News from you model shop - Modelling a canal

Hello

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

Most images in this newsletter are clickable for more details.

Feel free to send this newsletter to your friends, family and club members if you think they will benefit from it. They can subscribe for free.

Railway song of the week

"The Wreck of the Number Nine,” as performed by Rosalie Sorrels, is a classic American railway ballad that weaves together romance, tragedy and the hard realities of early rail work. Set during a perilous night run in a winter storm, the song follows a dedicated driver who takes his express out despite the dangerous conditions, only to be killed in a catastrophic collision further down the line. Sorrels’ warm yet haunting rendition highlights both the technical detail and emotional depth of the story, making it particularly engaging for anyone who appreciates authentic portrayals of the steam era, the risks of single-track working and the strong sense of duty and courage among early railwaymen. I assume that would be most of us! Click on the picture to discover it:

If you're working in HO gauge and need to populate your coaches or station platforms, this bundle of 30 unpainted seated figures offers a cost-effective solution. They are suitable for OO as well as most people use HO figures on they layouts anyway. For motive power, the AHM Alco diesel locomotive in Milwaukee Road livery is a lovely example of American railroading. Despite its age, this model is in excellent condition with all handrails and couplings intact, working front lights and it runs beautifully. If you fancy something with a European flavour, the Roco BR 118 electric locomotive in DB livery is an absolute stunner in HO gauge. This German outline model is in superb condition with all the fine detail you'd expect from Roco, including working pantographs and lights.

Modelling the cut (or canal for all you land-lovers) is not as difficult as you may think. After all, the canals were created for the same reasons as the railways, just a little earlier. So it stands to reason that much of the scenery and infrastructure on a canal will be the same as a railway's and that pretty much makes you all canal experts by default, but if you are still not convinced, here are a few tips to get you started.


Once you have conquered any fears of water, the rest will be a little more familiar, involving the installation of retaining walls, bridges and embankments just like on a railway. And as for which models to use, don't worry, there are plenty of choices out there in OO gauge. For example, to create the metal pilings often seen by the side of a canal, Auhagen's HO/OO gauge corrugated plastic sheets are a good place to start. A canal bridge can be easily modelled using a Wills Kit and an industrial scene can be achieved using dedicated walling or a Langley wharf-side crane. If you want an even bigger industrial scene, why not install a Metcalfe warehouse by the side of your cut?


Other features you can model to make your canal convincing and interesting include a lock or lift bridge. Craftline produces models of both of these, but you will have to create your own retaining walls to support the models. Real lock walls are made from many different materials but Vollmer's weathered stone wall card sheets will provide excellent effects.

Another commonly found feature on canals is a refuse and Elsan point. This is where canal boat owners get rid of their rubbish, empty their cassette toilets and refill their boats with water. Such a facility can be modelled using Wills' Public Toilets kit and Noch's Bins and Waste Containers set.

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