News from your model shop - 14th May 2023

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Now that spring is finally here and summer is just around the corner, it's time to step outside and enjoy the good weather.  Hopefully, weather permitting, that means plenty of outdoor fun for all the family and what better way to enjoy a great day outdoors than a day at the Funfair!  As a result, we are looking at a range of options available to modellers to create the thrills and spills of the funfair on a OO/HO gauge layout.

Interestingly, adding a funfair to a layout can add a significant level of appeal.  Many scene elements, whether they be plastic or card-based kits are essentially static, they add a level of appeal and detail that is in keeping with and adds to the overall theme of the layout.  With a funfair, this can be taken to another level as many of the rides and attractions can be lit and motorised, thus bringing a significant level of extra appeal and engagement for those viewing the layout.  For instance, the German manufacturer Faller produces a range of funfair-themed kits that model well-known fairground rides, such as the Break Dance Roundabout, the Fairground Swingboat and the Jungle Train Roundabout.  These kits are supplied not only with the colourful components and decor to be expected of Funfair rides but also with a drive motor to supply that extra bit of realism.  The Fairground Swingboat has the added benefit of having LED lights.



Similarly, Faller also produces the Musik Express Roundabout and the Children's Merry-Go-Round, both of which are motorised.  Some Funfairs may have a Ferris wheel to help the visitors gain a bird's eye view of the event.  The Fordhampton Eye, by Gaugemaster, is the ideal way to add a Ferris wheel to the funfair.  This kit can be assembled as a static or free-turning item.  The kit can also be motorised and there is also the option to add a special lighting kit to it as well, although neither of these items are provided with the kit and will have to be procured separately.



Funfairs tend to draw in a wide range of activities and events, many reflecting a sense of nostalgia such as a steam fair.  One way to reflect this diversity in a layout may be to add a series of steam traction engines.   The Fowler B6 by Oxford is a diecast vehicle that will lend an interesting and colourful counterpoint to the Funfair rides and amusements.  Inevitably the visitors to the Funfair are likely to become a little peckish as the day draws on.  Luckily suitable refreshments are at hand in the shape of the Fairground Ice Cream kiosk and the Sweets Stall, both by Preiser.



There's nothing quite like a funfair to create a sense of yesteryear and some of this sense is epitomised in the diverse activities to be found at hand such as the Organ Grinder and the Fairground Shooting Gallery, both by Preiser.  Inevitably, creating a funfair can be a hugely interesting and rewarding way to add interest to a layout.  The sheer diversity of the activities at hand can create an impressive spectacle for any observer.  However, there remains one further ingredient to truly bring this spectacle to life, namely, customers.  Luckily there is a good selection of funfair-themed figure sets to choose from that will fit seamlessly into the mix such as the Fairground Visitors figure set by Faller.  This set contains 36 figures, young and old alike in a variety of poses ready to integrate into our Funfair and truly bring it to life.


Creating a funfair can be a hugely effective and rewarding way to add another dimension to a layout.  The size of the funfair can be large or small as size and concept demand, from small village fairs to huge travelling funfairs.  Inevitably, the diverse attractions associated with a funfair will add an eye-catching level of colour to a layout and the ability to motorise and perhaps illuminate certain elements of the event will create a great level of interest and enjoyment for any observer. 

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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.