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Model Railways
Everything you need to know about building and creating model railways, including baseboards, track work, landscaping and DCC and DC electrics.
The Tri-ang company history
Tri-ang is a name that will be familiar to many railway modellers but where did it come from and what happened to the once mighty company? Here's a potted [...]
Don’t use this for baseboards
I'm always on the look out for new, cheaper or better materials to build model railways with so when someone wrote in suggesting fibreboard I had [...]
Protecting your rails while painting track
Most model railway track come with black sleepers. These look nothing like the real thing and many modellers paint them a more authentic colour.
Browns for [...]
The number one piece of advice for building a model railway
This is my most recommended advice to those starting a model railway. If only I'd followed it. [...]
The Best Ballasting Tool For N Gauge Model Railways
Ballasting is one of those tasks you either love or hate on a model railway. It transforms your track work but is a slow laborious messy process that's hard to [...]
Trouble-shooting track electrics tip
A simple little tip from MRE regular Tom P. for troubleshooting track electrics. [...]
What size is Z scale?
Z scale model train layouts are increasingly popular due to the small size and hence appeal for those with limited space but what are their dimensions? How [...]
Which Xuron track cutter to get (and how to use them for perfect cuts)
Struggling to get clean, straight ends, for your N, OO, and HO track when cutting it? Here's how I use the Xuron cutters to get the perfect track every time.
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Is z scale smaller than N scale?
Z and N scale trains two of the smallest commercial scale model trains you can get but which is smallest.
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A surprising but ideal ready-made base for a fun small model railway
It's not an obvious choice but this baby accessory turns out to be a perfect small model railway base.
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Adding point motors to already laid track
Now filed in a draw marked 'why on earth didn't I think of this' is this marvellous tip from MRE community member Lee Maylon for installing point motors on [...]
London Model Railway Shops: Where to buy
Looking for a model railway shop you can visit, Tom Cunnington, looks at seven shops in London. [...]
An easier way to hold your track in place while gluing
Is this the quickest way to fix track down for gluing? [...]
Simple idea that saves time and makes track testing fun
The best ideas, as they say, are the simplest. And never has this been more true than with this bit of lateral thinking from an MRE group member. [...]
Christmas Tree Train Sets: The Best Train Sets To Go Under Your Tree 2026
Looking to make your child's Christmas morning extra special? It can't get better than a train trundling its way around your Christmas tree or as a present to [...]
What voltage do N scale model trains run on
What's the best voltage for N scale trains to run on? [...]
How high should a model railway be?
While working on the construction of one of my layouts, I happened to think about the correct height for maximum convenience. [...]
Skip the pain of reaching across your layout with this inspired home built aid
How's this for a nifty idea. [...]
Photograph Tips From John Olsen
Creating good photographs of model railways is surprisingly difficult. Here are a few tips from famed model railroader John Olsen on how he created his [...]
What are modular model railway baseboards
Looking for the easiest, quickest, way to start building model railways and operating your trains? Pre-made modular model railway baseboards are the ideal [...]