The term 'Start Voltage' is used in model railways to describe how much voltage is needed to get a locomotive moving from a standing start.When starting a train using an analogue controller, its start voltage isn't very important as we simply...

Occasionally modellers will have a requirement to weather a model to indicate heavy use and time-based wear and tear. There are a number of techniques that can help achieve this, one of these is the 'Toothpaste Technique' covered in a previous...

Photographic Backscenes have been created for modellers to create a suitable backdrop for the middle and far distances. Generally, they are produced from a series of photographs that are integrated together to provide a specific background...

Occasionally, there is a requirement to remove waterslide decals from a model. One of the best products for achieving this is Micro Set manufactured by Microscale. Micro Set is usually applied to help position decals in place and ensure they...

Before starting their next project many modellers will wash the plastic parts of their model kit. This is a sensible precaution as the injection-moulding process used to manufacture plastic kits can leave residues on the parts. These residues...

Weathering powders are a great way to bring an extra dimension of realism to a model. There is a wide range of manufacturers who are producing weathering powders. Some manufacturers concentrate on producing individual colours or tones, whereas...

There are a number of reasons modellers will need to create a layout in sections, some may desire a transportable show or display layout, others may simply prefer the practicality of a layout that can be packed away after use, whatever the...

Creating bespoke buildings for a layout is actually surprisingly straightforward and is a popular sideline for many modellers. One of the most time-consuming parts of creating a building from scratch would be painting the brick or stone facade....

Adding a simple water feature to a layout can be a reasonably straightforward process and can add a real interest factor to a layout. That said, it does take a little bit of planning and preparation. The first consideration will be to identify a...

Micro Set and Micro Sol decal setting solutions work well in combination in applying decals to uneven surfaces and for providing that painted-on effect. Prior to applying decals, it is a good idea to ensure that the surface of the model has a...

Airbrushes use compressed air to atomise paint which is then delivered through the airbrush onto the subject model. Although most of the paint from the airbrush will go on the model, there will inevitably be paint that ends up elsewhere. This...

Once the cockpit sub-assembly has been completed and painted there are a number of techniques that can be made to weather it, allowing it to come to life. If the instrument panel is dominated by analogue switches and dials it will lend itself very...