Bare metal can be a very difficult colour to paint well as it has a habit of showing up any imperfections very clearly. Additionally, bare metal comes in a surprising array of colour tones that are all subtly different. Historically many modellers...

Yes, it is recommended to use a surge protector for the electrics used for model railways. Model railway systems often use low-voltage direct current (DC) power supplies, which can be susceptible to electrical surges and spikes. These surges can...

White metal figures are typically painted using oil-based or enamel paints. These types of paints have a higher viscosity and are slower-drying than other types of paint, which allows for more time to work on the details of the figure and achieve...

Nickel-silver rails are commonly used in model railways due to their many advantages over steel rails. Here are a few of the main advantages of using nickel-silver rails:Increased conductivity: Nickel-silver is a more conductive metal than...

The ideal type of finish chosen by a modeller for painting a model railway locomotive will largely depend on personal preference and the level of realism the modeller is aiming to achieve. However, here's a general overview of the different types...

Enamel-based paints can be used in an airbrush but they need more specialised equipment and techniques to use. Enamel paints are oil-based and dry slower than water-based paints.This can make them trickier to work with in an airbrush. Here are...

Replacing plastic wheels on model railway wagons with metal alternatives can help to improve longevity and reduce the risk of derailing, but it is important to consider several factors before making this decision. Metal wheels are typically more...

For a beginner, one of the easiest ways to create hilly or rugged terrain for a model railway layout is to use pre-formed foam or plaster terrain moulds. These moulds come in various shapes and sizes, such as hills, mountains, and valleys, and can...

Yes, adding ballast to empty model wagons can help to prevent them from derailing. Ballast is typically added to wagons in real-life trains to add weight and increase stability. In model railways, adding ballast to empty wagons can help to keep...

Cleaning brushes after using enamel-based paints can be a bit trickier than cleaning them after using water-based paints, as enamel paints are oil-based and take longer to dry. Here are some steps you can take to effectively clean your brushes...

Liquid Masks are latex-based liquid masking solutions, generally supplied in a small bottle. They are a viable and practical alternative to masking tape for masking tricky items. They are generally cheap and if used with prudence a single bottle...

One of the trickiest issues with operating a model train layout is where to store it when not in use. There are a number of potential options for storage of a layout but not all may be practical and all have pros and cons. Firstly, some modellers...