There are a number of ways to cut expanded foam or polystyrene when modelling, but which way is best?As with many modelling techniques, the answer is subjective and what may be right for one modeller may not be for another. When it comes to...

The term Pannier locomotive is used to describe a specific type of steam locomotive with distinctive 'panniers' carried on the side of the boiler.  These panniers were used to carry water and fuel thus removing the need for a dedicated tender....

An isolated track section is a section of model railway track that is physically connected to other tracks on a layout but is electrically insulated, meaning the rails are not live. An isolating track section is one way of achieving this.There...

At some time or another, we are all guilty of using terms, phrases or names interchangeably, especially when modelling, but are snips the same tool as track cutters?The dictionary defines snips simply as a cutting tool, and as such, the word...

With so many kits of railway coaches and wagons out there for consumers to choose from, why do so many still come with plastic wheels?It's no secret that metal wheels are favoured by many modellers these days, and it can be disappointing when...

One of the main features of Train-Tech's sound capsules is that they require no pick-ups or hard-wired connections.If you have never heard of them before, Train-Tech sound capsules are motion-activated, battery-operated capsules with...

Unboxing videos and video product reviews are very different processes driven by a differing set of requirements.An unboxing video is purely an objective process that aims to present the complete contents of a particular kit or item in a...

In model railways, the term RTR is mostly used to describe rolling stock or locomotives that are classified as 'ready-to-run'. The term is frequently used as a marketing ploy and as such over the years different manufacturers have sought to put...

An automated shuttle system is what you would use to make a model train go up and down a line without the need for any operator to physically control the train. Once the system is set up, a train will run back and forth along the line indefinitely...

The term MGR stands for 'merry-go-round' which is used to describe the use of a specific hopper wagon designed to carry large amounts of loose bulk commodities such as coal, aggregates and grain.The MGR system was introduced in the early 1960s...

Cross lock tweezers perform the same function and appear similar in design to regular tweezers, the difference being they open when you squeeze them!Cross lock tweezers work in the same way as regular tweezers, in that the memory of the metal...

Cleaning the wheels on your rolling stock is an incredibly important job that helps to keep your models running smoothly and reliably, but it's also a laborious task and one that many would like to see take as little time as possible.There are...