Valid to UK only - excludes oversized items
When it comes to scale modelling, the debate between using wood or plastic is a long-standing one. Both materials...
Starting scale modelling can be a wonderful and educational hobby for children. The appropriate age to start largely...
A DPDT (Double Pole Double Throw) switch allows two completely separate circuits to be controlled by just one switch....
Superglue has strong bonding properties but still takes time to cure. Depending on the type of superglue you use, the...
The most appropriate size of thread to use for rigging a 1/48 scale biplane model would depend on the specific kit...
How to choose, lay and maintain tracks.
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There are a number of products available to the modeller for keeping tracks clean and in tip-top condition. Perhaps the most basic and best known is the track rubber. This works by removing contaminants and dirt from the surface of the rails thus...
Ballasting points can be a fearsome prospect for some modellers as the consequences of getting it wrong can be a stuck point that might have to be removed. The means by which a modeller will choose to ballast their layout is a matter of individual...
One of the biggest advantages of using flexible track in a model railway layout is its ability to form curved and irregularly shaped track sections that would be difficult or impossible to create by other means. It is also relatively easy to...
It can be difficult to accurately estimate how many meters of OO track can be covered with a 250g bag of ballast, as this will be highly dependent on the size of the ballast grain in question and how densely it is applied. Ballast is the material...
Code 55 and Code 80 are different types of model railway tracks, both are available for use on an N Gauge layout but they both have different characteristics. Code 55 track has a finer rail profile and smaller spikes or tie plates than Code 80...
Some of the potential pros of using foam ballast inlay for a model railway layout include:Easy to install: Generally, foam ballast inlay is relatively easy to install, and can be cut to size and shape as desired. It is also available for...
Creating gradient variations for a model railway track can add realism and interest to a layout. Here are a few ways to create gradient variations easily: Use inclines: These are small, plastic or foam blocks that can be placed under the track to...
Nickel-silver rails are commonly used in model railways due to their many advantages over steel rails. Here are a few of the main advantages of using nickel-silver rails:Increased conductivity: Nickel-silver is a more conductive metal than...
There are several options for motorising a turntable on a model railway layout, including:Manual operation: The most basic option is to operate the turntable manually, using a handle or crank to rotate the turntable. This is a simple and...
Yes, it is generally recommended to use ballast with a trackbed on a model railway layout. Here are a few reasons why: Realism: Ballast helps to create a more realistic appearance for a track, making it look more like a real railway. Without...
When it comes to DCC layouts, it is generally recommended to use Electrofrog points for better performance and reliability. Electrofrog points have metal rails that are live all the time and the polarity of the rails is switched to match the...
Periodically, modellers may face the issue of having dissimilar track codes present on the same layout. This can occur when both code 75 and code 100 track segments are in use. This is a significant problem as these two codes have different size...