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Modellings tips and answers - Backyard modelling

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Railway song of the week

"Engine Engine #9" by Roger Miller, released in the mid-1960s, is a whimsical song playfully captures the rhythm and spirit of a steam locomotive chugging along the tracks. Roger Miller was an influential American singer-songwriter known for blending country, pop and folk styles with wit and charm. His clever lyrics and catchy melody in this track evoke the nostalgic feel of train travel, making it a delightful listen for anyone fascinated by the golden age of railways. Listen to it by clicking on the picture:

This week in history

On the 13th January 1931, Kalman Kando (the father of the electric train) passed away. Kalman was a pioneering Hungarian engineer responsible for the development of three-phase AC electric motors and generators for use on railway locomotives. After achieving an earlier success on a tramway in France, Kalman used the technology on the Ferrovia della Valtellina railway line in Italy to successfully converted it to AC operation with services commencing in 1902 using RA 34 Class locomotives.

Picks of the week

Right, let's be honest: there's something rather special about vintage model railways, isn't there? That sense of history, the craftsmanship of yesteryear, and often a price tag that won't have you explaining yourself to your other half! If you're looking to add some classic pieces to your OO gauge layout, these pre-owned gems might be just the ticket.

Starting with passenger stock, you'll find this set of six Hornby Dublo tinplate coaches in crimson and cream livery absolutely delightful. These vintage coaches include three first class corridor cars, a restaurant car and two composite guards vans. For motive power to haul such a rake, consider the Hornby 'Jinty' tank engine. This little workhorse is in cracking condition for its age, with all lining, numbers and badges intact. Alternatively, if you fancy something with a bit more grunt, the Lima Class 33 in Railfreight Construction Sector livery is a proper freight hauler. Whilst it shows some honest wear with scratches to the bodywork and a missing coupling hook, it's been fully serviced and runs beautifully in both directions.

For those of you with a penchant for more modern traction, the Hornby Class 47 in Virgin Red livery is an absolute belter. This model is in really good condition with fresh traction tyres and additional weight added for improved performance. Now, if you're venturing across the pond in your modelling interests, there's a rather interesting HO gauge Rivarossi Norfolk and Western E-8 A set comprising both powered and dummy units. Both units are in very good condition, the powered unit has been fully serviced and the front light works as it should. To keep everything running smoothly, you might want to consider this bundle of ten Bachmann curved track sections. Sold as new old stock (they are former shop stock), these third radius curves are absolutely unused with all rail joiners and sleepers present. They're compatible with Hornby track too, which is always handy.

Something to read

Railway Modeller 903 comes with a free backscene and features Yarslow as layout of the month as well as numerous reviews, layouts and tutorials.

Railway Modeller Special is a larger magazine with more in depth features and a summary of what happened in the model railway world in 2025.

Not in my backyard!

The truth is, when it comes to model railways, back gardens are very rarely modelled with any great gusto. And why should they be, after all, usually they are out of sight so out of mind, and that's totally understandable. However, some modellers who wish to recreate actual locations may find themselves with no choice, because in real life, many back gardens back onto the railway. But with such little conversation surrounding the subject, what can be done to model an effective back garden?

Surprisingly, there's a seemingly disproportionate number of models out there covering the subject in OO gauge, and that's great news for backyard modellers. Creating a successful back garden follows the same basic principles as other scenes on a layout. Firstly, the scene needs to be created. Secondly, evidence of activity should be installed. The scene itself is no problem, neatly cultivated lawns can be replicated using grass mats, there are many models suitable for use as garden fencing, such as Wills Kits' Feather Edge Board Fencing, and there seem to be more choices of garden sheds on the shelves than engine sheds. Add a few planters, and your basic garden will be starting to take shape.

Now that you have a sound foundation for a back garden diorama, it's time to start thinking about the people who live there. In real life, each back garden is unique and shows as much personality as the homeowners who use and care for it. Thinking about each imaginary household and their lives will help you to come up with ideas for their garden. Older residents, for example, are more likely to have the time and passion to install flowerbeds or a vegetable patch, while a younger families' home may well feature more garden furniture or kid's toys. Once you have thought about what kind of garden you wish to create, you can start the search for the models needed, and the chances are you will find them too with a substantial choice out there that includes everything garden related from plants, flowers and barbecues to garden furniture, washing lines and swing sets.

It may not be something you'll hear too often in a DIY Centre TV advert, but, modelling a successful garden in your loft, spare room or garage, really is easy!

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, 2026 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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