News from your model shop - Modelling Christmas

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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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Saturday 26th of October, the N gauge Isle of Wight group holds a model railway exhibition at Stenbury Hall in Wroxhall, PO36 3DP, bus route 3.

Expect N gauge layouts of various sizes, from large to very tiny, a sales table for all scales and some refreshments. Even if you model in a different scale, this will be a great source of inspiration and the opportunity to meet modellers. Click on the image below for full details.

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Railway song of the week

Craig David is a British singer, songwriter, and record producer, who first gained prominence in the early 2000s with his debut album Born to Do It. Known for his smooth blend of R&B, garage, and pop, David became a household name with hits like "7 Days" and "Fill Me In," which showcased his distinctive vocal style and knack for catchy, relatable lyrics. Over the years, he has maintained a successful career with multiple albums, earning a reputation for his versatility and ability to adapt to different musical trends, while still maintaining his soulful sound.

He has been celebrated not only for his musical talents but also for his ability to connect with audiences across generations. His recent work, including "Better Days (I Came By Train)," shows his growth as an artist who now focuses on messages of positivity, environmental consciousness, and social responsibility.

David himself has expressed that the song is about creating a better future by making conscious decisions. He emphasises that simple changes in how we travel, live and connect with others can lead to significant improvements for both people and the environment. "Better Days (I Came By Train)" stands as a reminder that, even in a fast-paced world, slowing down and making sustainable choices can lead to a more harmonious existence, not just for individuals but for the global community.

With the arrival of October and the nights now noticeably drawing in, it's time to make a fresh pot of tea and settle in for another cosy night in the hobby workshop.  After a busy summer many modellers will be looking for a new project to occupy the autumn and winter evenings to come.  A look at the calendar confirms that the festive season is not that far away, perhaps now is the ideal time to think of a suitable festive project.  A Christmas-themed layout could be an ideal present for younger family members, or conversely, a great opportunity to get them involved in developing the layout and gaining a rewarding and fun new hobby in the process.  For some modellers a Christmas layout offers the chance to develop new skills by pursuing a mid-winter theme.  Working with snow maybe a new departure for many and as such may offer the opportunity of developing a layout wholly dominated by seasonal effects.  Let's take a peak into Santa's grotto, looking for ideas to develop a Christmas-themed OO/HO gauge layout.

Inevitably, with Santa travelling by sleigh, he will need a suitably snowy environment.  Creating a snow-dominated landscape may be a little daunting to some modellers but fear not for help is at hand.  The 500g snow powder kit by Busch is one of a number of available solutions that will allow modellers to quickly and easily develop a winter landscape.  The supplied powder in the pack is self-adhesive.  When mixed with water it creates a paste with a slow cure time, thus allowing the modeller to shape and sculpt the landscape as required before the solution sets.  Armed with the ability to create snow, its time to look at outdoor features.  The Christmas decorations and the snow covered Christmas tree sets will enable a modeller to help set the scene with suitable festive cheer, both are supplied by Busch.



One of the most popular and eagerly anticipated of Christmas institutions is the famed 'Christmas market'.  Presenting as it does a significant outdoor focus drawing crowds from near and far, it can be an especially effective theme for modellers to work into their layouts.  The sales booths for a Christmas market and the romantic Christmas market sets will enable a modeller to create an eye catching and appealing scenario with booths selling mulled wine and wurst to seasonal shoppers and sightseers.  Further festive cheer can found with the addition of the illuminated Christmas tree set.  With a dusting of snow and baubles, this tree is also fitted with seven yellow diodes that can be operated by means of 16V AC or DC.



With some effective ideas in place for establishing scene elements, it's a good time to look at figure sets to help populate the layout.  The Christmas market is the ideal hub for activity with shoppers and sightseers out to pick up some bargains whilst indulging in the Christmas spirit.  The selling Christmas trees set has five figures including those out to snap up an ideal tree for the home.  Meanwhile, there are plenty of customers in search of a tasty hot snack washed down with a cup of mulled wine, thanks to the Christmas market and accessories figure set.  Both of these sets by Noch will add suitable ambience to the Christmas market.  Back at home, a very important visitor has arrived.  Holding court from a comfortable leather sofa, the Father Christmas with mother and children ​​figure set is a touching scene that perhaps better than any other sums up the joys of Christmas.


The longer evenings of autumn present a great opportunity for modellers to spend time working on a new project.  With a few months still to go to the big day, now is the ideal time to consider starting a Christmas project or perhaps incorporating a Christmas based sub theme into an existing project. 

• What are the advantages of using a pin pusher?
• What is TT:120 scale?
• How do I make a tunnel on my railway layout?
• What are Preiser figures?

• Should I add weight to my empty rolling stock to help them run smoother and avoid derailing?
• Can I replace the plastic wheels on my wagons?
• What advantages do lacquer paints typically have over enamels or acrylics?
• What is flash on a model?
• Which scale aircrafts are closest to OO gauge?

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