Model Railway News

I receive a lot of pictures and stories from readers about their model train layouts. I love getting stuff like this from you guys, it’s always great to see what other people are doing.  This week I thought I’d share an email and some pictures that I received from Lou last week. Lou is a [...]

So this week I was looking into different methods of how to make mountains for your layout, and I came across a few different methods using foam. I’ll be honest, foam doesn’t feature to heavily on my layout (with the exception of using it as the base of my layout), as I’m a bit “old [...]

An important aspect to creating a realistic looking layout is to weather your trains and rolling stock. I mean, if you have gone to all the trouble of making realistic scenery for your layout, then its goign to look odd if the trains that are trundling around on your tracks are all shiny and new. [...]

I always get exited when I receive an email from Dave about a new video, as I know I’m going to be in for a treat. Listen out for Dave’s wife asking him if he wants a cup of tea Dave mentions that he picked up his logs from PoundLand, which for my non-UK readers out [...]

In this post I thought I would share with you a couple of cool little gadgets that I found on the web which can help you out with model railroading. The first is this cool little widget which converts real life measurements and converts them into OO, HO, N, or Z scale. This little tool [...]

A question that I am asked A LOT is by beginners is “What train set would you recommend as a good start for my first layout?” I’ll be honest with you, I’ve been into model railroading for more than 30 years now, so it’s been a while since I’ve bought a “starter” train set.  However, [...]

I love looking at other videos of other peoples layouts in action. Not only is there something relaxing about watching their trains roll around in the little worlds that they’ve created, it’s also a great way to get inspiration for design elements for your own layout. The following videos are tours of some of my [...]

If you are looking to find some of the best magazines dedicated to model railroading (and railroading in general) then you are in the right place. Magazines are a great resource for model rail enthusiasts as they are a great place to pick up tips, how-to’s, guides, and inspiration; as well as the latest news [...]

As I have touched on in my last few posts, building the scenery for your layout is one of the most rewarding, enjoyable, and relaxing (for the most part) aspects of model railroading. And if you’ve been paying attention (I hope you have been) then you will see that not only is this scenery realistic, [...]

A great deal of the enjoyment that you can get from model railroading comes from designing your own structures and scenery for your layout. After all its the scenery that makes your layout unique.  While you can simply buy and install scenery elements to your layout, there is a great deal of satisfaction from making [...]

One of the things that I love about the model railroading community is how they come up with their own little tricks and techniques to make their layouts more realistic. From using twigs and moss to make trees and bushes, to using kitty litter to create gravel, there are so many ways in which you [...]

One of the first challenges that faces all new model railroaders is what are you going to build your layout on. While you can easily go out and buy a table to use, many people decide to make their own as its a great way to keep costs down, as well as building a table [...]

If you are a beginner at model railroading and are looking for a simple and effective way to add weathering to the tracks on your layout, then look no further than the Track Painters available from Woodland Scenics. Available in 3 authentic track weathering colours (Rusty Rail, Steel Rail, and Weathered Tie) these paint pens [...]

You have to love Eric for making these great video reviews. With so many amazing trains out there, they can so easily slip you by if you take your eyes off the train catalogues or don’t get into your local hobby shop often enough. In this review Eric has a look at Lionel’s new Legacy Equipped [...]

One of the best parts of model railroading is that you are able to build your own little world (or not so little depending on the space that you have available). One of my absolute favourite layouts (which I would love to see in person) comes courtesy of Laurie. In this video, Laurie gives us [...]

I was recently asked by my nephew if I was familiar with a show called Adventures in Willoughby. To be honest I had never heard of it, but he thought that it would be something that would peak my interest as it contains a model railroad. Upon doing some research I found that the show is [...]

Here is a video review of the O scale Lionel C&O 2-6-6-2 Mallet. This is an incredibly detailed steam locomotive in O scale with some great features and sound, including one of the best whistle steam smoke effects currently available from Lionel. Watch the video for another great review by Eric. Click the video to play [...]

If you are looking for a high quality track cleaning wagon then you should consider the CMX track cleaning wagon. This wagon is especially good for cleaning track inside tunnels. It is an effecient cleaning wagon so will only need to be used once a month, or maybe even once every 6 weeks, depending on [...]

If you’ve been wondering how to build a model train platform, have a look at the video below. The roughened platform look can be easily achieved with a coat of paint, sprinkling on some fine sand and then painting again. Have a look… Please comment below…

Woodland Scenics have come out with a great product to clean your model train tracks and model train wheels. It’s called the Tidy Track Rail & Wheel Maintenance System. Dirty tracks are a problem for most model railroaders especially when they don’t run their trains for a long time. Woodland Scenics have the perfect solution [...]

Here’s a great video explaining how to easily create roads and paved areas for your model railroad using the Woodland Scenics range of products. Matt takes you step-by-step through the process of making a road and a railroad crossing. Here are the items mentioned (or shown) in the video: Paving Tape, 1/4″ x 30′ (click here) [...]

Dave has built an amazing model train layout over the years. Have a look at the video below which was taken in 2009 after 2 years of work on his model train layout. We often get emails from frustrated beginners who are complaining about how long it takes to plan a model train layout and [...]

There is nothing better than a well detailed and realistic looking model railroad… And Laurie is the King of detailing his model railroad… Have a look at the video below to see how Laurie has added some clever animation to his Blackstone C-19 locomotive and caboose. It is amazing what can be achieved with some [...]

Laurie is a perfectionist and has made some fine adjustments to his Blackstone locomotive bells. The bell swing action now perfectly matches the Tsunami sound.  A model railroad is never finished and it is a lot of fun… Look out for the Hollywood car in the background! Please leave your comments below.

Many of you asked how Dave gets access to any trains that may derail in his long tunnel… Well the video below demonstrates how. So many beginners make the mistake of creating elaborate tunnels in mountains and completely forget about need to get access after a derailment. Hopefully this video has helped. Please comment below…