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  • What is a DCC decoder?
    What is a DCC decoder?

    To understand what a DCC decoder does, we must first take a look at how DC and DCC work.DC stands for Direct Current, this is the way modellers have been controlling their model railways for years. You have a controller which sends electric to...

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  • What is a "third hand" tool?
    What is a "third hand" tool?

    A third hand tool (often referred to as a helping hand tool) is a clamp like device that sits on your worktop. Its function is to help you with those awkward modelling jobs where an extra pair of hands would be an advantage.Third hand tools...

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  • How do I use epoxy resin?
    How do I use epoxy resin?

    There are many types of Epoxy Resins, they all contain roughly the same properties ending up as a very hard-wearing plastic-like substance, but they cure in different ways to facilitate different types and uses.Epoxy resins are mainly used as...

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  • What finish should I use on my model: matt, satin or gloss?
    What finish should I use on my model: matt, satin or gloss?

    Paint not only comes in different types (acrylic or enamel) but will also produce different finishes. These different finishes are described as gloss, matt or satin. Regardless off paint type gloss paints will give your model a nice shiny finish,...

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  • How do you "plant" a model building?
    How do you "plant" a model building?

    Installing a model building on a layout is often referred to as planting the model. On the surface this is quite a strange phrase as the words plonk, place or put would all be more descriptive, but, try to think of it another way, if you plonk...

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  • What is a servomotor?
    What is a servomotor?

    There are different types of electric motors, the type that most modellers are accustomed to is the one that makes their engines move. This type of motor is known as a solenoid motor. It is a crude and basic motor that works by passing a current...

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  • What is Gunpla?
    What is Gunpla?

    Gunpla, are plastic models depicting the numerous characters and vehicles from the 1980's TV series "Mobile Suit Gundam". The name Gunpla is an amalgamation of Gundam and plastic.Mobile Suit Gundam was an animated TV series produced in Japan...

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  • What type of switch is required to control a point motor?
    What type of switch is required to control a point motor?

    When turnouts are operated by point motors, they require the same forces applied to them as they would do operated by hand, to move the point blades force needs to be applied, but the rest of the time no force is required and the blades sit quite...

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  • What is the Hornby era system for model railway?
    What is the Hornby era system for model railway?

    The era system was introduced to model railways so that modellers could easily identify what period in history a model's prototype would have been seen in the real world. Most of us will already know when the majority of locomotives were steaming...

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  • What is a DPDT switch?
    What is a DPDT switch?

    A DPDT (Double Pole Double Throw) switch allows two completely separate circuits to be controlled by just one switch. They can be used as on/off or on/on switches.There are many situations on a model railway layout where a DPDT switch can be...

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  • What is a footplate?
    What is a footplate?

    A footplate is a footplate! or so you would think! The definition of a footplate in the dictionary is "the part of a steam railway engine on which the driver stands" and that is most people's understanding of it. But there are some interesting...

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  • What is NMRA?
    What is NMRA?

    NMRA stands for the National Model Railroad Association which is an organisation in North America that was set up to regulate and monitor standards within the model railroad industry.Founded in 1935, the NMRA's main function is to introduce...

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