One of the most satisfying ways to bring a layout or diorama to life is to blend it into some form of natural environment. Many modellers will have used bags of scatter to achieve this result. Scatter is a very useful option when bringing life to...

There are a number of different options for attaching figures such as a horse and rider to a layout. Perhaps the first thing to decide is if the figures in question are to be permanently glued in place, or should they be removable. If the answer...

There are a wide variety of techniques that can be used to paint realistic brickwork and pavements and the approach will be broadly similar for both subjects. Some modellers may take the approach of painting individual bricks or paving. While this...

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...