News from your model shop - 2nd April 2023

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Inevitably, developing the theme of a layout is an important aspect of layout planning as layout elements may well dictate the size and shape of the track and what locomotives and rolling stock will operate on it.  An important aspect of theme development is what buildings to include and whether they should be in kit form or ready-made.  Building kits, whether card or plastic in nature can add a lot of visual detail to a layout and can be a very rewarding aspect of building the layout.  On the other hand, in the case of a busy or complex layout, assembling buildings can be a time-consuming practice.  Luckily, there is a large selection of items available when it comes to incorporating ready-made buildings into a layout.  This can have significant practical benefits for new modellers who may not wish to spend significant time and resources on kit assembly.  Additionally, for those on a tight timeline, ready-made buildings offer a quick and practical solution.

The Fuel Storage Tank by Bachmann in OO/HO Gauge is a good example of the benefits of a ready-made kit.  Highly detailed and weathered, it already has significant visual impact and utility and will help to develop an industrial-based theme.  Additionally, it can also be included with similar items and a pump-house from the same manufacturer in order to create a much larger installation.  Likewise, from the same manufacturer, we have the Hampton Station Booking Office also in OO/HO Gauge.  The added advantage in this case, is that the building has a ready made lighting system for added functionality.  The Watermill, likewise by Bachmann is a highly detailed building that can be used to help populate an industrial scene by a weir or river for OO/HO Gauge Modellers.  



Some essential buildings can be integrated directly into the running of the layout, others are present purely for aesthetic purposes.  For modellers who like their curries then integrating the Low-relief 'Balti Towers' into a layout adds a certain culinary appeal.  Likewise, in another similar case of 'Art imitating life' the Model Centre shop can be used to add homespun appeal.  Both buildings are by Bachmann, the former in OO/HO Gauge, the latter in N Gauge.  The North Eastern Railway Weighbridge by Hornby is a good option for OO/HO Gauge modellers looking to develop an industrial theme.



The Corrugated Hut with log store by Harburn Hamlet in OO/HO Gauge can serve a number of uses, both in a lineside or allotment setting.  It has the advantage of being compact, highly detailed and weathered to enhance visual appeal.  The Snack Bar by Bachmann is one of those features that can quickly and easily add real-world perspective.  Whether in a station car park, roadside lay-by or an industrial park.  If the latter is the case then it could easily be used in combination with the Low-relief Railway Arches also by Bachmann.  Both items are available to modellers in N Gauge and are typical of those items that can quickly and easily be used to develop a visual theme for a layout.



When it comes to iconic buildings with history readily incorporated, then few say it better than the venerable Nissan Hut!  The Nissen Hut by Graham Farish can lend itself easily to any number of wartime, or post-war uses.  Entirely functional and with few frills, the weathered Nissen Hut clearly carries the patina of a bygone era, easily adding a quirky but eminently practical nostalgia to a layout.  Also by Graham Farish is the Sheffield Park Waiting Room with toilet.  This is a smart and compact solution for those modellers who may be looking to develop a small station on a quiet country branch line.  Continuing that branch line theme, the Allotment by Harburn Hamlet is a simple and effective solution to add a little rustic appeal to the layout.  These last three buildings are good examples of what is readily available for the N gauge modeller to incorporate into their layout.



Ready-made buildings are a practical solution for many modellers, especially those looking to develop a layout quickly or perhaps for those whose layout is rural in nature and who may wish to achieve quick visual impact with fewer buildings.  Why not consider a ready-made approach to your next project?

• How can I best create wet road surfaces and pavements on my layout to simulate a rainy day?
• How can I easily model working streetlamps?
• What are my options for simulating running water on a layout?
• How can I join Code 75 and 100 track segments on the same layout?
• Do I need to use a Surge Protector on my DCC layout?

• What is a trailing goods yard?
• How do I know if my paint is too old?
• Are there alternatives to using scatter when creating surface vegetation?
• What is a bolster wagon?
• Which scale aircraft are closest to N gauge?

• Metcalfe PO514 Greenhouse OO/HO Gauge
• Peco 5135 Thornycroft 4 Ton Lorry OO/HO Gauge
• Bachmann MM025 LED Work Light

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