Yes, adding ballast to empty model wagons can help to prevent them from derailing. Ballast is typically added to...
Cart 0 Product Products (empty)
No products
Free shipping! Shipping
£ 0.00 Total
Product successfully added to your shopping cart
Quantity
Total
There are 0 items in your cart. There is 1 item in your cart.
Total products (tax incl.)
Total shipping (tax excl.) Free shipping!
Total (tax incl.)
Search Tips
Tips categories
Latest Tips
-
Should I add ballast to my empty model wagons to prevent them from derailing?Read more -
Historical accuracy in railway modelling: tips and tricksRead moreRailway modelling is a rewarding hobby that combines creativity, craftsmanship, and a passion for trains. For many,...
-
What is a tree armature?Read moreIn modelling, a tree armature is the plastic skeleton of a tree (the trunk and branches) with no foliage attached....
-
What is a signal box?Read moreA signal box, also known as a signal cabin or signalling box, is a critical component of the railway infrastructure...
-
Can I use a digital power clip with an analogue layout?Read moreThere are many types of power clip available to attach power cables to model railway track, and in the main, they all...
What is the best way for beginners to power a model railway?
If you have never built a model railway before then it may not be obvious how to supply your model railway tracks with power. Starter packs provide all the equipment, connections and instructions needed for a new modeller to get started, however, 2020 has seen a new era of internet shopping and this wise first step into the hobby can easily be missed.
Model railways must be powered by a specifically designed power pack called a controller. Controllers supply the layout with a safe and correct voltage to operate trains without damaging their motors and also provide the operator with a means to control the speed and direction of the trains.
The electrical wires from the controller are connected to the tracks using special power clips available from most model shops.
The best controller for beginners is an analogue controller, these provide the basic function of providing the trains with more or less power to make them go faster or slower. A more advanced controller called a DCC controller operates on different principles with the track and trains being permanently powered and are controlled by digital commands being conveyed through the tracks. These kinds of controllers bring extra play value to the hobby and help modellers operate trains more realistically, but they are also more complicated so best avoided if you find technology daunting.
If you are considering building your first layout, but, are not sure where to start, always speak to your local model shop or model railway club. They are always happy to offer advice about the hobby to help get you started.
Click here to receive the tips weekly in your mailbox. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Related products
Single Track Controller with Plug in Transformer
Price: £ 65.00Gaugemaster Combi Controller - Plug in TransformerThis unit is sold without a...
Prodigy Express Starter Package
Price: £ 315.00DCC controller - Prodigy Express Package Comprising of a Base Station,...
Related posts
-
What scale is Hornby?Hornby model railways are OO Scale or 1/76th that is 4 millimetres to the foot (12 inches). It runs on a track with... - How to weight my model so it does not tip?For wargaming figures, a small coin or washer glued to the under side of the base will usually to do the job. This...
- Is Bachmann compatible with Hornby?Yes, any OO scale loco, wagon or coach will work on any OO scale track, regardless of brand. Couplings are also...
- What are the model railway eras?According to Bachmann, as it states in their catalogue there are 9 eras. As they say in their catalogue this is not...
- Can a "DCC ready" train be used on analogue?Yes, you can use a DCC ready train on your analogue layout. DCC ready just means that the train has been factory...