Hints & tips for model railway enthusiasts, miniature painters and model makers.
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Make a realistic texture thatched roof with this simple but effective technique
Living in Surrey, I see a lot of thatched roofs. There's no denying their beauty. But recreating them in miniature for a model railway or diorama is [...]
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 [...]
How to paint eyes
Look into my eyes. Not my eyes, those on my models. They're not good. But after following the tips here, I can see them getting a lot better. Enough of the [...]
How to wire Circuitron Tortoise Point Motors
Here's a quick simple guide to how I wire my Tortoise slow-motion point motors and use them with Lever operated passing contact switches. [...]
Tips from an inspirational model railway
There are realistic model railways and then there are realistic model railways. Anyone who’s seen Ben Alder's Far North Line layout knows what I mean. [...]
More on the Train-Tech Screen
In my highlight of 2018, I mentioned the Train-Tech Screen as one of the highlights of the year. Here's more information on this innovative little product. [...]
How I got 5 locos to run smoothly over my points with just 10 minutes work
Most of the time, our locos run smoothly over points. But occasionally there are problems. Here's how I quickly solved a problem that was causing 5 of my locos [...]
Trains stalling on Electrofrog points?
Trains stalling on Electrofrog points? Here’s the one solution I’ve found. I hope it works for you too.
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The tale of the errant fish plate
Fish plates are fiddly things but I didn't think I'd spend most of a morning fighting with one. [...]
What is the best glue for laying track – Hornby or Peco, it’ll hold both
Today, I'm going to answer one of the most common questions that pops up in my mailbox and in the Model Railway Engineer community group. What's the best glue [...]
DCC Sound Speaker Comparison – make your locos sound better
Adding sound chips to your locos makes a world of difference to a layout but not all model train speakers are created equal as Richard Croft from Road and [...]
Light up with Magnets – How to easily and flexibly illuminate your buildings
A simple technique for wiring your buildings for lighting while still allowing them to be easily moved and worked on.
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Solar Shed Power – how to harness the power of mother nature for convenient and efficient power
Need power for your shed or garage layout, workshop and workbench? Here's how to harness mother nature. [...]
Stuck for space for your model railway? Here’s one uplifting solution
Stuck for space for your layout? Here's one modeller's solution. [...]
The number one tip for successful DCC upgrades: Sunday Scribbles
Want great running DCC conversions of your analogue trains? He's an often overlooked tip that will dramatically improve DCC conversion performance. [...]
Upgrading an old Hornby Pannier
GWR Pannier engines are the best. They're my favourite locos and I have quite a few, in both OO and N gauge. The Hornby versions are great little [...]
The ABC’s of Fiddle Yards
Fiddle yards are the changing room of a Parisian fashion show catwalk for model railways.
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A masterclass in model storytelling
Just look. Look, stare and imagine. [...]
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. [...]
Reducing Track Noise Levels
Track construction techniques to minimise noise.
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