Valid to UK only - excludes oversized items
Building a Metcalfe kit is a great way to gain modelling experience. Building one should not be feared because they...
An electromagnetic de-coupler is a device used in model railways to separate train carriages without physically...
Plastic cement is a formula that temporarily softens and melts the surface of most plastics. This makes it very...
Open spoke wheels were a type of early railway wheel that featured double spokes, this type of wheel was commonly...
Sometimes, we spend more time trying to remove paint than we do applying it in the first place. Whether it is because...
Locomotives, coaches and wagons.
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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...
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"...
Brake vans, also known as guards' vans or brake coaches, were typically positioned at the rear of a rake of wagons or carriages. However, it's important to note that the positioning of brake vans within a train could vary depending on the specific...
Deflector plates, also known as smoke deflectors or smoke lifters, were fitted to the front of some steam locomotives for a specific purpose. These plates were typically seen on locomotives operating in countries with narrow tunnels or low...
A 7-plank wagon had several advantages over a 5-sided version. Here's why:Increased capacity : the additional planks in a 7-plank wagon provided higher side walls compared to a 5-sided version. This increased the overall capacity of the...
The term 'Bolster Wagon' refers to a type of railway wagon specifically designed for the transportation of long and heavy loads. Bolster wagons feature a flat deck with a centrally positioned bolster, which is a long beam or platform extending...
The term "Co-Co" refers to a specific wheel arrangement used in locomotives. In this arrangement, each Locomotive has two bogies, each in turn having three axles, with each axle powered by its own electric or diesel motor. The term "Co-Co" comes...
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 '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...
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...
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...
The trailing truck on a steam locomotive serves several important purposes. It is located at the rear of the locomotive, behind the driving wheels.Let's explore its functions in more detail:Stability : one of the main purposes of the...