News from your model shop - 19th June 2022
sendNewsletterForm.php (GIF Image, 3 × 3 pixels)
Modellings tips and answers - Working signals - Videos

Hello

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

Feel free to send this newsletter to your friends, family and club members if you think they will benefit from it. They can subscribe for free.


This week in history

On Wednesday 21st June 1972, French pilot Jean Boulet set out to achieve a world record in aviation. Intriguingly, by the end of the day, he would have achieved a second, unintended record quite by accident. Flying an Aerospatiale SA-315B Lama, Boulet set a new altitude record for helicopter flight reaching a height of 40,820 feet (12,415 metres). Unfortunately, on his return, his engine flamed out and could not be restarted. Nonetheless, Boulet managed to 'autorotate' all the way to the ground, subsequently making a safe landing. Thus, not only did he set the highest altitude record for a helicopter but also set the record for the highest emergency recovery back to the ground in the same flight; both records still stand to this day.




Tool of the week

The Expotools 2 mm Pin Pusher is a useful tool for any modeller requiring to secure track in position on a baseboard. The pusher head is magnetised ensuring that any pins are securely held in place during the securing process, thus negating the need for hammers which could damage the railway track. The Pin Pusher is very versatile and can be used on a wide range of modelling projects, including plank-on-frame, period ships, where there will be a requirement to pin hull planks and frames in place. The applicator is designed with utility in mind. It is narrow and long ensuring that it can get into a wide range of locations including those that could be otherwise difficult to reach.



The future's light!

With the passing of time, the 'modern image' railway is gradually becoming the good old days of many modellers, many of whom are turning to colour light signals to recreate what was around during their childhood. But where do you start when it comes to sourcing credible models in OO gauge?

Not too long ago, the choice was simple and Hornby's plug and play working signal lights were the 'go to' for most proud train set owners. But nowadays, we demand something a little more sophisticated, something a little less bulky, and certainly, something more realistic, and that's where the likes of Eckon, Berko and Train-Tech come in.

Eckon and Berko (now one company) produce a decent range of ready-to-plant 12v DC colour light signals, ideal for analogue layouts. Their OO gauge range includes a choice of round or square heads with two-aspect home or distant signal options, along with a shorter post version for use as a platform starter.

All signals come with a built-in resistor, so you needn't worry about damaging the LEDs. Details on the signals are very good and include ladders, lampshades, handrails, a service platform, a dummy signal telephone and a sturdy base.



Of course, Berko signals can also be used with a DCC layout if you wish, but you'll still require a separate 12v DC power supply to operate them. Train-Tech has managed to avoid this necessity by producing a range of colour light signals specifically designed to be compatible with DCC. The signals attach directly to the track using either the integrated power clip or wires, the choice is yours. Programming is easy thanks to the 'One Touch' technology that facilitates the operation of the signals via your controller's keypad. Most of the signals come fully assembled but some of the included detailing such as ladders and phones are supplied on a separate sprue and require attachment.

Again, signal types are varied and cover most eventualities, including two-aspect lights with red/green, red/yellow and yellow/green options. There's a three aspect signal with red/yellow/green LEDs and a double-head starter signal ideal for platforms or more complicated track layouts. There are even signal kits for those who prefer to construct their own signals. Kits contain parts to build the same style signals as the ready-to-go types and include a two, three or four aspect build option, however, it should be noted that the included LEDs are only two-aspect to get you started and there is no decoder included so they are not suitable for DCC and further work may be required if you desire more aspects to be operational.







For modellers who desire slightly less singing and dancing, there are numerous dummy kits available portraying colour light signals. But don't be mistaken into thinking that the word 'dummy' equates to a lack of detail. Knightwing's signal kit offers a choice of three or four-aspect heads and includes shunt signals, phones and ladders to create up to four signals that suit your needs.

If you require a signal that's halfway between working and dummy, it's once again Train-Tech that rises to the challenge. Their 'Self Assembly Signal Kit' is unique in the versatility it provides. In the pack, you are provided with a post, ladders, two, three or four-aspect head choices and a phone etc. Where this kit differs, is in its hollow construction with a post, heads and lens holes that will accommodate wiring and LEDs should you wish. That, combined with the extent to which the signal's parts are broken down makes the kit an attractive option for modellers wishing to create signals to place on a gantry or platform canopy. A word to the wise though, if you have never created a light signal from scratch before, a little research before you start is well-advised as most LEDs require a resistor to protect them from overload.




Modelling tips

We keep on adding modelling tips to our website. Here are the latest ones: 
Or you can (re-) discover these previous ones:

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.

Events and exhibitions

Find all the latest events and exhibitions for the model railway world, on the UK Model Shop Events directory. Hopefully, 2022 will give us plenty of opportunities to attend events all over the country.

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!

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
http://www.trainshop.co.uk or find us on Facebook

If for some reason you do not want to receive this newsletter anymore, click this link to unsubscribe