News from your model shop - 26th February 2023

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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 are many different types of scene elements that can be included in a layout in order to give it a real-world look.  One of those is to develop the landscape or terrain to be included in the layout so that it is not all at the same level.  This can be achieved by incorporating hills and valleys.  Inevitably, the contours of the landscape will dictate the route to be taken by the track, in order to best navigate areas of variable terrain.  For a new modeller, this can be a taxing challenge but also a highly rewarding one as it helps to develop new skills such as planning and building tunnels and bridges.

The route taken by the track to a bridge may not always be straight and can result in an increase or decrease in elevation.  One way to manage these issues is to incorporate a specific bespoke foam set such as the 2% Incline/Decline foam set by Woodland Scenics.  This set is flexible and modular, meaning that it can adapt to a variety of track paths and be as big or small as the modeller requires.  Woodland Scenics produce a number of incline options between 2-4% allowing a modeller flexibility in matching an option that best suits their particular requirements.  Likewise, when it comes to building a bridge, sometimes taking a modular approach is a good idea.  The viaduct Stone Piers by Wills kits can be adapted to match the terrain and can be used by modellers with a specific span in mind or those who are looking to develop scratch-build options in OO/HO Gauge.  For those looking to model a simple or basic river crossing then the Fordhampton Bridge by Gaugemaster is a very versatile option in OO/HO Gauge.  This has the advantage of being a simple but detailed kit that can easily be incorporated into the landscape and painted and weathered as required.



Many manufacturers build simplicity and versatility into their bridge kits, such as the Victorian Bridge in OO/HO Gauge by Wills Kits.  This can be used by modellers looking for a simple option for either rail or road traffic as required.  For OO/HO Gauge modellers looking to develop this theme a little further, then the River/Canal Bridge by the same manufacturer will allow them to incorporate a bridge that is sturdy and substantial but also elegant enough to develop significant visual appeal to the layout.  For many modellers, developing a contemporary visual counterpoint within the layout is a very desirable requirement.  A simple but visually appealing way to manage this might be to incorporate a canal and towpath running alongside the track.  The Canal Lift Bridge kit by Craftline allows a modeller to integrate a small cantilever pivoting bridge which is both practical and visually appealing.



Bridges come in all sizes and configurations, as dictated by the obstacle they are intending to cross.  For the most simplistic cases then a ready-made solution may suffice, such as the Footbridge, by Harburn Hamlet in N Gauge which will be ideal for a small path or cycle track crossing a stream or brook.  At the other end of the scale, we have some very significant constructions, such as the  Single track arched steel bridge by Kibri in OO/HO Gauge.  This can be utilised to cross a busy road or significant waterway.  The bridge is a modular unit, so with further kits a significant construction can be completed, bridging a much wider gap.  Taking a similar approach is the Truss Girder Bridge with Stone piers, by Ratio in N Gauge.  The piers included in this kit allow this structure to effectively bridge a much more significant geographical feature, such as a ravine or deep river valley.  Designed to be a modular option, this can, if required, be incorporated with additional spans and trestles from the Ratio range allowing it to achieve much further reach.



Continuing the modular theme, the Footbridge by Ratio in OO/HO Gauge allows a modeller to integrate an essential crossing point for passengers at a station, this kit is simple but also elegant and as such will add visual appeal to a busy station scene.  Modellers can also add further functionality to a bridge by adding practical items such as the Arched Cast Iron Street Lights by Woodland Scenics in N Gauge.  Additionally, the aesthetics of a bridge can be further enhanced by adding small but noticeable decorative features such as the Bridge Statue Figure by Preiser in OO/HO Gauge.



A bridge is an essential geographical feature in many layouts.  It can either be directly incorporated into the course of the track or as a simple or epic visual counterpoint to the track, used to develop the theme of the layout.  As we have seen, many manufacturers produce their bridge kits in modular form which is a pragmatic approach, allowing the modeller to develop the scope of a bridge as best suits the terrain.  Whether simple or complex in approach, a bridge is a great way to develop visual impact and practical usage into a layout.

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• Wills Kits SS70 Corrugated Iron Chapel OO/HO Gauge
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You can access all the unboxing videos by visiting this page or simply click on the link called "videos" on our website.