Hello,

Thank you to everyone who sent feedback and questions on last week's newsletter. The most common question was "what is the purpose of the primer?" and I will answer it here. Basically the primer does several things:

it creates an uniform base colour (this is especially useful if it is a multi-media kit)
it helps paint to adhere
it helps identify defects
it can help create a pre-shading effect (that is it will affect the final colour)

You can get a nice finish without using a primer, however this is usually easier when using one!

We are about to move a few things around in the shop and we have identified three tables which are surplus to requirement. These are proper wooden restaurant table, meaning they are designed to be very sturdy and take lots of abuse. They are all the same size: 1200mm x 600mm (that is 4' x 2' in imperial). They would be perfect as baseboards for a fixed layout or as workbenches. If you are interested, contact us before they are gone.

N gauge modellers rejoice! The latest Metcalfe kits have now arrived: stone retaining walls, tapered retaining walls and railway bridge in stone. They are very nicely detailed and great value.

Before you get too upset, OO gauge modellers can also rejoice! We are now stocking Kadee couplings. Why would you want to change? Choice of couplings is always a personal thing, however they offer a few advantages:

less visible than tension lock couplings (the "Hornby" type)
allow lifting of rolling stock without twisting. Remove with one hand the middle carriage in a rake.
supports delayed coupling, which makes them ideal for shunting
large range answering any need you might have, including gauges and jigs

So if you are unhappy with your existing couplings, you definitely want to give them a try.

For those of you looking for a challenge, what about modelling the Lartigue Monorail? This used to run in the 1930s on a line between Listowel and Ballybunion in Ireland. Have a look at the design, it is quite something and I do not think we will see as a ready to run model very soon!

This is a video of the preserved (or rebuilt) version:

And a video of the original one:

Finally, still in OO gauge, we have now received the latest 2-HAL from Hornby. If you acquired a 2-BIL last year, you probably want a 2-HAL to keep it company.

Send us an email or give us a call to check availability or to reserve anything, whatever scale you model in. As usual, if we do not have in stock what you are looking for, we will order it for you and you will get it fast (usually within a week if the manufacturer has it in stock). We place weekly orders with most suppliers.

Remember, you can park for free for one hour on the High Street. And the car park in York Road is still free every Tuesday from 1pm so you can spend the afternoon with us. So no excuse not to come and visit us!

Upstairs Downstairs is open Tuesday to Saturday 10am till 4.30pm, Sunday from 1pm till 4pm. We are closed only on Monday.

Carole & Max

--
Upstairs Downstairs
3 Pier Street
Sandown, PO36 8JR
Isle of Wight
Tel: 01983 406 616
http://www.udiow.com or find us on Facebook

Please forward this newsletter to your friends! They will thank you for it! Simply click here.

If needed, you can update your details (email address, name, etc...) or unsubscribe