News from your model shop - 13th February 2022
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Modellings tips and answers - Inspiration - Modelling a station in N gauge - Videos

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

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This week in history
 

On the 15th of February 1930, the Taurus Express made its inaugural journey, marking the beginning of an important railway connection in the Middle East. This luxurious passenger train was operated by the Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits, the same company behind the famous Orient Express. Over the decades, the Taurus Express has undergone various route changes, serving different cities and adapting to geopolitical shifts.

Originally, the train ran from Istanbul, Turkey, to Baghdad, Iraq, providing a crucial link between Europe and the Middle East. This route was particularly significant as it connected with other major railway networks, enabling passengers to travel seamlessly between Western Europe and the Persian Gulf. The journey involved a ferry crossing over Lake Van and a transfer onto the railway in Iraq, making it a fascinating and complex route.

Throughout its history, the Taurus Express has seen several modifications in its destinations and origins, influenced by political changes, infrastructure developments, and shifts in travel demand. Despite these changes, it remains an iconic symbol of early 20th-century railway travel, known for its role in facilitating trade, diplomacy, and cultural exchange between East and West.





Did you know this existed?

The Hob-E-Lube Workbench 7-Pak is a must-have for craftsmen, offering a complete set of precision lubricants designed for various applications in model railways and beyond. Proper lubrication ensures smooth operation, reduces wear on gears and bearings, minimises squeaks, and can even improve power pickup in locomotives while providing some protection against corrosion in damp environments. Since different components require different types of lubrication, this pack includes seven specialised lubricants—Dry Graphite Lubricant, Dry White Lube, Ultra Lite Oil, Lite Oil, Gear Lube, Moly Grease, and White Grease—each formulated for specific uses. This super-saver pack not only offers better value than purchasing individual lubricants but also comes with detailed instructions to help you choose the right product for every application. Whether you need nonconductive, nonstaining, or penetrating lubrication, this comprehensive set ensures you always have the right tool for the job.



Paws for thought: Adding furry friends to your layout

Have you ever felt like your layout was missing something? Perhaps it's time to add some four-legged friends to bring your scenes to life. Let's explore some delightful options for adding cats and dogs to your model world.

For those working in HO/OO scale, Busch offers some charming and humorous sets. Their "Mischievous Playing Cats" action set features five uniquely posed felines along with accessories like a fountain and scratch box. If you're looking for a bit of comedy, the "Cats on car" set shows two naughty kitties leaving paw prints all over a Mercedes. For dog lovers, the "Little thieves" set includes both cats and dogs making off with pilfered treats.

Busch also offers some amusing canine-themed sets. Their "Two Dogs Peeing" set adds a touch of cheeky humour to your street scenes, complete with "No Fouling" signs. For a more wholesome scene, consider the "Retrieve game with dogs" set, showing a man playing fetch with his furry companions. If you're feeling particularly daring, the "Humorous Action Set (Dog Toilet Scene)" depicts a rather embarrassing moment for a dog owner.

For those modelling in O scale, there are some lovely options available. Woodland Scenics offers a set with three people and four pets, including a mailman being chased by a dog - a classic scene! Langley provides a set of six assorted painted cats in various poses, perfect for adding feline charm to your layout. If you want a mix of both cats and dogs, Woodland Scenics has another O scale set featuring both, with animals in various playful and mischievous poses.

Don't worry, N scale modellers - there are options for you too! Woodland Scenics offers a set of 12 dogs and cats, complete with a trash can and fire hydrant. Noch provides a set of nine painted dogs in different breeds and sizes, perfect for creating a kennel or lively street scene. For those who prefer metal figures, Langley offers a set of six painted assorted dogs, including a bulldog, scottie, and various hounds.


Remember, adding these furry friends to your layout isn't just about filling space - it's about bringing your miniature world to life with the charm, humour, and warmth that our four-legged companions bring to our real lives. So go ahead, give your layout some paw-sitive energy!


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.
    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.

    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
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