News from your model shop - 10th April 2022

Hello

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

With so many modelling aids, gadgets, widgets and formulas out there to help us in our quest to build a fantastic layout, it's not surprising that some of them slip under the radar, especially ones that serve a niche purpose. And that's a shame because there's a plethora of products and potions out there to help us find solutions to problems both great and small.

Just about any accomplished modeller will testify that good electrical connections are key to a successful model railway, however, not everybody has the natural ability or dexterity to solder. For those that struggle, there are a number of solutions, one of which is called Wire Glue. Wire Glue is a type of glue that conducts electricity and can be used to either join wires or create an electrical connection between components. It is not a miracle product that will see an end to electrical connectors and soldering, but it does have dozens of uses and is a handy pot for anybody who doesn't like soldering to have in their toolbox!

If creating electrical connections that can be plugged and unplugged at will is a problem that you're trying to solve, you may be interested to know that there's a type of terminal block that plugs together. You simply use screw terminals to connect wires to opposing male and female blocks and you can then plug and unplug your circuit as desired. They are rated at 6amps so they're ideal for use on model railways.

If you are looking for a way to connect power between your tracks, the quickest and simplest way is to use a set of link wires with Hornby-style power clips attached. Most modellers know what a Hornby power clip looks like because the majority of starter sets have one in the box, but did you also know that those clips are used in some link wire sets too? Of course, there's no substitute for a good soldered join when it comes to a permanently sited layout, but for occasional layouts (or to test out wiring theories before you solder) link wire sets are ideal.



Are you using the best glue for your balsa wood parts? We often hear about the best adhesive to use for plastics and white metal, but what about modellers who use lesser common balsa wood as a modelling material? If you are sticking wood on wood, try Balsa Cement. This quick-drying transparent formula just loves the porous surface of balsa and other woods and is a favoured choice for many who've already tried it.

How do you get model buildings, figures, wagon loads or components to temporarily stay in place without glue? The solution to this problem is often Blu Tack, double-sided sticky tape or magnets. But have you considered using Tacky Wax instead? This waxy yet sticky substance is ideal for holding smaller models in place and can be removed at any time and with no fuss or residue.

Have you ever struggled to stick parts together using cyanoacrylate (super glue)? It surprises many to know that cyanoacrylate doesn't stick to some of the harder plastics used on models. Tricky Stick is a type of glue primer that will facilitate the adhesion of glue to even the slipperiest of plastic surfaces.



Fancy operating your railway from an app on your phone? but don't want the expense or hassle of converting to DCC? Hornby's HM6000 App-Based Analogue Control unit is the solution. Each unit is capable of controlling two DC circuits and the accompanying app will take care of many features similar to DCC such as acceleration and maximum speeds. The app also comes with a track building program and a mixture of pre-installed locomotive sounds, although these will obviously not originate from the models. The app is capable of operating up to four HM6000 units meaning a maximum of eight tracks can be controlled from one tablet or phone.

If you like the sound of getting a bit more technical, but without the need for wiring, take a look at Train-Tech's sound capsules. Most modellers are aware by now that you can get these for locomotives, but did you know you can also get them for coaches and wagons? The little battery-operated speakers are motion activated and require nothing more than locating somewhere within the bodyshell of your coach or wagon. The coaching stock capsule supplies sound effects such as wheel squeal, doors slamming and a guard's whistle while the wagon capsule is designed to make the clunks and bangs associated with shunting movements.



Do you find yourself spending hours holding kit parts together while the glue dries? A lightweight model clamp will do the job for you! Expotools' Ratchet Bar Clamp has a jaw capacity of 100mm and can be reversed, meaning it can apply pressure to either hold parts together or support them apart depending on your project's requirements.

If you have to cut foam or polystyrene to create scenic features on your layout, there's no doubt that a hot wire cutter is the best way to achieve clean and tidy results. Expotools' entry-level Hot Wire and Polystyrene Cutter is battery operated so is handy for use in remote locations. It is powered by 4 AA batteries (not included), cuts to a depth of 21 cm, and has a throat opening of 6 cm making it ideal for most modelling applications.

Well, it's time for this newsletter to finally hit the buffers. But of course, that would never have happened had we installed a OO gauge Train-Tech buffer stop light that requires no wiring or soldering, can be used with DC or DCC layouts and simply attaches directly to the track! Just saying.....

• What is an automated shuttle system?
• In railways, what does MGR stand for?
• What are cross-lock tweezers?
• Is there a quick way to clean model train wheels?
• Should I cut tracks vertically or horizontally when using track cutters?
• How much ballast do I need for my model railway?
• What is a good age for a child's first layout?
• Do some modellers use crayons to weather?
• What is a sheet rail on a wagon?
• Can you run a model train from batteries?

• Noch 17810 Steam Engine Locomotive Drivers O gauge
• ICM 32103 German Luftwaffe Cadets (1939-1945) 1/32 Scale
• Kestrel Designs GMKD08 Country Station kit N gauge
• Woodland Scenics PF5192 Set of two water-pump windmills and accessories HO gauge
• Auhagen 41616 Trunking (cover and drawback boxes) HO gauge
• Ratio 476 LMS Round Post Signals kit - includes junction/bracket types OO gauge
• MiniArt 35632 Set of 18x wooden barrels 1:35 scale
• Peco NB-16 Platform shelter and huts kit N gauge
• Ancorton 95871 Gypsy Caravan laser cut kit OO gauge
• Train-Tech BL1 Wire-free working buffer stop light - OO gauge

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