DCC ready means that the loco is designed to be fitted with a DCC chip. At the factory a small piece of circuitry is added to the loco with a socket that enables you to insert a DCC decoder to convert the engine from analogue to DCC. It is quite...

In theory, it should be easy as the whole idea of being DCC Ready is to simplify the process. The first time I did this, it took me less than five minutes however it will depend on where the socket for the DCC decoder has been placed. Sometimes...

You do not always have a model railway controller on you. And even if you do, sometimes you do not have any power socket to use it. This means you may not be able to test an engine before buying it. The easiest solution is to get a 9 volt battery...

Yes, an N Gauge controller is compatible with OO gauge trains. You may have to change the power clip to the track but otherwise there is no difference, both scales run on 12 volts, so the output is just the same. The reverse is also true: you...

Electricity is inherently dangerous and should always be treated with respect. But with model railways the voltage is so low and there is no risk of electric shock at all. You can touch the track and you will not feel anything (and will not hurt...

Weathering powders are very much the same as powdered paint pigment. The only real difference is that weathering powders are produced to create a specific effect such as rust, mud, grime and are a realistic match for the real thing. If you are...

Weathering is a painting technique used by modellers to create the appearance of dirt and grime and even damage to make the model "whatever it may be" look aged and used. For example: If you have just built and painted a model of a military Jeep,...

There are various techniques for adding these fine lines to your model. I always give my model a coat of gloss varnish before adding the wash. One method is the pin wash: take a pin, dip it into your wash and run the pin down the panel line....

You need to ensure that the model has had sufficient time for the paint to dry, but otherwise there should not be a problem. Modelling masking tape is designed to respect the model. Most modellers masking tape has low tack which means that they...

There are two schools of thought when it comes to painting plastic kits.  One is to assemble everything and then paint, the other is to paint all parts on sprue and then assemble. It really comes down to personal choice. Personally, I paint all...

If you were painting a red brick wall, to get a realistic effect, I would, after the wall had been primed with a suitable primer, paint each brick with a terracotta paint followed by a dry brushing with an orange colour and finally a light...

In the past some people have said to use oven cleaner to remove paint. I have found that this is quite an evasive method and can remove the glue from the model as well, and you end up with paint left on some pieces of the model which just ends up...