News from your model shop - Adding drivers to your engines

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Railway song of the week

Yes, I know, this is yet another sad story of going to the train station and seeing a train depart with a loved one. This one was suggested by reader Bill Pinfold. "Love in Vain" is sung by Robert Johnson. You may not remember this version released in 1937 however you have probably heard the 1969 cover by the Rolling Stones. The Stones incorrectly believed the song to be in the public domain and the court ruled in 2000 in Johnson's favour. 

Let's go back to the roots and enjoy the guitarist who allegedly sold his soul to the Devil in exchange for guitar mastery.

Many modellers install drivers in their locomotives to avoid the appearance of runaway trains. If you are considering fitting some to your engines, don't feel you should grab the first set you see because there are lots to choose from.

One choice you can make is whether to opt for plastic or metal figures. If you prefer traditional metal, Langley is a good place to start your search. They produce several OO gauge white metal driver sets including drivers for both steam and diesel cabs, and many of their models are available either painted or unpainted so you can also choose between convenience and bespoke.



If you're layout has a particular theme, it's always worth checking if there are drivers to match. Langley's white metal Victorian and Edwardian engine driver set and Preiser's plastic ready-painted German driver and fireman set are good examples of theme specific sets, another is Springside's Loco Crew featuring drivers walking, ideal for yard or shed scenarios.



If you have several locomotives to furnish, larger convenient sets such as Faller's engine drivers figure set containing 8 figures or Noch's steam locomotive drivers set containing 6 figures are well worth consideration while Springside's Loco Crew set features three engine drivers in various poses.



There's no doubt that OO/HO scales have the largest choice when it comes to engine driver figures, but other gauges are not forgotten and drivers/crews can be sourced in N and O gauges too. Take a look at Noch's N and O gauge steam locomotive engine drivers and Langley's O gauge painted loco crew.



Whatever gauge you model in, there's always a driver ready to take the controls!

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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.