News from your model shop - 10th January 2021

Hello

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

We would like to wish all of our customers and readers a Happy New Year, and we hope you are all keeping safe and well during these challenging times.

Denis Nye sent us some pictures of his layout depicting Swanage at Chrismas with the RAF low flying. Click on the pictures to see them in full size and access another image.

 

This last year has undoubtedly seen many modellers return to the hobby as a way of keeping occupied during the lock down restrictions. Often after a long absence from the hobby there can be an element of surprise at how much has changed since last visiting the miniature world of model railways, especially regarding the tools that we use to construct our layouts.

There are many innovations designed specifically to make our modelling lives easier, whether it be a simple free-standing LED light to help us model in the darker areas of the loft or a pin pusher to get our track pins secured without squashing our rails, the right tool for the right job can make all the difference.

Other examples of tools and devices that make modelling easier include paint shakers to thoroughly mix paints giving much needed consistency, a de-soldering pump to clean up any little soldering mishaps, an airbrush turntable for an even finish and something called Wire Glue that can eliminate soldering altogether.

 

 

As well as tools that make our lives easier, there are also tools to help us model more accurately too, for example, grass flocking templates to accentuate grassed areas, pin vices for when you need to drill smaller accurate holes, Milliput epoxy putty for small neat repairs to just about anything or to sculpt small items, flexible road-lining rulers for perfect road markings (even on bends), pinpoint needle glue applicators for no-mess kit construction and a revolutionary cleaning material called Cyber Clean that cleans even the nookiest and craniest of nooks and crannies!

These are just a few examples of tools that make our modelling experiences easier, so it's always worth while checking out the tools section at your local model shop next time you visit to see if there is a tool that could make your life easier too.

 

 

• What scale is 54mm?
• What are the parts of a train wheel called?
• What is a locomotive headlamp?
• What scale of people should I use on a cake or floral display?
• Can you run a model train from batteries?