News from your model shop - Modelling gritty scenes on your layout

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

"Trains to Brazil" is a song by the British indie rock band Guillemots, released as a single in 2006 from their debut album "Through the Windowpane". The track is an upbeat, energetic anthem blending indie rock with jazz influences, featuring lively brass sections, rich instrumentation and an infectious melody. Lyrically, the song carries an uplifting yet reflective message about embracing life and appreciating every moment, despite the challenges and chaos of the world.  Click on the picture to listen to it:

There's an almost infinite number of cameo scene ideas that can be used to add interest to a model railway. Some are humorous, some represent everyday life, some portray an event of some kind, and others focus on an industry, whether that be railway or otherwise. But what about the more sensitive or controversial areas of life, should they be modelled too?

Well, that has to be a decision for individual modellers and the taste or sense of humour of any potential guests (especially if it's to be featured at an exhibition). But for any modellers wishing to tackle sensitive subjects, there are plenty of models to oblige.

A robbery is a good example, this would-be terrifying real-life situation is often used to create humorous scenes on model railways. Both Preiser and Noch produce some very effective cameo figure sets in HO/OO gauge portraying robberies and stickups. Strangely, the scenes themselves are not that humorous to look at but when placed on a typical sleepy high street of a model railway diorama, they are sure to invite a chuckle or two.



The subject of homelessness is less frequently used to promote humour. Having said that, Woodland Scenics' 'Hobo' set does feature a number of seemingly carefree homeless chaps having a hoot travelling the rails for free! But it's much more usual for models of people down on their luck to be used to add a gritty realism to derelict or park scenes. The 'Homeless man on bench' and 'Homeless woman with shopping trolley' sets by Preiser really manage to capture the sadness of the scene.



Gypsies and travellers are two other demographics that some may be hesitant to model. But why not? after all, true gypsies take immense pride in the presentation of their wagons and caravans, and modelling one will certainly add a spot of colour to an otherwise plain country lane. Ancorton's horse-drawn gypsy caravan kit is ideal for creating a gypsy themed scene, but be warned, it doesn't include the horse!



If you are an N gauge modeller, you'll be pleased to hear that you have not been forgotten either. Just take a look at Woodland Scenics' N scale 'Hobo' set, Gaugemaster's Kestrel Design 'Crime Scenes' set or Langley's 'Gypsy Caravan, Horse & Figures' set (this time including the horse!).



Whether you're looking to add a spot of humour or gritty realism to your layout, gypsies, tramps or thieves are a good place to start!

• Avoiding the "Toy Train Look": Realistic Track Arrangements
• What is the timesaver shunting puzzle?
• Shunting yards: designing a track plan for realistic operations
• How do I paint metallic effects without an airbrush?

• What were water cranes used for?
• What advantages do aerosol-based paints and sprays have when compared to airbrush and brush applied alternatives?
• Why are some model trains so much cheaper than others?
• What are my options for simulating running water on a layout?
• What is a 4 aspect signal?

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