News from your model shop - Adding lights and sounds to your layout

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We have just added a large amount of new products to our website lately. They include cars, paints, figures, construction sets and coaches in OO and N gauge.  There are way too many to list them here so click on this link to see them all.

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Railway song of the week

Reader Paul Watkins wrote to suggest Ian Prowse's "Does This Train Shop on Merseyside?" This heartfelt track, originally released by Prowse’s band Amsterdam in 2005, is a moving tribute to Merseyside’s history, resilience and the people who have passed through its stations. The song captures the region’s deep connections to the wider world, from its role in the Irish diaspora to tragic events like the Hillsborough disaster. With evocative lyrics and a stirring melody, it feels like a journey through time on the rails of memory and emotion.

For a train enthusiast, the title itself is intriguing—it invites you to imagine a train winding its way through the stations of Merseyside, each one holding a different story. The song’s powerful storytelling and rich instrumentation make it more than just a folk-rock anthem; it’s a poignant reflection on how places and transport links shape our history and identity. Whether you’ve travelled on Merseyside’s network yourself or simply appreciate the romance of railways, this song offers a moving ride through a landscape of nostalgia, pride and longing.

Click on the picture to listen to it.

 Are you looking to add that extra spark of realism to your layout? Well, you're in luck because we've got some brilliant lighting and sound effects to share with you that'll really make your scenes pop!

Let's start with some eye-catching lighting effects. Train Tech has come up with some nifty "Smart Lights" that are dead easy to install and will add bags of atmosphere to your models. Imagine a disco party in full swing in one of your buildings - the Smart Light Party effect will have those tiny revellers dancing the night away! For a cosier scene, why not add a flickering fireplace to your country pub or farmhouse with the Real Fire Effect? It's so realistic you'll almost be able to feel the warmth! And for all those late-night telly addicts on your layout, the Television Simulator will have their windows flickering away just like the real thing. These Smart Lights are tiny (just 1cm square) and only need two wires to connect.


Now, if you're after something a bit more traditional, DCC Concepts has got you covered with their pre-wired LED panels. These come in smart chrome mounts and are perfect for adding some colourful illumination to your layout. You can choose from green, red, or a combination of both. They're pre-wired with resistors already added, so it's basically plug-and-play. Pop a few green ones in your signal boxes, some red ones at level crossings and mix it up with the red/green combo for extra variety. Your layout will be lit up like Blackpool Illuminations before you know it!



But what's a layout without a bit of noise, eh? Faller's got some cracking mini sound effects that'll really bring your scenes to life. Imagine walking past a house and hearing dogs barking in the garden - that's exactly what you get with their Barking Dogs Minisound effect. Or how about adding some rural charm with the Farm Animals sound? You'll have cows mooing and chickens clucking in no time. And for a touch of nature, the Twittering Birds effect will have your trees full of songbirds. These sound modules are easy to install and can be triggered by a simple relay switch. Your layout will be a feast for the ears as well as the eyes!


Lastly, let's not forget about those special touches that can really set a scene. Faller's got some more atmospheric sounds up their sleeve. How about adding a Bell Ringing effect to your village church? It'll have the locals running for Sunday service! For a bit of drama, the Air Rescue Station sound will have everyone looking to the skies as a helicopter comes in to land. And for a touch of tranquillity, the Babbling Brook effect is perfect for that scenic river or stream on your layout. These continuous loop sounds will keep playing as long as they're powered, creating a constant ambiance that'll make your layout feel alive.

So there you have it. With these lighting and sound effects, your layout will be buzzing with life in no time. Remember, it's all about creating that atmosphere and bringing your miniature world to life. Now, get cracking and let's see what you can create!

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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.