Maintaining layout points in good working order is an important part of ensuring the smooth and reliable operation of a model railway. Here are some tips that can help to maintain layout points:Keep the tracks clean: Dirty or corroded tracks can...

In model railways, a point motor is a type of mechanism that is used to control the position of a turnout, or switch, which is a track section that enables a train to switch from one track to another. The point motor is typically installed beneath...

Using magnetic couplings on scale locomotives and rolling stock can offer several benefits, including: Realistic appearance: Magnetic couplings can provide a more realistic appearance on scale models, as they do not require visible hooks, chains...

There are a few options for motorising a level crossing on a model railway layout: Servo motor: One option is to use a servo motor to operate the level crossing gates. Servo motors can be controlled with a servo decoder, allowing smooth operation...

Yes, it is generally recommended to use ballast with a trackbed on a model railway layout. Here are a few reasons why: Realism: Ballast helps to create a more realistic appearance for a track, making it look more like a real railway. Without...

A Capacitor Discharge Unit (CDU) is a device that can be used in conjunction with a point motor in model railways to provide more reliable and consistent performance. Here are some circumstances where a modeller may wish to consider using a CDU...

There are several options for motorising a turntable on a model railway layout, including:Manual operation: The most basic option is to operate the turntable manually, using a handle or crank to rotate the turntable. This is a simple and...

When painting a surface, it's important to use a primer before applying the topcoat. The primer acts as a base coat that helps the topcoat better adhere and provides a smooth surface for the paint to be applied to. In some cases, it may be...

There are several ways to display and store scale models, depending on the type of model and the preferences of the collector. One of the best ways to prepare a model for display is to ensure that it has been given a good varnish. This will lock...

Yes, continuous high speeds can damage the motor of a model locomotive. Running a model locomotive at high speeds for extended periods of time can put a lot of stress on the motor and gears, which can cause them to overheat, wear out more quickly...

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...