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Model Railway

Model Railway

Model railway in all scales from N to G scale including OO, HO and O gauge.

  • What is TT:120 scale?
    What is TT:120 scale?

    TT:120 scale is a popular model railway scale and track gauge used by modellers in the UK and beyond. The 'TT' in TT:120 stands for 'Table Top', reflecting its compact size that makes it suitable for modelling on a table or in limited space. The...

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  • What is a roundhouse?
    What is a roundhouse?

    A roundhouse refers to a specialised building, typically found in larger rail depots, designed for housing and maintaining locomotives. Its most distinctive feature is its circular or semi-circular shape, which allows locomotives to be easily...

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  • Forgotten scales: exploring uncommon model railway gauges
    Forgotten scales: exploring uncommon model railway gauges

    When most people think of model railways, they tend to picture popular scales like O, OO or N gauge, which dominate the market. However, there is a whole world of lesser-known or "forgotten" scales that have been quietly gathering a niche...

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  • What are Kitmaster kits?
    What are Kitmaster kits?

    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...

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  • When did semaphore signals stop being used in the UK?
    When did semaphore signals stop being used in the UK?

    Semaphore signals, those distinctive mechanical arms that once graced railway lines across the UK, were largely phased out by the late 20th century. Their initial use began in the mid-19th century, becoming a mainstay of British railway signalling...

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  • What is Graham Farish?
    What is Graham Farish?

    Graham Farish is a name you’re likely to come across if you're interested in British model railways, especially in the smaller N gauge scale. Established in 1928 and known for its expertise in this niche, Graham Farish became synonymous with...

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  • Why is the UK railway scale called 00?
    Why is the UK railway scale called 00?

    The UK railway scale is called 00 gauge (pronounced "double-O") due to its origins as a smaller alternative to the existing 0 gauge (zero gauge), which was widely used in model railways during the early 20th century. This naming convention...

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  • How do I model railway container yards?
    How do I model railway container yards?

    Modelling a railway container yard can really add character and realism to your layout. It's a great way to incorporate modern freight into your scene. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you model an effective and detailed container yard: 1....

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  • What is T-Gauge?
    What is T-Gauge?

    T-Gauge is the smallest commercially available model railway gauge in the world, with a track width of just 3 mm. Developed in Japan by KK Eishindo in 2006, it is designed for railway modellers who want an incredibly compact yet fully functional...

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  • What is the timesaver shunting puzzle?
    What is the timesaver shunting puzzle?

    The Timesaver shunting puzzle is a classic model railway switching (shunting) game designed by John Allen in the 1960s. It is a compact and engaging way to practice realistic railway operations, requiring efficient use of track space and strategic...

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  • Avoiding the "Toy Train Look": Realistic Track Arrangements
    Avoiding the "Toy Train Look": Realistic Track Arrangements

    A well-designed model railway is more than just a collection of tracks and trains: it’s a miniature world that captures the realism of full-sized railway operations. One of the biggest challenges modellers face is avoiding the "toy train look",...

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  • What was the Bachmann 'Blue Riband' subbrand ?
    What was the Bachmann 'Blue Riband' subbrand ?

    The Blue Riband subbrand was a significant step in the evolution of Bachmann Branchline, the UK division of Bachmann Industries. Introduced in the late 1990s, it was aimed at providing railway modellers with higher-quality locomotives and rolling...

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