An autofrog is a type of track switch that is designed to simplify wiring and eliminate the need for additional electrical components such as frog juicers or wiring isolators. The term autofrog is often used specifically to refer to the...

An electromagnetic de-coupler is a device used in model railways to separate train carriages without physically touching them. It works by creating a temporary magnetic field that pushes one carriage away from another, allowing them to be...

When painting natural metal surfaces on a model, it is generally recommended to use a grey or white primer. Grey or white primers provide a neutral base for the metallic paint, allowing the metallic pigments to stand out without being affected by...

Digital Command Control (DCC) has several advantages over analogue control systems in the context of model railways. Firstly, with DCC, multiple locomotives can be controlled independently on the same track. Each locomotive has its own unique...

To best model a fence to run over uneven ground on a model railway, a modeller will need to consider the terrain and the fence design. There is a wide selection of readily available fencing options for modellers to choose from. Although highly...

Yes, fibre optics can be used as a single lighting solution for buildings and streetlamps on a model railway layout. Fibre optics are thin, flexible cables that transmit light from a source to the desired location. They can be used to create a...

When painting a model it is always possible that paint can seep underneath masking tape and thus ruin the painting effect. That said, with careful preparation, this should be relatively easy to avoid. The following tips offer some guidance as to...

To avoid performance issues, it is generally recommended that modellers run their locomotives on a regular basis. The frequency with which locomotives should be run may vary depending on a number of factors, such as the type of locomotive, the age...

A motorised track cleaner can provide several advantages when it comes to maintaining a model railway layout, including: Efficiency: A motorised track cleaner can clean the track much faster than manual methods, allowing a modeller to clean the...

There are several options for motorising the waterwheel on a mill or the sails of a windmill on a model railway layout. Here are a few: Small electric motor: A small electric motor can be used to power the waterwheel or sails of a windmill. This...

Simulating seasonal variations is a common theme for many modellers who wish to model specific times of the year, such as a sunny summer's day on the beach or a winter scene such as a Christmas sleigh ride. Modelling a rainy day is perhaps not the...

There are a few options you can consider when it comes to modelling working streetlamps: LED streetlamps: LED streetlamps are a popular choice for model railways as they are energy-efficient and produce minimal heat and are a good low-cost...