. In total 245 Crabs were produced at Horwich and Crewe works and were considered to be a successful design of locomotive...

Most Airfix kits do not include any paint or glue, if you are not used to making models this may seem like a bit of a con, but there is a valid reason for the absence of these important materials and that is that most modellers have very different...

If you've ever shopped for a soldering iron, you'll know that there's a wide range of soldering irons available from 15 watts to 60 watts and sometimes higher. This can present you with a head-scratching choice when shopping for one, you can...

AWS stands for Automatic Warning system. It's a device fitted to British trains since the 1950s to warn drivers that they're approaching a signal. Originally AWS alerted drivers only to distance signals set to caution but was later developed to...

A scale model is a smaller recreation or representation of a real-life object or thing, this could be anything from a plane, boat, car or train to buildings, figures or trees. There is no limit to what a scale model can portray.How small a...

Bridge identification signs have been used for many years but didn't become commonplace until around 1999. Their function is to provide a reference number for bridges where a road passes underneath a railway (underbridge). The signs ensure that...