Search Tips

Tips categories

View all categories

Latest Tips

What is a yard switcher?
Posted in: Best practices
14th August 2024
A yard switcher, commonly referred to as a shunter in British English, is a type of locomotive specifically designed...
Read more
What advantages did a 7-plank wagon have over a 5-sided version?
Posted in: Rolling stock
12th September 2023
A 7-plank wagon had several advantages over a 5-sided version. Here's why:Increased capacity : the additional...
Read more
What are the best materials to use to construct the baseboard for my first layout ?
Posted in: Model Railway
11th December 2023
When it comes to constructing the baseboard for a model railway layout, there are a few materials that are commonly...
Read more
How to install a Dapol powered semaphore junction signal?
Posted in: Model Railway, Power and control
12th January 2021
The installation of signals on a layout is always an exciting part of the build, but it can be a little daunting if...
Read more
What is a hospital train?
Posted in: Rolling stock
16th March 2022
A hospital train (or ambulance train) is exactly what its name suggests - a train that acts as a mobile hospital....
Read more

View all latest tips

End of year opening times

If you select next day delivery, please note deliveries are not made on New Year's Day.

The shop in Sandown is closed on New Years's Day and closing at 2.30pm on New Year's Eve.

Tuesday 30th: 10am to 4.30pm - Wednesday 31st: 10am to 2.30pm - Thursday 1st: closed - Friday onwards: 10am to 4.30pm.

How do I use epoxy resin?

There are many types of Epoxy Resins, they all contain roughly the same properties ending up as a very hard-wearing plastic-like substance, but they cure in different ways to facilitate different types and uses.

Epoxy resins are mainly used as a formidable adhesive. In this instance, a reasonably quick curing time is desirable, in contrast, there are epoxy resins that can be sculpted, these take longer to cure and deep-fill epoxy resin takes the longest of all to cure.

Because different epoxy resins have different functions and properties, mixing procedures will vary and the instructions on the packet are a must-read, but the process will (except for a few specialised products) involve mixing two substances initiating a chemical reaction that will start the resin off on its path to solidity.

The application of the resin will also vary depending on its type and intended purpose, adhesive types are best applied with a spatula of a suitable size for the job in hand whilst resins intended to create scenic items such as water in a lake or river can be poured in thin layers to build up the feature over time. Deep fill resins are used for much larger projects and moulds and are typically poured into a cast and take much longer to set.

Resins can be coloured or tinted to create different effects. There are special products available for just this purpose so you can create resin features that portray murky, muddy or lagoon-like waters, alternatively, you may decide to simply make your resin appear pretty!

Posted in: Assembling and gluing

Click here to receive the tips weekly in your mailbox. You can unsubscribe at any time.