Valid to UK only - excludes oversized items
The best way to check the wheels of your locomotives is to use a tool called a back to back gauge. They are...
A resin kit is made from a liquid synthetic polyurethane resin, which is poured into a mould. Once it has set, the...
When it comes to constructing the baseboard for a model railway layout, there are a few materials that are commonly...
A fibreglass pen, also known as a glass fibre pencil or brush, is an incredibly handy tool for any scale modeller. It...
'Basing' is a term mainly used in wargaming and is the process of attaching plastic bases to miniature figures...
Christmas and New Year
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The shop in Sandown is closed from 25th December, reopening on 30th December.
Locomotives, coaches and wagons.
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Twin-bolster wagons were not rigidly joined together. Here's why: Twin-bolster wagons are designed to carry long or heavy loads such as steel girders, pipes, or other large items. They feature two bolster frames, each with its own set of wheels...
Various types of steam locomotives were used for shunting operations. Here are some of the commonly seen steam engines used for shunting: Saddle Tank Engines: Saddle tank engines, also known as saddle tanks, were frequently employed for shunting...
Running a locomotive at slow or very slow speeds can indeed be beneficial for keeping it in good running condition. Here's why:Smooth running: running a locomotive at slower speeds allows for smoother operation. It reduces the strain on the...
Some wagons are equipped with articulated bogies to provide enhanced stability, improved tracking and increased load-carrying capacity. Here's why articulated bogies are used:Flexibility and negotiating curves: articulated bogies allow wagons...
The term "lowmac" refers to a type of flat wagon used for transporting heavy goods or machinery. The name "lowmac" is a contraction of "low-loader wagon" or "low-loading wagon" and "machinery", indicating its distinctive feature of having a low...
Pannier tank engines were small steam locomotives characterized by a water tank mounted on either side of the boiler, resembling a pannier or saddlebag. These locomotives were primarily used for shunting and local freight operations and were...
Individual goods wagons were indeed fitted with brakes. Here's why brakes are essential for controlling the speed and stopping of trains, including individual goods wagons. Braking systems vary depending on the era and type of wagon, but here are...
Metal wheels on a wagon offer several advantages over plastic ones. Here are some of them:Realistic appearance: metal wheels often provide a more realistic appearance compared to plastic ones. They tend to have finer details and replicate...
Flatbed wagons are versatile and commonly used to transport a wide range of cargo. Here are some examples of the types of cargo that would generally be carried on a flatbed wagon:Containers: flatbed wagons are frequently employed to...
Steam locomotives employ a system of connecting rods to transform the linear motion of the pistons into the rotational movement of the wheels. However, this connecting rod system can generate significant inertia forces when in motion, particularly...
The term "CDA Hopper" refers to a specific type of hopper wagon that is used for transporting various bulk materials in the United Kingdom. The CDA (Coal, Dust, and Ash) Hopper is designed to carry coal, coke, limestone, and other similar...
Both steel-sided and wooden-sided wagons were used for carrying coal. The choice between the two depends on the specific era and region being modelled, as well as any personal preference for historical accuracy. Here are some factors to consider :...