When it comes to detailing a layout there are a lot of different aspects to consider.  The choices of buildings and rolling stock will inevitably be driven by specific decisions or by the preferences of the modeller and the timeline and location in question.  These factors may influence the decision of which manufacturer the modeller will choose to use.  Most manufacturers are known for specialising in specific subject matters, whether it be buildings, vehicles or figures.  Others are perhaps a little more difficult to pin down, in that their specific ranges cover a variety of subject matter.  One such company is the German manufacturer Auhagen, which has rightly developed a reputation for versatility and quality in the diversity of its products suitable for OO/HO Gauge projects.

Figure sets can add a lot to a layout but sometimes additional items are needed to create a level of realism in a particular scenario.  The  Workshop Equipment  set does not contain figures but supplies a modeller with a good range of items that would be used to populate a busy workshop environment.  Similarly, the  Accessory Pack for Building set has a significant range of items that could be used to add detail to a builder's yard or to a building site.  Likewise, the  Treasure Chest No.2 Accessory Pack could easily be used in combination with either or both of the preceding sets to add additional detail to an industrial scene or other similar scenarios.

One aspect of scene development that sometimes gets overlooked and taken for granted is the establishment of property boundaries such as the humble fence or wall.  The  Fences and Gates pack is a useful solution for modellers looking to erect a boundary, with a range of items including ornate fences, municipal barriers, slatted wooden fences and even a pair of ornate Japanese torii gates.  For those looking for larger boundaries, the  Chain Link Fence  would be a good option for a security Fence, as might be used to keep pedestrians from wandering onto the trackside area.  The  Stone Wall  set allows for a more substantive boundary and with its individual wall sections and columns it can be adapted well to unusually shaped environments.

Another aspect of scene element creation that can be tricky to develop is municipal signage, such as road signs and signs for facilities in urban areas.  The  Road Signs  set represents a very practical approach to this issue in that it contains 780 individual signs with appropriate signposts for a variety of pan-european environments including the UK.  Another aspect of the diverse Auhagen catalogue is its selection of useful and practical building kits.  The  Small Sheds kit can be used to produce either two small sheds or alternatively, the components can be kit-bashed into providing one larger structure.  The  Construction Trailers and Portaloos  set could be a useful addition to a number of scenarios such as building or roadworks, by providing the resident labourers with all the essential support and creature comforts needed for working on long construction projects.

Another aspect of scene development covered by Auhagen is the provision of surface materials that will allow a modeller to scratch-build a number of authentic and bespoke surfaces and buildings.  The  Wood Shingle  plastic sheet is 200 x 100mm and recreates a suitable texture for use as the roof of an outbuilding or a country cottage.  Corrugated metal is another material that lends itself well as a roofing or building material for scratch-building projects.  The  Corrugated Iron Reddish Brown  is a plastic sheet 200 x 100mm that is sturdy but flexible and will allow the modeller to easily develop rusting or other weathering effects.  In a similar vein, the  Brick Wall  card sheet can be used for a number of layout constructions, including buildings, walls, tunnels and embankments.  The card is 220 x 100mm and has pre-coloured effects, meaning that it is ready to use but can also be weathered if required.

In addition to the items presented here, Auhagen also produces backscenes, pylons, telegraph poles and storage boxes for both locomotives and wagons.  The quality and variety of items in the Auhagen catalogue help to ensure that they are likely to be a regular source of items and inspiration for many modellers.  Although they are a German manufacturer, the vast majority of items they produce will be perfectly at home on a British-themed layout. 

 

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