Modellings tips and answers - Modelling police and security scenes - Videos
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Railway song of the week
Reader John Matthew contacted us to suggest Jethro Tull's Locomotive Breath.
"Locomotive Breath," inspired by singer Ian Anderson's concerns about overpopulation, reflects themes of unchecked population growth and capitalism as an unstoppable "runaway train." Anderson noted that during his lifetime, the global population had more than tripled, yet this growth brought increasing inequality and hardship rather than prosperity. The song also incorporates a train motif, a recurring theme in Anderson's work, influenced by his reliance on public transport and the enduring cultural significance of trains in music, particularly the blues. Click on the picture to listen to a live recording of the song.
This week in history
At precisely midday on the 18th November 1883, American and Canadian railways began using four continental time zones, putting an end to the confusion caused by thousands of local times.
The need for uniform time zones arose from the challenges of transporting passengers and freight across the vast North American rail network in the 1880s. Until then, most towns in the United States set their clocks according to the local movement of the sun, often based on "high noon” when the sun was at its zenith. This led to a patchwork of local times that became increasingly impractical as rail travel reduced journeys between cities from days to hours. Train schedules in major cities listed numerous arrival and departure times for the same train, each corresponding to a different local time zone.
The need for uniform time zones arose from the challenges of transporting passengers and freight across the vast North American rail network in the 1880s. Until then, most towns in the United States set their clocks according to the local movement of the sun, often based on "high noon” when the sun was at its zenith. This led to a patchwork of local times that became increasingly impractical as rail travel reduced journeys between cities from days to hours. Train schedules in major cities listed numerous arrival and departure times for the same train, each corresponding to a different local time zone.
To resolve this, the railroads bypassed the federal governments of the United States and Canada, creating their own system of four continental time zones, with boundaries that closely resemble those used today. While the public quickly adapted to the change, it wasn't until 1918 that the United States Congress formally adopted the system, placing it under the oversight of the Interstate Commerce Commission.
Do you have one?
This fast-drying, transparent adhesive is ideal for balsa, other soft woods and cork. It can be applied directly to the substrate, with coverage depending on the thickness of the application. The adhesive dries within 20–30 minutes and fully cures in 1 hour, though drying times may vary with temperature and humidity. Any excess should be cleaned with a damp cloth before drying, as the bond becomes permanent once set.
Keeping the peace: police figures and accessories
Are you looking to add a touch of law and order to your layout? Well, you're in luck! I've got some cracking suggestions for police-themed figures and accessories that'll have your miniature force maintaining order in no time. Let's dive in, shall we?
For those modelling in OO gauge, you've got some brilliant options to choose from. Woodland Scenics offers a delightful set of five policemen and a dog, perfect for adding a bit of canine crime-fighting to your scene. If you're after a bit more variety, Bachmann's got you covered with their set of six police and security staff, including some fetching hi-vis vests for your traffic officers. And for those who like their bobbies with a bit of weight to them, Langley's white metal set of eight painted police, traffic wardens, and school crossing figures will add a solid presence to your streets.
Now, if you're looking to create a full police scene, Noch's "Police Operation" themed set is just the ticket. It comes with six officers, a police dog and all sorts of barriers and equipment - perfect for setting up a roadblock or securing a crime scene. To contact your force, why not consider Harburn Hamlet's classic Police Box? It's a compact yet iconic addition to any layout. And for those who enjoy a bit of customisation, Preiser's set of 21 unpainted police figures allows you to paint your bobbies exactly how you like them.
If you're after something a bit more substantial, Gaugemaster's Fordhampton Police Station kit is just the thing. It's a proper little nick that'll give your force a proper base of operations. For a more modern twist, Busch's action set featuring a police station in a container is a novel addition, complete with Segway-riding officers! And if you fancy a bit of flexibility, Superquick's card kit can be built as either a police station or a public library - two civic buildings for the price of one!
For those modelling in OO gauge, you've got some brilliant options to choose from. Woodland Scenics offers a delightful set of five policemen and a dog, perfect for adding a bit of canine crime-fighting to your scene. If you're after a bit more variety, Bachmann's got you covered with their set of six police and security staff, including some fetching hi-vis vests for your traffic officers. And for those who like their bobbies with a bit of weight to them, Langley's white metal set of eight painted police, traffic wardens, and school crossing figures will add a solid presence to your streets.
Now, if you're looking to create a full police scene, Noch's "Police Operation" themed set is just the ticket. It comes with six officers, a police dog and all sorts of barriers and equipment - perfect for setting up a roadblock or securing a crime scene. To contact your force, why not consider Harburn Hamlet's classic Police Box? It's a compact yet iconic addition to any layout. And for those who enjoy a bit of customisation, Preiser's set of 21 unpainted police figures allows you to paint your bobbies exactly how you like them.
If you're after something a bit more substantial, Gaugemaster's Fordhampton Police Station kit is just the thing. It's a proper little nick that'll give your force a proper base of operations. For a more modern twist, Busch's action set featuring a police station in a container is a novel addition, complete with Segway-riding officers! And if you fancy a bit of flexibility, Superquick's card kit can be built as either a police station or a public library - two civic buildings for the price of one!
For those working in N gauge, fear not - there are plenty of options for you too! Woodland Scenics offers a set of six painted policemen, including one enjoying a cheeky doughnut. Graham Farish's set of six police and security staff figures provides a nice variety of poses. And if you're after a classic touch, Langley's painted Police Box in N scale is just the thing to add a bit of Tardis-like charm to your layout.
To round off your N gauge police force, consider Merten's set of six traffic policemen, perfect for directing miniature traffic. Preiser's set of seven police figures and a dog adds a nice variety to your force. And for a final touch of authority, Merten's set of six policemen and a dog will ensure your tiny streets are well patrolled.
With these additions, your model railway will be the safest and most orderly in the land! Happy modelling, and remember - in this world, you're the law!
To round off your N gauge police force, consider Merten's set of six traffic policemen, perfect for directing miniature traffic. Preiser's set of seven police figures and a dog adds a nice variety to your force. And for a final touch of authority, Merten's set of six policemen and a dog will ensure your tiny streets are well patrolled.
With these additions, your model railway will be the safest and most orderly in the land! Happy modelling, and remember - in this world, you're the law!
Modelling tips
We keep on adding modelling tips to our website. Here are the latest ones:
- What is the purpose of a backscene?
- What colour was the underside of a RAF Spitfire painted?
- What are greeblies?
- What is the difference between plastic cement and plastic glue?
- What is balsa glue and how do I use it?
Or re-visit these slightly older ones:
- What is an accessory decoder?
- What is a unifrog turnout?
- Why does my train keep derailing?
- What type of switch is required to control a point motor?
- What is the difference between 45xx Class and Class 45?
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. Please note that videos are at the bottom of each page.
Events and exhibitions
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.
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