News from your model shop - modelling poles on your layout

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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

 

 

If you're looking to add some serious diesel power to your OO gauge layout, there are some cracking examples available. The Mainline Class 45 in BR Blue has been thoughtfully weathered by a previous owner and runs beautifully after a full service. For something a bit more versatile, the Airfix GMR Class 31is in excellent condition and is known for being a reliable runner, just like the prototype which worked across multiple regions. If heavy freight is more your thing, the Hornby Class 58 is a superb model in very good condition, these distinctive 'Bones' locomotives were designed specifically for heavy freight work and this example has been fully serviced and tested.

For those of you modelling earlier eras or simply wanting something with a bit more character, there are some lovely options available in OO gauge. The set of six Hornby Dublo tinplate tank wagons offers a wonderful variety of liveries including ESSO, Mobilgas and Shell, perfect for adding period authenticity to a vintage layout. If you fancy a project that'll really test your skills, the McGowan Models white metal locomotive kit for an LNER 2-6-2 Class V1/V3 comes complete with a brass chassis kit and full instructions. You'll need to supply wheels and a motor, but the satisfaction of building your own loco is hard to beat. For adding realistic freight traffic, the set of three Bachmann 8-plank fixed end wagons in BR grey have been weathered to a very high standard with real coal loads added, and whilst the couplers have been changed to hook and chain, they're easy to convert back if needed.

If you're looking for something special for younger enthusiasts or collectors of the famous blue engine, the Hornby Thomas the Tank Engine with Annie and Clarabel set is available in OO gauge. Whilst it shows signs of play wear, it has the more modern motor from 2012 and runs well after a full service, there's even an extra Annie coach included to make up for some cosmetic issues.

For those of you working in the smaller scales, there are some interesting pieces worth considering. In TT gauge, the Tri-ang 0-6-0 Jinty has been beautifully hand-painted and rebranded as Cambrian Railways with red and yellow lining. It's a characterful piece that runs very well for its age despite missing the coupling hooks. If you're modelling in N gauge and fancy adding some American flavour to your layout, the set of four Rivarossi/Atlas four-bay hopper wagons in Clinchfield livery are in excellent condition and come in their original boxes, making them ideal for creating an authentic US freight consist.

There are almost as many variations of model telegraph poles available as there are actual telegraph poles in real life, so variety is definitely not an issue, but do any of them stand out from the rest?

Although it would be impossible to choose which brand is the best, Woodland Scenics' take on this common lineside feature is definitely worth a mention.

Not only do the poles feature a highly realistic appearance, they also come with wires already attached putting an end to hours of experimentation with various wires, cords and even cotton trying to find a realistic and hassle-free solution to adding wires.

There are three sets to choose from: a single crossbar telegraph pole set, a double crossbar telegraph pole set, and a transformer connection set to portray power lines to structures. And best of all, all three can be obtained in HO/OO gauge, N gauge and although not featured in our pictures below, O gauge too!

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