News from your model shop - modelling gritty scenes

Hello

On some occasions, items that are mentioned in the newsletter sell out very quickly even if we try to have enough in stock. We are usually able to restock very quickly so if you see something on the website and it is not in stock, contact us: we should still be able to help us.

Just added to our website are several N gauge locomotives, the latest Dapol Mogul in OO gauge and the latest releases from Metcalfe in N and OO gauge. You can find all the latest releases by clicking here.

Don't forget to read our latest modelling tips and unboxing videos located at the bottom of the newsletter.

Most images in this newsletter are clickable for more details.

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Railway song of the week

Recent songs are usually less exciting: they are over engineered, over produced and use mostly fake instruments simulated by computers and synthesizers. Right, we will admit suffering from sampling bias when listening to most radio stations. There are still a few artists doing it the old way with raw energy and real musicians. One of them is Bruce Springsteen and his 2019 song "Tucson Train" is the perfect example including not only Bruce's guitar but a string section and a horn section. To top it up, the video was shot in black and white. The song story is nothing new: lovers apart that are brought together by the train. However, we will not complaint: this is still an instant classic. Click on the picture to listen.

This week in history


There's an almost infinite number of cameo scene ideas that can be used to add interest to a model railway. Some are humorous, some represent everyday life, some portray an event of some kind, and others focus on an industry, whether that be railway or otherwise. But what about the more sensitive or controversial areas of life, should they be modelled too?

Well, that has to be a decision for individual modellers and the taste or sense of humour of any potential guests (especially if it's to be featured at an exhibition). But for any modellers wishing to tackle sensitive subjects, there are plenty of models to oblige.

A robbery is a good example, this would-be terrifying real-life situation is often used to create humorous scenes on model railways. Both Preiser and Noch produce some very effective cameo figure sets in HO/OO gauge portraying robberies and stickups. Strangely, the scenes themselves are not that humorous to look at but when placed on a typical sleepy high street of a model railway diorama, they are sure to invite a chuckle or two.



The subject of homelessness is less frequently used to promote humour. Having said that, Woodland Scenics' 'Hobo' set does feature a number of seemingly carefree homeless chaps having a hoot travelling the rails for free! But it's much more usual for models of people down on their luck to be used to add a gritty realism to derelict or park scenes. The 'Homeless man on bench' and 'Homeless woman with shopping trolley' sets by Preiser really manage to capture the sadness of the scene.



Gypsies and travellers are two other demographics that some may be hesitant to model. But why not? after all, true gypsies take immense pride in the presentation of their wagons and caravans, and modelling one will certainly add a spot of colour to an otherwise plain country lane. Ancorton's horse-drawn gypsy caravan kit is ideal for creating a gypsy themed scene, but be warned, it doesn't include the horse!



If you are an N gauge modeller, you'll be pleased to hear that you have not been forgotten either. Just take a look at Woodland Scenics' N scale 'Hobo' set, Gaugemaster's Kestrel Design 'Crime Scenes' set or Langley's 'Gypsy Caravan, Horse & Figures' set (this time including the horse!).



Whether you're looking to add a spot of humour or gritty realism to your layout, gypsies, tramps or thieves are a good place to start!

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• How do I wire up my first model railway layout?
• How do I check for faults on model railways?
• 5 Compelling reasons to start model railways

• What type of equipment is used to recover a derailed train ?
• How can I protect my track from oxidisation ?
• Why super glue sticks everything apart from what it's supposed to!
• Why are most diesel locomotives double-ended whereas most steam locomotives were not?
• What is a reversing loop?

• Peco Lever switches in the PL range
• Wills Kits SS41 Feather Edge Fencing OO gauge
• Gaugemaster GM409 Fordhampton Detached Mock Georgian House OO gauge
• Ratio 460 GWR Home Signal (square post) OO gauge
• Kestrel Designs GMKD1000 Set of three Town Station Buildings N gauge

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