Poly fibre is a synthetic material commonly used in scale modelling and model railway landscapes to create realistic foliage, shrubbery and tree canopies. It's a lightweight, flexible material that can be easily manipulated to mimic natural forms...

The shinkansen, also known as the "bullet train," is Japan's high-speed rail network, renowned for its speed, precision and efficiency. Established in 1964, it was introduced in conjunction with the Tokyo Olympics, symbolising Japan’s...

A "Panzer" tank refers to a series of German armoured fighting vehicles, specifically those developed and deployed by Nazi Germany before and during the Second World War. The word "Panzer" itself is a shortened form of Panzerkampfwagen, which...

Kitmaster kits, produced by Rosebud Kitmaster from 1959 to 1962, were influential in British model railway history. These injection-moulded plastic kits covered a wide range of British locomotives and some international engines, known for their...

Woodland Scenics inclines are pre-moulded foam products designed to help model railway modellers create realistic gradients on their layouts without needing complex calculations or the tedious shaping of materials. These inclines offer a simple...

A U-boat, short for Unterseeboot (German for "undersea boat"), is a term for German submarines, especially those used during the First and Second World Wars. These formidable vessels were primarily employed in warfare and became a defining force...

Here is a list of great alternatives to lichen that will bring a realistic touch to your models:Poly FibreWoodland Scenics offer poly fibre, a versatile material ideal for building tree branches and shrubbery. You can combine it with...

Lichen is a versatile and natural material often used in modelling to recreate realistic landscapes, particularly when depicting trees, bushes and other forms of ground cover. You may have encountered it in dioramas or model railway setups, where...

In the context of UK railways, a "four-aspect signal" is a type of railway signal that provides four distinct indications to inform train drivers of track conditions and speed requirements ahead. Aspect signals are critical for ensuring safe and...

The Manor Class (also called 7800 Class) is a fascinating piece of British railway heritage, representing a class of steam locomotives developed by the Great Western Railway (GWR) in the 1930s and 1940s. You may already be familiar with the famed...

Balsa wood is one of the most commonly used materials in modelling, particularly favoured for its lightweight and easy-to-work-with properties. It is a soft, fast-growing wood, native to Central and South America, and is widely recognised for...

When it comes to scale modelling, the debate between using wood or plastic is a long-standing one. Both materials have their merits, but the choice largely depends on what you're trying to achieve in your model and your personal preferences as a...