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Author: Andy Leaning
How to wire up LED lights on your model railway – the simple guide
I've covered the mechanical aspects of making street lights before, this post, however, focuses on the electrical element of wiring LEDs for buildings such as [...]
Keeping a layout clean — what I use
Keeping a model railway layout dust and debris free during construction is a pain. Here's how I keep mine clean without damaging the delicate parts of the [...]
A simple, cheap and effective technique to removing paint from plastic models
Why a picture of Dettol on a model railway blog? Read more to find out how a household disinfectant can help your railway modeling.
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Why do the LED lights on my layout flicker? – Reader Q&A
If the lights on your layout flicker, follow this advice that I gave to Paul who contacted me over the weekend. The answer was simple but of [...]
Not just trains: cars, vans and boats for model railways
Want a car for your OO gauge level crossing? A fishing boat for your N scale harbour? A cycle outside the signal box? Who wouldn't.
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The next level of modelling – is it real or a model?
Looking for ideas and inspiration for your modelling? Look no further than the models of Marcel Ackle, it's hard to tell if you're looking at a model or the [...]
Reader Question – what to do with track offcuts
Recently a reader raised a great question. What to do with track offcuts? [...]
How to make your own trees, a new technique
I've covered making trees here before but I'm always on the look out for new techniques.
I recently came across this approach and have been impressed by [...]
9 Top tips to laying flexitrack
Flexible track is a quicker, easier, option for track work but comes with its own problems. Here are the 9 best tips from the collective wisdom of the Internet [...]
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. [...]
Model Railway Beginners Q&A: How to connect more power leads to a model railway set
If you've added more track to your model railway set you'll reach a point where just one power-clip isn't enough. But how do you get more power to your track [...]
Autumnal Projects & Ideas To Inspire
Great update projects to work on around your railway as the Sun set sets earlier and the heat of long summer days fade. [...]
How I fixed my runaway trains
I recently ran into a frustrating problem where my DCC locomotives just ran away by themselves. After a bit of head scratching I found an answer. [...]
Cry me a river – layout update
It's been a while since my last update on the layout so a quick progress report. [...]
What model railway builders can learn from Lego
Don't laugh but model railways can learn a lot from Lego. Okay, not about realism or authenticism but about something perhaps more important. [...]
Troubleshooting derailing rolling stock
If you've got rolling stock that always derail this may be the answer. [...]
Best Static Grass Applicator for Model Railways in 2026
Static grass applicators can help you create lush, realistic grass for your model railway layout, miniature landscape, or wargaming mini. In this article, [...]
An awesome technique for quickly creating landscapes
A little technique for quickly making realistic landscapes from polystyrene foam. [...]
What’s The Best Glue For Polystyrene / Stryofoam
Just a quick post on the what is the best glue for Polystyrene and Styrofoam expanded foam sheets, both hugely popular for making landscapes, hills and [...]
Bigjigs Flying Scotsman wooden train review & play tested
I've finally got it! After far too long I've got my hands on a wooden version of the most famous steam engine ever made, the Flying Scotsman. [...]