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Modellings tips and answers - Modelling a station - Videos

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Don't forget to read our latest modelling tips and unboxing videos located at the bottom of the newsletter.

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Second hand bargains of the week

If you are looking to add some classic British steam power to your OO gauge layout, you are in for a treat. Let's take a look at three magnificent models that capture the essence of Britain's railway heritage.

First up, we have the Bachmann Branchline Class 5MT Crab 2-6-0 Mogul. This weathered beauty, numbered 42942, sports the iconic BR lined black livery with early emblem. The 'Crab', as it was affectionately known by enthusiasts, was a versatile mixed-traffic locomotive that served the LMS and later British Railways with distinction. Next, we have the Hornby Class N15 4-6-0 'Sir Mador de la Port'. This limited edition model, part of The Royal Mail Great British Railways Collection, is finished in the elegant SR Olive Green livery. The N15 class, also known as the 'King Arthur' class, was renowned for its express passenger work on the Southern Railway. Rounding out our trio is the Bachmann Branchline Class D11/2 4-4-0 'Edie Ochiltree'. This model, numbered 62677, showcases the BR black livery with late crest, representing the twilight years of steam.

Each of these models offers something unique for your layout. The Crab, with its distinctive angled cylinders, is perfect for mixed-traffic scenes. The 'Sir Mador de la Port' would look splendid at the head of an express passenger train, perhaps pulling into a grand terminus station. The 'Edie Ochiltree', meanwhile, could be the star of a Scottish branch line scene or hauling a local passenger service.

While second hand, All three locomotives are in excellent condition, having been well cared for by their previous owners. They have been fully tested and are exceptional runners, ready to take pride of place on your layout.

Railway song of the week

"Railway” is a solo track by Australian singer Bang Chan of Stray Kids, released on the 13th of December 2024, as part of the group's special album "HOP". It is the fifth track on the album and was co-written and co-produced by Bang Chan and South Korean VERSACHOI. The song blends synth-pop and R&B elements with prominent guitar riffs and a driving beat. Click on the picture to discover the song:

This week in history

On the 22nd of June 1942, work gets on the way to construct a railway between Bangkok and Rangoon. The railway, infamously known as the Burma Railway, was built by the Empire of Japan who used forced labour including local civilians and Allied Prisoners of War to complete the route. Many of those who were put to work building the railway sadly perished during its construction, leading to the nickname "Death Railway".

Do you have one?

Little cameos in the corner of a layout make all the difference and make your layout pop alive. A few workers on a break, next to their maintenance trailer are a perfect example. Click on the picture for more details.

A modern Modern Image

The term 'modern image' means different things to different people, for many modellers, railway history is split simply between 'the steam era' and 'modern image' meaning modern image pertains to anything from the 1960s onwards, for others though, modern image is a term used to describe today or what is happening presently in the world of railways. For those modelling the latter, sourcing scenic models for a truly up to date layout can be a little exhausting amidst the wash of models aimed at older eras. They are out there though so keep looking, with a little bit of searching you can discover a delightful world of modern town buildings such as a 00 gauge McDonald's drive-through, modern housing, security gates, supermarket accessories and convincing railway buildings such as diesel depots that have never ever seen a steam train.

But what if you haven't got space for shiny new buildings? Well don't worry, there is still plenty you can do to bring your layout into the 21st century and you'll be pleasantly surprised at how adding a few smaller features can also transform the look and feel of your layout. To help with this there are a number of models that can be used to dress an existing scene so require no extra space. Why not add some street furniture such as modern street lamps, road signs and wheelie bins or place some people dressed in modern clothing around your layout being dutifully watched over by CCTV cameras. This side of the railway's boundaries little touches such as replacing old coal bunkers with modern diesel fuelling points will also help to banish bygone days from your layout.

Modelling tips

We keep on adding modelling tips to our website. Here are a few:

You can read all the articles sorted by categories or from the most recent published one on our website.

Unboxing videos

You want to know what is inside the boxes of modelling products? We open them for you! Subscribe to our YouTube channel to be notified before everyone else or simply click on this selection. Please note that videos are at the bottom of each page.

You can access all the unboxing videos by visiting this page or simply click on the link called "videos" on our websit e.

Events and exhibitions

Find all the latest events and exhibitions for the model railway world, on the UK Model Shop Events directory. Hopefully, 2025 will give us plenty of opportunities to attend events all over the country.

Do you need to order?

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. So no excuse not to come and visit us!

Upstairs Downstairs is open Tuesday to Saturday 10am till 4.30pm. Obviously, our website is open 24h a day and we can post to most locations, including Europe, USA and Australia.

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

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