News from your model shop - Adding pets to 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

Bill Frisell’s "Small Town" is a lovely, stripped-back bit of guitar work that feels exactly like looking down at a model railway layout late at night. It’s just a guitar and a double bass taking their time, creating a quiet, slightly lonely atmosphere that really suits the "God’s eye view" you get when working on a diorama. There’s no flashy soloing or noise; it’s just steady, thoughtful music that captures that feeling of a tiny village frozen in place. It’s the perfect background track for when you’re deep into a fiddly bit of scenery and don't want anything distracting on the radio. Click on the picture to listen to it:

Originally, the train ran from Istanbul, Turkey, to Baghdad, Iraq, providing a crucial link between Europe and the Middle East. This route was particularly significant as it connected with other major railway networks, enabling passengers to travel seamlessly between Western Europe and the Persian Gulf. The journey involved a ferry crossing over Lake Van and a transfer onto the railway in Iraq, making it a fascinating and complex route.

Throughout its history, the Taurus Express has seen several modifications in its destinations and origins, influenced by political changes, infrastructure developments, and shifts in travel demand. Despite these changes, it remains an iconic symbol of early 20th-century railway travel, known for its role in facilitating trade, diplomacy, and cultural exchange between East and West.

Have you ever felt like your layout was missing something? Perhaps it's time to add some four-legged friends to bring your scenes to life. Let's explore some delightful options for adding cats and dogs to your model world.

For those working in HO/OO scale, Busch offers some charming and humorous sets. Their "Mischievous Playing Cats" action set features five uniquely posed felines along with accessories like a fountain and scratch box. If you're looking for a bit of comedy, the "Cats on car" set shows two naughty kitties leaving paw prints all over a Mercedes. For dog lovers, the "Little thieves" set includes both cats and dogs making off with pilfered treats.

Busch also offers some amusing canine-themed sets. Their "Two Dogs Peeing" set adds a touch of cheeky humour to your street scenes, complete with "No Fouling" signs. For a more wholesome scene, consider the "Retrieve game with dogs" set, showing a man playing fetch with his furry companions. If you're feeling particularly daring, the "Humorous Action Set (Dog Toilet Scene)" depicts a rather embarrassing moment for a dog owner.

For those modelling in O scale, there are some lovely options available. Woodland Scenics offers a set with three people and four pets, including a mailman being chased by a dog - a classic scene! Langley provides a set of six assorted painted cats in various poses, perfect for adding feline charm to your layout. If you want a mix of both cats and dogs, Woodland Scenics has another O scale set featuring both, with animals in various playful and mischievous poses.

Don't worry, N scale modellers, there are options for you too! Woodland Scenics offers a set of 12 dogs and cats, complete with a trash can and fire hydrant. Noch provides a set of nine painted dogs in different breeds and sizes, perfect for creating a kennel or lively street scene. For those who prefer metal figures, Langley offers a set of six painted assorted dogs, including a bulldog, scottie and various hounds.

Remember, adding these furry friends to your layout isn't just about filling space - it's about bringing your miniature world to life with the charm, humour, and warmth that our four-legged companions bring to our real lives. So go ahead, give your layout some paw-sitive energy!

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