News from your model shop - 25th September 2022

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.

On these long, hot and busy summer days, it's great just to slip away for a few hours to somewhere cooler and more tranquil.  Why not head down to the river and wash away all the stresses of the world with a quiet and reflective afternoon of fishing from a tree-shaded riverbank?  Perhaps a gentle stroll down to the weeping willows to feed the ducks and swans; or just an enjoyable afternoon mucking about in boats?  There is a wide scope of choices for those modellers who long to create an idyllic and peaceful river feature on their layout or diorama.  Some modellers may have held back for fear of the perceived complexity of creating any water feature, but with the right products, even the novice modeller can now create stunning and realistic water features on their layout.  The River/Waterfall learning kit from Woodland Scenics is a great place to start as it contains all the components to create a wide variety of water effects.   The same company also produces a 16oz 'Realistic Water' product, ideal for those wishing to go further downstream with their water features.  What better way to integrate your layout's scenery with your burgeoning watercourse than the addition of some OO gauge Weeping Willow trees from Gaugemaster to add a landward counterpoint to the ebb and flow of the river?



Backscenes are a long-established means by which a modeller can integrate the foreground layout into a corresponding and complementary mid-range or distant panorama.  This gives the observer the perspective of a far-reaching vista whilst allowing the modeller to effectively work within the economies of available space!  Peco produces a wide range of stunning backscenes that can easily integrate into a wide selection of environments.  For modellers working with tight spacial requirements the 'Country with river' backscene allows for a foreground river to blend seamlessly into the far distance.  The 'Medium Mountain Lake' by the same company offers variety for modellers looking to have a differing backdrop.  Both of these options are painted and are especially useful for modellers looking for a simple and cheap solution.  For those with more space to develop their backdrop then the Peco 'River Valley' photographic backscene could be a very good option.  All of the backscene options discussed have the added advantage that they are not scale-specific and so can combine with dioramas or layouts of any gauge.



Now we are well on the way to establishing a river or similar watercourse let's look at some options at bringing it to life.  A number of different companies have produced water-craft of varying descriptions, many of these would blend in well on a river-based layout.  The 'Painted single river punt' by Langley would be an ideal scene-setter for a day spent gently gliding by on the river.  For those looking for a more practical watercraft for all occasions then look no further than the 'Two wooden rowing boats' by Harburn Hamlet.  These could easily be used actively by a Waterman or could add detail to a jetty or landing stage.  Look no further than Woodland Scenics' 'Canoers' for those wishing to add a sense of adventure and discovery to their layout.  The two canoes/kayaks crewed by their intrepid adventurers would add an eye-catching feature to any river scenario.  These three sets are just an example of the wide variety of options available for those looking to model a river-based layout in OO/HO gauge.



For those wishing to model in N Gauge, there is a good selection of items to integrate into any water-based environment.  What better way to spend a day than a spot of fishing by the riverbank, the '6 Painted fishermen' by Langley can simply and effectively recreate this tranquil and relaxing pastime.  For those looking to explore then hop aboard the '72 Foot Industrial Motor Boat' by Langley before it soon departs downriver.  To add that defining touch of wildlife on the river then why not integrate the 'Painted Waterfowl' set by the same company?  The four duck and four swans included in the set will create an interesting visual counterpoint to other activities and the integration of passers-by to feed them bread will create another interesting vignette adding further depth and interest to any layout.  Never modelled a water feature before?  The options have never been better for beginners or for more experienced modellers looking to add variety to a layout.  Why not take the plunge and create a stunning water feature on your next layout?

• How do I use Vallejo Liquid Mask?
• Are there alternatives to using scatter when creating surface vegetation?
• How do I attach a horse and rider figure to my layout?
• How do I paint realistic brickwork or pavements on a scale model?
• What is meant by start voltage?

• What is Sandite?
• Why do some N gauge tracks have irregularly spaced sleepers?
• What is a wash used for?
• 5 ways you can damage your model railway track
• Do plastic model plane kits come with plinths?

• Tamiya 61033 Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Vb 1:48 Scale
• Noch 15561 Humorous Figure Set (Toilet Break) HO Gauge
• Ratio 547 Coaling Tower Kit - OO Gauge
• Airfix J6019 Quickbuild Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4
• Kibri 38155 Recycling Centre / Refuse Site - HO Gauge

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