News from your model shop - 6th March 2022

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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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There's an almost infinite number of cameo scene ideas that can be used to add interest to a model railway. Some are humorous, some represent everyday life, some portray an event of some kind, and others focus on an industry, whether that be railway or otherwise. But what about the more sensitive or controversial areas of life, should they be modelled too?

Well, that has to be a decision for individual modellers and the taste or sense of humour of any potential guests (especially if it's to be featured at an exhibition). But for any modellers wishing to tackle sensitive subjects, there are plenty of models to oblige.

A robbery is a good example, this would-be terrifying real-life situation is often used to create humorous scenes on model railways. Both Preiser and Noch produce some very effective cameo figure sets in HO/OO gauge portraying robberies and stickups. Strangely, the scenes themselves are not that humorous to look at but when placed on a typical sleepy high street of a model railway diorama, they are sure to invite a chuckle or two.



The subject of homelessness is less frequently used to promote humour. Having said that, Woodland Scenics' 'Hobo' set does feature a number of seemingly carefree homeless chaps having a hoot travelling the rails for free! But it's much more usual for models of people down on their luck to be used to add a gritty realism to derelict or park scenes. The 'Homeless man on bench' and 'Homeless woman with shopping trolley' sets by Preiser really manage to capture the sadness of the scene.



Gypsies and travellers are two other demographics that some may be hesitant to model. But why not? after all, true gypsies take immense pride in the presentation of their wagons and caravans, and modelling one will certainly add a spot of colour to an otherwise plain country lane. Ancorton's horse-drawn gypsy caravan kit is ideal for creating a gypsy themed scene, but be warned, it doesn't include the horse!



If you are an N gauge modeller, you'll be pleased to hear that you have not been forgotten either. Just take a look at Woodland Scenics' N scale 'Hobo' set, Gaugemaster's Kestrel Design 'Crime Scenes' set or Langley's 'Gypsy Caravan, Horse & Figures' set (this time including the horse!).



Whether you're looking to add a spot of humour or gritty realism to your layout, gypsies, tramps or thieves are a good place to start!

• When weathering, is an airbrush or a regular brush best?
• What's the difference between an AC and DC auxiliary port?
• Is black the best wash colour to use?
• What is the minimum space required to install an N gauge incline?
• Are electrofrog points better than insulfrog points?
• What is a caliper?
• What is the difference between a standard power clip and a digital power clip?
• How to fit drivers in locomotives
• What is an electrical relay?

• Peco Lever switches in the PL range
• Wills Kits SS41 Feather Edge Fencing OO gauge
• Gaugemaster GM409 Fordhampton Detached Mock Georgian House OO gauge
• Ratio 460 GWR Home Signal (square post) OO gauge
• Kestrel Designs GMKD1000 Set of three Town Station Buildings N gauge
• Auhagen 41618 Signal Point Indicators HO gauge
• Woodland Scenics PF5189 Public pavilion with working light HO gauge
• Javis PW4DB Dark brown urban walling OO gauge
• Wills Kits CK13 Craftsman Series - Country Inn OO gauge
• Dapol C038 Brake Van kit OO gauge

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