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

Inspiration

Installing a water feature on a model railway is not a decision most modellers take lightly. It is perceived by many as being difficult to do and sometimes finding the inspiration to create effective dioramas can be challenging. But once the decision has been made, and the brave soldier on towards the reward of achieving a watery scene, they soon realise that actually, it's really quite easy!

Installing a water feature such as a river follows almost the exact principles as laying track: You have to plan its route, prepare the foundations, lay the water (okay, that bit is a little different, but still easy!) and then build the scene up with details and accessories. Often, it's that last step that many modellers find difficult, however, with a little thought and planning, it needn't be.

The first thing to consider is any structural features that are to be included in your scene as these will need to be accommodated in your river's design. There are plenty to choose from and a short stroll along most riverbanks will present useful inspirational features such as sewers, drains, sluice gates and many different types and sizes of footbridge, all of which can be easily modelled in OO gauge. If you fancy a larger feature that will make more of an impact on your scene, why not consider a water mill. Wills Kits produces a water mill that will certainly turn a few heads, it is part of their 'Craftsman' range for advanced modellers, so although reasonable modelling skills are required for the construction of the model, there is a great opportunity to add your own finishing touches to its design and finish.

If you were hoping for an easier solution for a water scene, Busch's 'Lake with a Bridge' set may well be of interest. As far as boxed dioramas go, this set is ideally suited for family fun layouts, however, used as a base onto which you can add your own detailing, it has the potential to be a very convincing model.

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• 109 - Gaugemaster GM445 Airfield hangar in OO gauge
• 110 - Peco LK-15 Station House OO gauge
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• 114 - Gaugemaster GM482 Fordhampton Goods Shed kit in OO gauge

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