Valid to UK only - excludes oversized items
Using a back-to-back gauge for your model railway ensures that the wheels on your rolling stock are spaced correctly...
A poly-cap is a type of plastic cap often used in model-making kits, especially for assembling figurines or model...
Graham Farish is a name you’re likely to come across if you're interested in British model railways, especially in...
Semaphore signals, those distinctive mechanical arms that once graced railway lines across the UK, were largely...
Kato track is a popular choice in the world of model railways, known for its quality, ease of use and versatility. If...
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A headshunt, also known as a head siding, is a short section of track that is used for storing and manoeuvring locomotives or rolling stock. It is typically located at the end of a mainline or branch line, near a station or yard. The purpose of a...
Catenary systems are used to provide an overhead power supply for electric trains. They consist of a series of wires, known as catenary wires, which are suspended above the tracks and carry the electrical current to power the trains. When it comes...
An insulated rail joiner is a small piece of plastic or metal that is used to separate two sections of track electrically. It is typically used in situations where a modeller wants to create separate electrical circuits on their layout. One...
Static grass and fine scatter are both commonly used in scale modelling and model railway projects to create realistic landscapes and ground cover. While they serve similar purposes, there are some key differences between the two. Let's explore...
Brake vans, also known as guards' vans or brake coaches, were typically positioned at the rear of a rake of wagons or carriages. However, it's important to note that the positioning of brake vans within a train could vary depending on the specific...
Victrix is a renowned model manufacturer that specialises in producing high-quality plastic model kits. They are known for their expertise in creating detailed and accurate historical figures and vehicles. Their focus is primarily on producing...
A siding is a very useful feature to have on a model railway layout. It provides a designated area for trains to be parked or for additional industries to be served. Installing a siding can add a lot of operational interest to a layout, allowing a...
When telegraph lines cross railways, a certain clearance is required to ensure the safety and proper functioning of both the railway and the telegraph lines. This clearance is known as the "line clearance" or "wire clearance". The specific...
A motorised track cleaner offers several advantages over more conventional alternatives when it comes to maintaining clean and operational tracks. Typically these units are configured as an individual wagon that is hauled by a locomotive. The...
Station halts were not exclusively used on minor branch lines. While it is true that station halts were commonly found on smaller and less busy lines, they were also used on mainline railways. A station halt is a small and simple railway station...
Historically, a group of wagons connected together and forming a train was often referred to as a "rake." This term has its roots in British railway terminology and has been widely adopted within the model railway community. The term "rake"...
A worm gear is a type of gear used in model motors that consists of a screw-like shaft (known as a worm) and a wheel (known as a worm wheel or worm gear). The worm has a helical thread that meshes with the teeth of the worm wheel, causing the...