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Author: Andy Leaning

How to Choose the Best Wooden Train Set for Your Toddler

Wooden trains are classic toys that have been loved been enjoyed by children for generations. They are not only fun and engaging, but they can also be [...]

How would you wire this passing loop oval layout?

John's planned OO gauge track plan
John B. Recently posted a track plan to the ModelRailwayEngineer community asking for wiring suggestions. [...]

Shuttle-units: what you need to know

TriAng shunters with shuttle unit
Sit back and let your model railway run on autopilot with a shuttle controller. MRE investigates these handy little devices. [...]

Tools – reviews and discussions

Testing tools is my passion. [...]

Four E’s Vortex Paint Mixer Review

Four E's Mini Vortex Mixer review
Just over a year ago, I purchased the Four E's mini vortex paint mixer and have been using it since then to test it. Here's how I got on. [...]

Understanding model railway scale and gauge

Today I'm looking into a topic that can be a bit of a head-scratcher for newcomers but is absolutely crucial to mastering the art of model railway building: [...]

How to lift polymer clay without stretching and distortion

How NOT to lift up polymer clay
Avoid distorting your polymer clay when lifting it from your work surface. These four steps will help lift it without stretching. [...]

Best air fryer for polymer clay

Photo of a desktop polymer clay oven - air fryer
Playing with polymer clay is a wonderfully creative and enjoyable activity, but there's one major hurdle that can dampen your creative spirit. [...]

Does Triang still exist?

Triang toy company advert from 1958.
Once one of the most famous British toy companies, Triang has a long complex troubled history passing through numerous ownerships. Today it still exists but [...]

Unlock your inner architect: making exquisite polymer clay model houses

Photo showing how walls of a model house and made from polymer clay
With creativity, patience, and a dash of imagination, polymer clay artist Beni Grob makes diminutive model railway dwellings. [...]

CDUs: The Power Behind Model Railway Point Control

Photo of a model railway CDU from Gaugemaster
If you're a model railway enthusiast, you know how important it is to keep your points (or turnouts) working properly. A Capacitor Discharge Unit (CDU) can [...]

What brands and model railway businesses does Hornby own

Updated August 2023: Hornby Plc is a British toy company that owns a number of iconic toy brands. [...]

EPS Foam or XPS Foam – which is best for diorama making

EPS vs XPS foam
Trying to decide between XPS and EPS foam for your next diorama or scenery project? Read on to discover the key differences. [...]

MRE still on track?

Word cloud graphic of what's covered on model railway engineer.com
Every so often I review MRE and check it's still on track. [...]

Top 7 most common polymer clay mistakes to avoid

Working with polymer clay
Avoid these seven rookie mistakes to create stunning creations without frustration. [...]

Best price on Hornby R30006X BR, ‘Terrier

Hornby R30006 Terrier LSWR (Passenger livery) No. 735 Steam Locomotive, Black
This month's train of the month is the LSWR Terrier in BR Black from Hornby. [...]

The six must-have Dremel Bits & accessories for model train enthusiasts

Dremel model railway
Enhance your model train railway with these six essential Dremel accessories. [...]

Can you bake polymer clay in an air fryer

Is it possible to use an air fryer to bake polymer clay? [...]

How NOT to clean your paintbrushes

Photo of dirty paint brushes in a dirty pot of water
Don't do what I did! Follow these simple steps to keep your paintbrushes intip-top condition. [...]

Handle with care: the parts of a paint brush and how to clean them

The parts of a paint brush
Don't let dirty paintbrushes hold you back from creating your next masterpiece!  Know what the various parts of a brush do and how to look after them. [...]