News from your model shop - Navigating the Waters of Model Canal Boats

Hello

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.

Feel free to send this newsletter to your friends, family and club members if you think they will benefit from it. They can subscribe for free.

Railway song of the week

Now, for something a bit more modern than usual. "Star Guitar" by The Chemical Brothers is an electrifying track that blends their signature electronic style with a raw, guitar-driven energy. Packed with pulsating beats, hypnotic loops and an infectious riff, the song captures the duo’s knack for pushing boundaries while delivering an irresistible groove. Whether you're a fan of their classic sound or exploring their experimental edge, "Guitar Star" is a dynamic and unforgettable addition to their repertoire. The music video is shot from the window of a train with the scenery being synchronised with the song. Click on the picture to watch it:

On Wednesday 8th January 1908, the German aviation pioneer Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin announced his plans to build an airship that would carry up to 100 paying passengers. An officer in the Imperial German Army, von Zeppelin travelled to the United States in 1863 to act as a neutral military observer during the Civil War. It was whilst travelling in the Midwest that von Zeppelin experienced his first balloon flight, which fired his considerable imagination and enthusiasm. He was the driving force behind the development of the first successful airship, the Zeppelin LZ1, which first flew in 1900. The initial development of airships was with a view to military operations, although von Zeppelin had a fractious relationship with the German Army and as a result, looked to develop the airship for commercial use. Up until the start of World War One, commercial airships carried nearly 40,000 paying passengers without incident. Ferdinand von Zeppelin died in 1917 and was subsequently inducted into the International Air and Space Hall of Fame in 1975 for his services to aviation.


If you're looking to add some charm to your layout with canal boats or improve your rolling stock's connectivity, you're in for a treat. Let's dive into some exciting products that might just float your boat!

For those of you keen on adding a touch of industrial heritage to your OO gauge layout, Craftline Models offers a range of delightful narrow boat kits. The Canal Maintenance Narrow Boat, measuring 170mm x 27mm, is perfect for depicting the workhorses of the waterways. If you're after something with a bit more leisure appeal, the Silsden Boats Narrow Boat kit allows you to build a 54ft holiday cruiser. For a blast from the past, the Covered Boat - Horse Drawn kit, at an impressive 280mm x 28mm, lets you recreate the golden age of canal transport. All these kits come with printed balsa wood sheets, pre-shaped parts and full instructions, though you'll need to supply your own craft knife, wood glue, sandpaper and paints.



Continuing our journey along the canals, Craftline Models offers even more variety. The Alvechurch Boat Centre Narrow Boat kit lets you build a 54ft canal holiday cruiser, complete with pre-shaped wire tiller and etched brass stern rail. For those interested in the working boats of yesteryear, the Horse Drawn 70ft Narrow Boat kit is just the ticket. If you're after something a bit different, why not try the Traditional Style 56ft Tug Cruiser kit? These kits all require similar tools and materials to complete, so once you've built one, you'll be well-equipped to tackle the others!



Switching gears from waterways to railways, let's talk about couplers. Kadee offers a range of high-quality NEM362 European Couplers for HO and OO scale models. The short version measures 8.63mm, perfect for close-coupled stock. If you need a bit more length, there's a 10.76mm version available. For those tricky corners or longer vehicles, the extra-long 11.68mm coupler might be just what you need. All these couplers feature Kadee's renowned Magne-Matic system and come in packs of two pairs, giving you plenty of options for your rolling stock.

For those of you looking to enhance your layout's operational capabilities, Kadee has some interesting offerings. The Delayed Under the Track Uncoupler is a versatile piece of kit, suitable for scales from HO to O. It allows for hidden installation under the track, perfect for creating realistic uncoupling areas. If you're after something more specialized, consider the Metal Whisker Magne-Matic Coupling. This all-metal coupler offers a more scale-like appearance and is available in both long and short versions. These couplers are designed to work seamlessly with other Kadee products, ensuring smooth operations on your layout.



Whether you're navigating miniature canals or coupling rolling stock, these products offer a wealth of options to enhance your modelling experience. Happy modelling!

• What is shaper sheet?
• Which OO gauge Tracksettas create which radius bends?
• What is Steampunk?
• What is feedback on a DCC controller?
• Why do the British use 00 gauge instead of H0?

• Airfix A03205V HMS Fearless in 1/600 Scale
• Bachmann 44-258 Low Relief Rail Milk Depot OO/HO gauge
• Arma Hobby 40004 Hurricane Mk. IIc 1/48 Scale

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