Make. Paint. Build: Tips and tutorials for model train enthusiasts, modellers and miniature painters.
Intermediate
Simple idea that saves time and makes track testing fun
The best ideas, as they say, are the simplest. And never has this been more true than with this bit of lateral thinking from an MRE group member. [...]
Tips from an exhibition layout: Oak Road by Mike Buick
Mike Buick will be familiar to many modellers as the creator of the Oak Road layout. It's a beautiful layout exhibition with astonishingly lifelike modelling. [...]
How to make rock faces
Creating realistic cliffs and rock formations in miniature is surprisingly difficult but with these techniques, some practice and a bit of time anyone can do [...]
How a Blue Peter favourite can help with your layout construction
They've been around for years and are a mainstay of crafters but Velcro and double-sided sticky tape are a godsend for model railways too. [...]
The undercover model railway: reader question
Regular reader Ed recently contacted me with an unusual question so I thought I'd throw it out to the Model Railway Engineer community. [...]
Does your backscene distract from your layout?
Are beautiful photo realistic back scenes too good and distracting from our models? [...]
A rake for your static grass, Sunday Scribbles
This is a silly little tool-tip, but one I find myself using a lot since discovering it. [...]
How to join and solder wires for the most reliable connections
How have I missed this? [...]
How to easily fit rail joiners perfectly, everytime
It's undoubtedly one of the most frustrating, annoying, downright infuriating jobs in constructing a layout. My fingers bleed and I've ruined track ends doing [...]
6 Golden Rules To Successfully Using Second-hand Track
Second hand track can be a bargain but also a right royal pain.
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Bending track or making your own flexible track
Standard track cramping your style? Don't want to buy flexible track? Here's how to make your track bend and go where you want it.
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Space Saving Idea: The Disappearing Fiddle Yard
A neat idea for small, space restricted, modellers. [...]
Better Bends
If you have curves on your layout heres a quick technique that will make them look better. [...]
Making A Garage Fit For A Railway
I’ve had a few emails and comments recently from modellers asking if a garage can be used to house their model railway.
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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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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 [...]
3 Quick Track Laying Tips
About to lay the track for a model railway? Stop. Go no further. Well not before you've read these three quick tips anyway.
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How to master perfect soldering for trouble-free track and wiring – the definitive guide
Want to improve your model railway track work, wiring, and electrics? Soldering is the only way. But what's the best solder to use? What's the best soldering [...]
How To Lay and Fix Track
Laying and fixing track doesn't seem difficult. But then you try it. It's surprising how many problems can be avoided with the benefit of hindsight.
Here's [...]
How To Avoid The Two Ugly Sisters of Track Soldering Hell
Tried soldering wires to your model train rails? Fed up with melted sleepers and solder globules ruining the look of your track. Here's a handy tip for quick, [...]
