Model Railway

The scale of a model is a ratio that compares the size of the model to the size of the real-life object it represents. For example, a model car that is 1/24th the size of the actual car would be considered a 1:24 scale model. To determine the...

Ballast is not typically scale or gauge specific, rather it is designed to be used with a specific type of model railway. The scale refers to the ratio of the size of the model railway to the real-life prototype, while the gauge refers to the...

One of the trickiest issues with operating a model train layout is where to store it when not in use. There are a number of potential options for storage of a layout but not all may be practical and all have pros and cons. Firstly, some modellers...

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...

Electrically conductive paint can be used in a variety of ways on a model railway layout. One common application is to create electrical connections between different sections of track or between track and other electrical components. As such, it...

Judging scale speed can be a challenging task for model train enthusiasts, as the perception of speed can be influenced by a variety of factors. Here are some tips that will allow a modeller to judge scale speed more accurately:Establish a...

Point-to-point and Continuous-run are terms used to describe two different options for layout designs. Layout configuration is one of the first decisions that a modeller will make with regard to a new layout. Inevitably this decision may be...

A motorised track cleaner can provide several advantages when it comes to maintaining a model railway layout, including: Efficiency: A motorised track cleaner can clean the track much faster than manual methods, allowing a modeller to clean the...

An electromagnetic de-coupler is a device used in model railways to separate train carriages without physically touching them. It works by creating a temporary magnetic field that pushes one carriage away from another, allowing them to be...

A reverse loop layout is a type of model railway track arrangement in which the train travels around a loop and returns in the opposite direction. This creates a continuous loop of track that can be used for a variety of purposes. In a reverse...

Tunnels are an important part of the landscape for many layouts but can also by their very nature create accessibility issues. Here are a few things a modeller can do to prevent derailments in a section of tunnel.Firstly, ensure proper track...

A turntable is a device that enables locomotives and/or rolling stock to change direction or orientation. It consists of a circular platform, typically made of wood or plastic, that can rotate around a central pivot point. The platform is usually...