Valid to UK only - excludes oversized items
In the era of steam locomotives, water cranes, often referred to as water columns or water towers, played a crucial...
Rotary switches are operated by a rotating (twisting) action apposed to regular switches that require throwing,...
The position of the signal box in relation to a signals gantry can vary depending on the specific layout design and...
When it comes to scale modelling, placing delicate parts such as photo-etch and other small items requires patience,...
It can be difficult to accurately estimate how many meters of OO track can be covered with a 250g bag of ballast, as...
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Yes, continuous high speeds can damage the motor of a model locomotive. Running a model locomotive at high speeds for extended periods of time can put a lot of stress on the motor and gears, which can cause them to overheat, wear out more quickly...
Bare metal can be a very difficult colour to paint well as it has a habit of showing up any imperfections very clearly. Additionally, bare metal comes in a surprising array of colour tones that are all subtly different. Historically many modellers...
Yes, it is recommended to use a surge protector for the electrics used for model railways. Model railway systems often use low-voltage direct current (DC) power supplies, which can be susceptible to electrical surges and spikes. These surges can...
White metal figures are typically painted using oil-based or enamel paints. These types of paints have a higher viscosity and are slower-drying than other types of paint, which allows for more time to work on the details of the figure and achieve...
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...
The ideal type of finish chosen by a modeller for painting a model railway locomotive will largely depend on personal preference and the level of realism the modeller is aiming to achieve. However, here's a general overview of the different types...
Enamel-based paints can be used in an airbrush but they need more specialised equipment and techniques to use. Enamel paints are oil-based and dry slower than water-based paints.This can make them trickier to work with in an airbrush. Here are...
Replacing plastic wheels on model railway wagons with metal alternatives can help to improve longevity and reduce the risk of derailing, but it is important to consider several factors before making this decision. Metal wheels are typically more...
For a beginner, one of the easiest ways to create hilly or rugged terrain for a model railway layout is to use pre-formed foam or plaster terrain moulds. These moulds come in various shapes and sizes, such as hills, mountains, and valleys, and can...
Yes, adding ballast to empty model wagons can help to prevent them from derailing. Ballast is typically added to wagons in real-life trains to add weight and increase stability. In model railways, adding ballast to empty wagons can help to keep...
Cleaning brushes after using enamel-based paints can be a bit trickier than cleaning them after using water-based paints, as enamel paints are oil-based and take longer to dry. Here are some steps you can take to effectively clean your brushes...
Liquid Masks are latex-based liquid masking solutions, generally supplied in a small bottle. They are a viable and practical alternative to masking tape for masking tricky items. They are generally cheap and if used with prudence a single bottle...