Best practices

Once upon a time I would have said a newly bladed junior hacksaw and some warding files, but these days I would have to say get a pair of track cutters (not to be confused with sprue cutters which are entirely different). The reason why they are...

For an analogue system, the maximum voltage supported by the engines is about 12V. Most analogue controllers will deliver a bit more but constantly running your engines with 13V or even 14V may damage their motors (and does not look very...

The main reason for using underlay is to help to reduce the noise on your layout. If you run your train on track placed directly on wood, it resonates a lot and this is amplified by the void under the baseboard. The second reason is by putting...

There is a slight difference is size but both run on the same width track (16.5mm). As for the scale, OO Scale is 1/76th which is 4mm per foot, whereas HO Gauge is 1/87th that is 3.5mm per foot. For scenery, the issue is non existent as plants...

When it comes to value for money the complete train set has to be the way to go. With a typical train set, you will get: a controller, a locomotive, coaches or wagons depending on which set you go for and enough track to create a fair-sized oval....

You can use OO figures with OO9 trains as OO9 is OO narrow-gauge track. It means the track has a width of 9mm rather than a standard OO track which is approximately 16mm but the trains themselves are OO scale which is 4mm to the foot. These...

In theory, the only limit to the width of your layout is the amount of space you have available. The reality is slightly shorter: bear in mind that if you have a derailment you will need to be able to reach your locomotives, coaches and wagons....

The track is connected using rail joiners, also called "fishplates". They are thin metal plates that simply slot into the next piece of track and should be tight fitting to allow for the power to flow seamlessly to the next piece of track. They...

The best way to check the wheels of your locomotives is to use a tool called a back to back gauge. They are available for all scales/gauges. They are made of brass and you simply slide it over the axle and the back of the wheels. If it proves...

One easy way is to get yourself a Peco cleaning kit containing a wire brush, wheel scraper, foam cradle and oil. The foam cradle allows you to turn your loco upside down and give support while cleaning the wheels, or any other form of...

The time old tradition for laying ballast is to lay your ballast under/around your track and add watered down PVA glue mixed with a couple of drops of washing up liquid to ease surface tension. You can also find ready to use ballast glue which is...

A back to back gauge is a tool which when placed between the back plates of the wheels of your wagons, carriages and locomotives will give you an accurate gap measurement allowing you to adjust the wheel spacing. This enables to always have your...