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Model Trains
Maintaining, fixing, upgrading and buying model trains, all gauges and scales, including Z, N, 009/HOe, OO/HO and beyond.
What is the best oil to lubricate your model train + what NOT to use
From time to time every model locomotive needs oiling to keep it running smoothly. But what's the best fluid to use?
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Tiny Train Thursday, The Hornby R3528 LB&SCR Terrier
This Thursday's random train is the one of the iconic Terrier's, the London, Brighton & South Coast Railway (LB&SCR) Stroudley Terrier 0-6-0T Number 4 [...]
Sound, smoke, lights and a flickering firebox in N gauge
If you model in N gauge and have watched in envy as OO and HO modellers show off the sound, smoke and lights of their locos you'll want to see this. [...]
Recording Your Rolling Stock
Quick question: How much would it hurt if you lost all your trains?
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Coupling Explained – Hornby, Triang, Bachmann and Dapol couplers
Correcting an omission. [...]
Review Märklin 81701 Z Gauge Train Starter Set
It’s happened again and I was powerless to resist. [...]
The easiest fix for wagons derailing on points
If your wagons derail or jump while crossing points here's one of the most common and easiest solutions. [...]
Sounds effects without DCC
If you've ever longingly looked or listened to the wonderful sound effects possible with DCC trains and wanted something similar for your DC locomotives Train [...]
Playing With Dapol Knuckle Couplers
Clunk.
That was a sound I used to hear from the trains that ran past my home as a small boy.
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Lowest Price on Hornby Smokey Joe, in 2024
My choice for this month's 'random train of the month' is the ever-popular, Hornby Smokey Joe from the Railroad range. Here's my review, rating and where to [...]
How model trains work
Tom Hanks, Elton John and Phil Collins have them and Rod Stewart reportedly hires whole hotel rooms when on tour to play with them. Yep, model railways are a [...]
My Five Favourite Model Train Maintenance Tips
One of the most common questions I get is how to maintain locomotives and track so trains run smoothly — I seemed to get a desperate plea for help daily [...]
How I make make my trains look better – a simple, cheap and effective tip
Want to make your trains look better? Here's how I make quick, easy and cheap wagon loads and add extra realism to my trains. [...]
Troubleshooting derailing rolling stock
If you've got rolling stock that always derail this may be the answer. [...]
Repairing and servicing an N gauge model train
N gauge locos are tiny. And when they break all those small parts can seem a nightmare. But it's really not that hard once you know how. Here's how I recently [...]
The best price on Hornby trains – model railway money saving buying tips
Looking for the best price on a Hornby train set or trying to find the the biggest discount for that model train you’ve been saving for? These tricks will [...]
DCC Trains: Why You’ll Be Thrilled, 5 Exciting Advantages
I've gone on record before as saying that I prefer analogue / DC trains over digital but there are six reasons I get envious. [...]
The top 5 model train maintenance checks
Don't leave the trouble-free operation of your model railway to chance. Follow this top 5 definitive checklist of quick and easy preventative maintenance [...]
What travelling 54,000 miles by train taught me about model railways
What travelling 54,000 miles by train has taught me about keeping my model railway in tip-top condition.
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The Top 3 Advantages Of DC Model Trains
DC model trains have a lot of advantages over their digital counterparts. Read the top 3 advantages here. [...]