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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 undercover model railway: reader question
Regular reader Ed recently contacted me with an unusual question so I thought I'd throw it out to the ModelRailwayEngineer community. [...]
What is Z gauge: Six things you’ll want to know before starting
If you're itching to build a model railway but don't have space, Z gauge is the answer. Here's a quick primer on what you need to know to get started. [...]
In a Galaxy Far, Far Away model railways are mono rail. Why not here?
Where are the monorail model railways?
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And it goes clickety-clack, clickety-clack
If you watch and listen to any real railway you notice a particular noise. [...]
Fitting Point Motors – how to save yourself time now and avoid disruption later
Point motors are expensive and fitting them under baseboards takes time which often holds up layout construction. Here's a great way to get your track laid [...]
Does your backscene distract from your layout?
Are beautiful photo-realistic back scenes too good and distracting from our models? [...]
What’s the difference between DCC Ready and DCC Fitted
It's a sore spot for many railway modellers. What are your thoughts? [...]
Damaged Track, What Can I Do?
I was recently testing a locomotive on my layout and managed to damage a section of track in the process. Here's how I fixed it. [...]
An effective but surprisingly simple to making points look better: Sunday Scribbles
This is an effective but surprisingly simple tip to give your points a little bit of extra realism.
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Track Planning Software
I recently wanted to flesh out the track plan for the latest incarnation of my Cornish-themed layout, here's how I got on with various track planning [...]
Baseboard construction – an alternative technique
Most modellers make their layout baseboards from wood. But there’s an alternative, easier, more flexible and arguably cheaper material. [...]
7 signs that reveal your other half is a secret railway modeller
Have you got a secret model railway enthusiast in your midst?
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A layout construction question and suggestion
Toby J. recently reached out to me to discuss a baseboard he was making. He'd seen a friend's railway and set out to build his own OO gauge layout. Having [...]
How to fit platform lights
No model railway station is complete without platform lighting. Here's how to do it in five simple steps and a video walkthrough. [...]
DC or DCC? What do you prefer and why
This is one of those topics that everyone has a view on. But what do real-world modellers prefer? [...]
What scale is OO gauge
If you have an OO gauge railway you'll want to get suitably sized models and rolling stock so what scale models are appropriate for OO gauge? [...]
Camouflaging Curves – how to obscure artifical looking curves
Curves and bends make model railways more fun and allow continuous running but they come with a problem. [...]
The ABCs of Fiddle Yards
Fiddle yards are the changing room of a Parisian fashion show catwalk for model railways.
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Reducing Track Noise Levels
Track construction techniques to minimise noise.
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How to make reliable track-carrying bridges across baseboards
Bridges between baseboards? Here are three components to span the gap. [...]