News from your model shop - Modelling unusual vehicles

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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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Railway song of the week

"5:15 The Angels Have Gone" is the ninth track on David Bowie's 23rd studio album, Heathen, released in June 2002. It is a textured blend of sorrow, introspection, and resignation—woven into a soundscape that shifts from reflective to raw with dramatic flair. Bowie uses the imagery of angels vanishing at a delayed train, a symbolic crossroads where faith, love and time collide. Click on the picture to discover it:

For those seeking a touch of Great Western Railway charm, the Bachmann Hall Class "Sketty Hall" in GWR green livery is a real gem. This model is described as being in "as new" condition, perfect for collectors or those wanting a pristine loco. To complement this, why not add some period-appropriate rolling stock? The set of four Wrenn Super Detail Wagons offers a lovely variety, including a coal wagon, ventilated van, banana van, and cattle wagon. For passenger services, the Hornby GWR diesel railcar in chocolate and cream livery would make a splendid addition, bringing a touch of 1930s innovation to your layout.

If you're keen on capturing the essence of earlier model railway eras, the Hornby Dublo 2006 Goods Train Set could be just what you're after. This classic set features an 0-6-0 E1 locomotive, two wagons, and a brake van, along with track to form a circle. It's a wonderful piece of model railway history that's been lovingly serviced to ensure it still runs well. To expand your goods yard, consider the Oxford Rail Triple Wagon Pack. These weathered 7-plank open wagons in various liveries add authentic detail to any layout.

Most of us will have at least a small selection of vehicles on our layouts to make our towns and villages appear populated. Most of those vehicles will likely be of typical family cars with a few buses and lorries thrown in for good measure, but every now and then, something a little more interesting comes along.

There are many vehicles out there in the real world that are designed to carry out specific tasks, and Busch has done a decent job of recreating some of these in HO gauge (suitable for OO gauge). Now, it's fair to say that snowmobiles, dog sleds and wheeled dog scooters are not the most seasonal modes of transport to be talking about at this time of year, but Busch's recreations of those exact vehicles have certainly earned their places on snowy dioramas.



For rural scenes, Busch's apple cart loaded with sumptuous produce, their potato stall set featuring a quirky three-wheeled truck and their iconic, albeit hideously square, Citroen H van are all perfect vehicles to help create a countryside feel.



If a town scene is to be modelled, vehicles such as a scaffold truck, utility wagon or a flatbed truck with a crane are all familiar sights, but are rarely modelled, and that gives you an opportunity to include something a little different.



Other vehicles that can provide a break from the 'norm' include a tractor, ideal for farmyards, fields and country lanes; a road roller, ideal for not so ideal roadworks, and a tent-bearing raft, ideal for those shipwrecked moments!

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