Make. Paint. Build: Hints, tips and advice for model train enthusiasts, model makers and miniaturists
Train Maintenance
Maintaining, fixing and upgrading locomotives and rolling, including DCC conversion and repairing old DC motors.
How to re-fix stickers on old rolling stock
On older rolling stock, the transfers can sometime work free. Here's a quick tip to fixing them back. [...]
How to safely clean model trains + what NOT to use
How to keep your model trains or plastic models clean without damaging the plastic, paint or decals. [...]
How to test a model train without tools
How to test locomotives when out and about and you don't have your usual tools handy. [...]
The number one tip for successful DCC upgrades
Want great running DCC conversions of your analogue trains? He's an often overlooked tip that will dramatically improve DCC conversion performance. [...]
How to clean model train wheels, fixing a train that stops and starts. UPDATED for 2023
You've found it. Abandoned in your childhood, a long-forgotten Hornby loco has been rediscovered. A childhood memory is reborn. You dust it off and plant it on [...]
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 [...]
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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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. [...]
Coupling Explained – Hornby, Triang, Bachmann and Dapol couplers
Correcting an omission. [...]
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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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 [...]
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 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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Weathering Tips | Five Great Tips To Improve Model Train Realism
Want to learn how to weather your trains? Here are six great model railway rolling stock weathering tips from the darkest corners of the web to get you [...]
7 Tips That Will Make Your Model Railway Train Run Smoothly
Trying to figure out why your model railway train judders, stops, and starts? Don't panic. Here are 7 easy and quick tips from model railway gurus across the [...]
