News from your model shop - 11th June 2023

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.

Many layouts will have a station of some description functioning as part of the layout theme.  Large stations are invariably busy affairs and as a result have a lot of activity in and around them to create a significant level of visual interest.  However, a large station is not a feasible option for all modellers.  Space considerations can mitigate against them, also some modellers may wish to depict a more rural environment for which a large station would not be practical or desirable.  In both of these instances, modelling a small station or a halt can be a very effective way of adding features that are in keeping with the layout theme, whilst at the same time being visually appealing. 

Based on the Great Western Railway (GWR) station building at Castle Cary in Somerset, the Station Building kit by Ratio Models is a good place to start and is an ideal basis for modellers to build their Station around.  Likewise, the same manufacturer offers a more compact option with their Wayside Station kit, which also includes a ticket office, waiting room and WC.  For those modellers looking to develop a rural branch line, then the Wayside Halt Platform by Knight Wing would be a good option.  All of these items are produced in OO/HO Gauge.



Once the basic infrastructure of the station or halt has been established, the Modeller can then look to develop it further by adding various complementary layout theme items.  The GWR Station Seat & Barrows and the Small Station Name Board sets by Langley Models will help bring the Station to life by establishing further layers of detail.  Likewise, the Platform Accessories Steam era set by Model Scene will help add authentic, contemporary details to the development of the Station.  All of these items are produced in OO/HO Gauge.



Small stations and halts were a critical component for many rural communities and their appearance was a matter of immense civic pride.  The Diamond Flower Bed by Harburn Hamlet is an ideal addition to modellers looking to develop this aspect of rural life.  Similarly, the station was critical for the distribution of essential commodities to rural populations and what better way to model this than the provision of the Milk Churns Set by Peco.  Inevitably, rural communities were highly adept at making use of whatever resources came to hand.  The Grounded Goods Van by Ratio Models adds that extra bit of character and visual interest by lending itself to the role of the stationmaster's storage shed and tool room.



We have previously seen how we can add interest to a small station in OO/HO Gauge.  We can also develop the theme in N Gauge, which shares many similar elements.  The 'Telephone Boxes' set by Gaugemaster ensures that any travellers alighting at a rural station can arrange onward transportation.  Adding further visual interest can be easily achieved with a few additional scene elements, such as the 'Lineside Huts' set by Ratio Models.  Travel posters, advertising interesting destinations can be added to the station for extra realism.  The LNER Travel Posters is one example of a range of colourful period artwork and is supplied by Gaugemaster in the form of a sheet of stickers that can be applied to station noticeboards.



Small stations or halts can be a very effective way to develop scene elements on a small or rural-themed layout.  Inevitably they are economical with space and with a few careful thought-out additions can be visually appealing as they accurately reflect the rich panoply, yet simplicity of life in period rural communities.  Why not add a small station or halt to your next Layout?

• What is the most effective adhesive to use to secure grass and other similar scatter to a layout or diorama?
• To be realistic, should I install a weighbridge in my goods yard?
• Should I wear a facemask when sanding resin kit parts?
• What tools are especially useful at holding model assemblies together whilst adhesives set?
• What is the most effective way to create a section of tunnel in the landscape on my layout?

• What are the benefits of washing plastic kit parts?
• Are cheap hobby knives any good?
• What is a caliper?
• What is a 1Co Co1 wheel arrangement?
• What is the correct height for OO gauge couplings?

• Amtech C0100 Mini Pipe Cutter
• Ratio Models 513 Provender Goods Store OO/HO Gauge
• Bandai R01205 AT-AT (All Terrain Armoured Transport) Star Wars vehicle in 1:144 Scale

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