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Modellings tips and answers - Adding lights to a layout

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This week in history

On March 28th 1955, a French SNCF Class CC 7100 electric locomotive broke a world record (and the track) when it achieved a staggering top speed of 331 km/h (206mph).

Picks of the week

If you're looking to expand your locomotive fleet without breaking the bank, pre-owned models can offer exceptional value whilst delivering the same performance and enjoyment as their brand-new counterparts. We've got a selection of used locomotives that have been carefully serviced and tested.

Starting with some classic British steam power in OO gauge, you might fancy the Mainline Prairie Tank in that distinctive darker GWR green livery. For something rather more prestigious, the Bachmann Class A1 in BR lined green with early emblem is absolutely immaculate with no marks or blemishes whatsoever. This Peppercorn Class A1 express passenger locomotive is DCC ready. If you're after American motive power, the Walthers Fairbanks Morse C-Liner is available in HO gauge. This hefty classic diesel from 1951 runs beautifully at a really good scale speed with working front lights, though the added steps and handrails could have been fitted with a bit more care.

Moving into the diesel era with OO gauge models, you'll find some excellent examples of British motive power that have stood the test of time. The Wrenn Class 08 Diesel Shunter in traditional BR blue has had a full service and the body is in excellent condition with all ladders, couplings and buffers present. For main line freight work, the Lima Class 37 in Regional Railways livery is a limited edition of just 850 models and comes with its certificate. The paintwork and decals are as good as new, all couplings and buffers are present and it runs very well after a full service. Finally, if you need serious hauling power, the Hornby Class 59 in ARC livery is fitted with DCC and is in excellent condition, looking as though it's barely been run.

Bringing Your Railway to Life with Artitec Figures

When you're building a model railway, it's the little details that truly bring a scene to life and nothing does that quite like well-crafted figures going about their daily business. Artitec has produced a splendid range of hand-painted resin figures that capture the essence of railway operations and everyday life, and each one is meticulously crafted with realistic subdued tones, some requiring more than ten different colours to achieve that authentic look. Click here to see the full range.

Starting with N gauge, you'll find the railway operations themselves beautifully represented. The Porters with Luggage set gives you two figures handling the essential task of moving passengers' belongings, a scene that would have been common at any station from the steam age right through to modern times. For the industrial side of things, the Shunters Industry set provides four figures perfect for marshalling yards and sidings, whilst the Conductors 1980s set offers six figures in the distinctive NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen) uniforms of that era, ideal if you're modelling Dutch railways or simply want that specific period feel.

Continuing in N gauge, you'll want to populate your platforms and stations with the people who make the railway worthwhile: the passengers themselves! The Passengers set gives you six figures in various poses, perfect for platform scenes or waiting rooms. If you're modelling a slightly later period, the Conductors 1990s set provides another six NS-uniformed figures reflecting the updated livery of that decade. And don't forget the connection between rail and road: the Truck Drivers set includes three figures that are brilliant for goods yards and freight terminals where the railway meets road haulage.

Moving up to OO/HO gauge, Artitec offers some charming vignettes that add character beyond the railway itself. The Florist with Customer set is a delightful little scene complete with accessories, perfect for adding a touch of colour and commerce to your high street or station forecourt. For a touch of Continental flavour, the Solex and Mobylette Riders set features two figures on those iconic French mopeds that were such a common sight from the 1950s through to the 1980s. The Waiting Cyclists set gives you three figures with their bicycles, ideal for level crossings, station entrances, or anywhere people might pause during their journey.

Finally, still in OO/HO, you'll find figures representing the broader world around your railway. The Lunch Break in the Field set shows four agricultural workers taking a well-earned rest, lovely for rural scenes alongside your branch line. The House Movers set provides five figures in the midst of a removal job, complete with furniture and boxes, adding a narrative element to your street scenes. And for keeping everything looking shipshape, the Park Maintenance in Action set gives you six figures with tools and equipment, perfect for municipal parks, station gardens, or any green space that needs tending.

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.

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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