Modellings tips and answers - Inspiration - Water features - Videos
Hello
Don't forget to read our latest modelling tips and unboxing videos located at the bottom of the newsletter.
Inspiration
Roger Jones from Ventnor on the Isle of Wight sent us a picture of his N gauge layout so far. Click on the picture to see it in full size.
This week in history
On the 13th of October 1901, the London & South Western Railway finished installing experimental automatic semaphore signals near the village of Grateley in Hampshire. This was the first project of its kind in the UK and used pneumatic technology and track circuits to achieve the automation.
Tool of the week
This week's tool of the week is an electric paint shaker from Timodel. The Paint Shaker mixes all types of paint in a fraction of the time that it would when mixing by hand. It produces a thorough and consistent mix every time, which is essential, but can’t easily be achieved by hand. The machine will accept tins or bottles of paint up to 50g in weight and 35mm in diameter and can be operated from the included mains adapter or AA batteries.
Make a feature of your water feature
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.
Once you have installed your river or other water feature incorporating your structural features, it's time to consider the finer details. Again, ideas are plentiful using models such as Peco's 10mm tall grass tufts as reeds, sets of trees specifically designed to be placed near water, wildlife such as ducks, geese and swans, and man-made features such as lifebelts or wharf clutter.
These are just a few ideas to create an attractive and realistic water scene. Why not take look at some real rivers and see for yourself the abundance of features you can model to make a feature of your water feature?
Modelling tips
We keep on adding modelling tips to our website. Here are the latest ones:
- Does hardboard make a good model railway baseboard?
- How to use a static grass puffer bottle?
- What is the best way to connect portable baseboards together?
- Can I replace the plastic wheels on my wagons?
- Can I file the metal rails on my track?
- What is the best colour primer to use?
Unboxing videos
You want to know what is inside the boxes of modelling products? We open them for you and so far we have done more than 150 of them! 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.
- 105 - Ratio 536 Midland signal box in OO gauge
- 106 - Gaugemaster GM485 Fordhampton Infant School kit OO gauge
- 107 - Dapol C006 Traditional signal box from in OO gauge
- 108 - Gaugemaster GM444 Airfield terminal building in OO gauge
- 109 - Gaugemaster GM445 Airfield hangar in OO gauge
- 110 - Peco LK-15 Station House OO gauge
- 111 - Auhagen 42654 Treasure Chest of Accessories No 2 kit in HO gauge
- 112 - PECO LK-83 Signal box in OO gauge
- 113 - Busch 7848 Lineside phone and GDR worker set in HO gauge
- 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.
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!
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Upstairs Downstairs
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Sandown, PO36 8JR
Isle of Wight
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