News from your model shop - 4th September 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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While some modellers prefer to model the picturesque and idyllic, others have a fondness for grimy suburbs and industry. There is absolutely nothing wrong with either, or any other preference for that matter, but there does seem to be a growing appetite for the latter which has led to the production of many models and scenic items dedicated to giving your diorama a less than idyllic appearance.

Not least of these is a range of OO gauge, three-metre long photographic backscenes (by ID Backscenes) that concentrate less on the lush green valleys and rolling countryside we're used to seeing and more on the backdrops of townscapes and industry. Examples include a retail park featuring a number of well known retailers as well as an extensive adjacent municipal building, a distribution depot featuring an expanse of wasteland in the foreground and Brighton docks featuring a busy quayside loaded with items of freight.



ID Backscenes also produces a particularly industrial-looking power station complete with cooling tower and chimneys. This pack has the added advantage of an 'extension' backscene being offered separately to give a continuous scene of up to six metres.

As well as unidyllic backscenes, buildings that display a gritty suburban reality are becoming increasing popular too and we are no longer confined to pretty country pubs and quaint bakeries. An excellent example of this is Metcalfe's low-relief card kits of a tower block and 'London stock' yellow brick town house.



If you model in N gauge, there's great news because everything talked about so far is available in 1:148 scale too! And the even better news is that the backscenes, although scaled down, still measure three metres long thanks to extended scenes, so you get more bang for your buck!

• How can I safely use an airbrush?
• What painting options do I have for weathering a model aircraft cockpit?
• What are the best options for cutting tracks?
• Why do some couplings have different arm heights and lengths?
• Which paints are best used to paint OO/HO metal figures?

• Which turnouts are most realistic on a model railway layout?
• What is a 'Crab' steam locomotive?
• How do I know if my paint is too old?
• In model railways, what are code 60 rails used for?
• What is a bogie sulphate wagon?

• Busch 1522 Rabbit Hutch and Kennels - HO Gauge
• Airfix J6010 Quickbuild Challenger Tank in desert colours
• Dapol C061 Static model of a City Class - OO Gauge
• Auhagen 41199 Benches Kit - HO Gauge
• Ratio 224 Signal Box Interior Fittings Kit - N Gauge

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