Power and control

If you are thinking about installing turnout motors (also referred to as point motors) on your layout, you may well be wondering which type is best for you.Firstly, it would be fair to say that no particular type of motor can be declared the...

Depending on the controller you are using, you may have an AC, a DC or both auxiliary ports on the back, but what's the difference?Without going into too much detail about the difference between an AC and DC power supply, AC stands for...

There are many types of power clip available to attach power cables to model railway track, and in the main, they all do the same job, but there does seem to be a little confusion surrounding digital power clips.Digital power clips are often...

An automated shuttle system is what you would use to make a model train go up and down a line without the need for any operator to physically control the train. Once the system is set up, a train will run back and forth along the line indefinitely...

One of the main features of Train-Tech's sound capsules is that they require no pick-ups or hard-wired connections.If you have never heard of them before, Train-Tech sound capsules are motion-activated, battery-operated capsules with...

Fitting any component inside an N gauge body shell can be challenging, and whether fitting a decoder, figures or even just a spot of interior lighting, N gauge modellers certainly have their work cut out.When it comes to Train-Tech's sound...

In theory, all Ratio signal kits can be motorised, but the conversion can be a little fiddly.In truth, it's the construction of the signal itself that's more fiddly. If you have never built a Ratio signal kit before, you should probably try...

Adding sound to a model railway locomotive can add another dimension of realism and enjoyment for the viewer, but how is it done?There are a couple of options for adding sound to your model engine, the most basic of which is to install a...

Introduced in 1979, Hornby's 'Zero 1' system could be considered a precursor to today's DCC. The system, although making significant gains in popularity, was short-lived due to underinvestment and production ceased in 1986.The system used a...

Adding real smoke to your model locomotive can significantly enhance its appearance, but is it easy to do?Well, that depends on the amount of space you have to play with inside your bodyshell! When fitting anything inside a model locomotive, space...

The word 'digital' when used in model railways usually refers to a model or product being specifically manufactured to work with DCC.DCC stands for Digital Command Control and is a method whereby trains and accessories are controlled via...

We are used to expecting more from our DCC models, more electrics, more capability and usually more zeros added to the price tag. But power clips are the exception to the rule!Hornby power clips (used to connect power to tracks) come in two...