Modellings tips and answers - Modelling using plastic kits - Videos

We have just received the latest Hornby catalogue showcasing the 2022 range as well as everything else available. Click on the picture for full details.

This week in history

On the 7th February 1923, the LNER took delivery of what was to become an iconic locomotive, The Flying Scotsman. The famous 4-6-2 A1 Class steam locomotive was designed and built by the LNER at their Doncaster works. The locomotive was retired from revenue-making service in 1963. 

This week's tool of the week is a mega screw and drill bit set by DCC Concepts. The set contains 16x vials, each containing 60x screws, and 20 drill bits. The screw set comprises an assortment of both countersunk and panhead screws and the 20 high quality HSS drill bits range in size from 0.3 to 1.6mm.

As we have said many times before, there has never been a better time to be a modeller. The quality, range and realism of the models available nowadays allow us to create layouts that are both realistic and individual. That is especially true when it comes to plastic buildings kits. And notwithstanding the importance of tried and tested, long standing or more generic models, now and then a model or range of models comes along that really raises the bar.

Usually, that's as a result of a manufacturer producing something a little bit different, something that we are all aware exists out there in the real world, but something we are not used to seeing on a model railway, or at least something portrayed in a different style anyway.

A good example of this is Woodland Scenics' selection of models with a hint of the good old USA. Whether or not you can envisage such models ever finding a home on your Norfolk-themed layout is for you to decide, but there's no denying that their HO/OO gauge windmills, clapboard-sided country church or public pavilion are certainly something a little different, and that's a good thing!

Regular readers of our newsletter will already be accustomed to Gaugemaster's Fordhampton offerings. This fictitious 1960s South Downs location features many models that would not have been, had the original brief concentrated more on the railway and less on a whole town and the goings-on there. But fortunately, that wasn't the case and models such as a modern petrol station, mock Georgian house, industrial pipeline, police station and a house under construction are all now out there for us to choose from.



Finally, there's the Wills Kits' Craftsman Series. Although houses, pubs and stations are not a new concept in the world of model railways, the way in which these kits are constructed does allow for plenty of creativity and individuality. The kits lie halfway between a scratch-build project and a regular kit whereby materials and detailed prototype schematics are supplied only as a reference, the idea being that confident modellers can then adapt the designs to suit their needs.



Wherever your layout is based, however big it is, and however accomplished you are as a modeller, there's always scope to add models that are a little bit different to give your layout a realistic appearance.

Modelling tips

We keep on adding modelling tips to our website. Here are the latest ones:

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.

• Javis PF6 Old weathered grey fence OO gauge.
• Seuthe 117 Smoke generator starter pack
• Javis PW2DAM Rough stone walling with damaged effect OO gauge
• Gaugemaster GM449 Fordhampton Industrial Chimney OO gauge
• Javis PW3DAM Grey garden walling with damaged effect OO gauge
• Noch 15038 Set of Warehouse Men and Accessories HO gauge
• Javis PW3LB Light brown garden walling OO gauge
• Busch 7844 High-lift Truck & Warehouse Shelving HO gauge
• Javis PW3LBDAM Light brown garden walling with damaged effect OO gauge
• Kibri KIB38147 Forklift and pallets set HO gauge

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