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Modellings tips and answers - Modelling a backyard - Videos

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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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This week in history

On the 13th January 1931, Kalman Kando (the father of the electric train) passed away. Kalman was a pioneering Hungarian engineer responsible for the development of three-phase AC electric motors and generators for use on railway locomotives. After achieving an earlier success on a tramway in France, Kalman used the technology on the Ferrovia della Valtellina railway line in Italy to successfully converted it to AC operation with services commencing in 1902 using RA 34 Class locomotives.

Tool of the week

This week's tool of the week is an easy clean airbrush. This high quality metal-bodied airbrush comes with its own storage case, a 2ml dual action gravity feed colour cup and removable nozzle cap for easy cleaning. The airbrush can comfortably achieve paint pattern widths of between 0.5 and 30mm and will work at operating pressures of between 10 and 50psi. It can be connected to any compressor or air can with a 5mm connector.

Not in my backyard!

The truth is, when it comes to model railways, back gardens are very rarely modelled with any great gusto. And why should they be, after all, usually they are out of sight so out of mind, and that's totally understandable. However, some modellers who wish to recreate actual locations may find themselves with no choice, because in real life, many back gardens back onto the railway. But with such little conversation surrounding the subject, what can be done to model an effective back garden?

Surprisingly, there's a seemingly disproportionate number of models out there covering the subject in OO gauge, and that's great news for backyard modellers. Creating a successful back garden follows the same basic principles as other scenes on a layout. Firstly, the scene needs to be created. Secondly, evidence of activity should be installed. The scene itself is no problem, neatly cultivated lawns can be replicated using grass mats, there are many models suitable for use as garden fencing, such as Wills Kits' Feather Edge Board Fencing, and there seem to be more choices of garden sheds on the shelves than engine sheds. Add a few planters, and your basic garden will be starting to take shape.

Now that you have a sound foundation for a back garden diorama, it's time to start thinking about the people who live there. In real life, each back garden is unique and shows as much personality as the homeowners who use and care for it. Thinking about each imaginary household and their lives will help you to come up with ideas for their garden. Older residents, for example, are more likely to have the time and passion to install flowerbeds or a vegetable patch, while a younger families' home may well feature more garden furniture or kid's toys. Once you have thought about what kind of garden you wish to create, you can start the search for the models needed, and the chances are you will find them too with a substantial choice out there that includes everything garden related from plants, flowers and barbecues to garden furniture, washing lines and swing sets.

It may not be something you'll hear too often in a DIY Centre TV advert, but, modelling a successful garden in your loft, spare room or garage, really is easy!

Modelling tips

We keep on adding modelling tips to our website. Here are the latest ones:

You can read all the articles sorted by categories or from the most recent published one on our website.

Unboxing videos

You want to know what is inside the boxes of modelling products? We open them for you! Subscribe to our YouTube channel to be notified before everyone else or simply click on this selection:

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

Events and exhibitions

Find all the latest events and exhibitions for the model railway world, on the UK Model Shop Events directory. Hopefully, 2024 will give us plenty of opportunities to attend events all over the country.

Do you need to order?

Send us an email or give us a call to check availability or to reserve anything, whatever scale you model in. As usual, if we do not have in stock what you are looking for, we will order it for you and you will get it fast (usually within a week if the manufacturer has it in stock). We place weekly orders with most suppliers.

Remember, you can park for free for one hour on the High Street and for as long as you want on the Esplanade. So no excuse not to come and visit us!

Upstairs Downstairs is open Tuesday to Saturday 10am till 4.30pm. Obviously, our website is open 24h a day and we can post to most locations, including Europe, USA and Australia.

Upstairs Downstairs
3 Pier Street
Sandown, PO36 8JR
Isle of Wight
Tel: 01983 406 616
http://www.trainshop.co.uk or find us on Facebook

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