Model Railroad Electrics

Model Railroad Wire Sizes

An overview of wire for model railways and how to choose the correct size for model rail wire. Discover the best practice for bus and dropper wire sizes, material and gauges.

Model Scenery

The Best Glue for Polystyrene and Styrofoam

Take a look at the best Polystyrene glue for model scenery and Styrofoam applications. Improve your model railroad, wargaming scenery or dioramas by using Polystyrene adhesive effectively.

Beginner Guides

What Model Train is The Hogwarts Express?

It's the train that's synonymous with the Harry Potter franchise and is instantly recognizable to fans of the movies. But what model train is the Hogwarts Express? This guide explores the origins of this iconic steam locomotive.

Model Scenery

Dry Brushing - Tips for Realistic Miniature and Model Painting

Discover these essential dry brushing tips for realistic model and miniature painting that add depth and character to any model scenery layout.

Train Sets

How Fast Do Model Trains Go?

A guide to the top speed of popular train sets, how to run them to their potential, and the history of the fastest scale locomotives on record.

Beginner Guides

How to Sell Model Trains and Hornby Train Sets

Review the best options for selling model trains, from online auctions through to hobby stores and achieve maximum returns from your Hornby train sets.

Beginner Guides

Are Model Trains Toys?

Let's take a look at the comparison between model trains and toys to see the differences and features of both. Can toys be considered model trains?

Maintenance and Cleaning

How Long Do Model Trains Last?

Discover how long a model train can run for whilst taking into account maintenance and operating considerations that affect the longevity of your rolling stock.

Maintenance and Cleaning

How to Clean Model Train Wheels

Compare the most effective methods for cleaning model train wheels for reliable running of your locomotives and train sets.

Beginner Guides

Guide to the Best Model Train Brands

Which model train manufacturer is best? In this guide we'll compare the most popular model railroad brands and discover who makes the best model trains.

Beginner Guides

Is N Scale Cheaper than HO?

Find out which of these popular model train scales is the least expensive for building a model railroad layout. Compare the price difference between N scale and HO scale trains.

Train Sets

A Guide to Train Sets for Under the Christmas Tree

Discover the origins of this festive tradition, the best train sets for the Holidays, and why running trains around the Christmas tree is so popular.

Track Planning

How to Ballast Points in Easy Steps

Follow these simple steps and learn how to ballast points and switches easily on a model railroad or train set in order to get realistic tracks.

Train Sets

Are Old Hornby Trains Valuable?

A guide to the value of old Hornby train sets, how to assess their value, what's needed to work out how much they're worth, and the factors that influence prices.

Track Planning

How Steep Can a Model Train Climb?

Find out the maximum gradient that model trains can safely climb whilst maintaining reliable and efficient operation.

Track Planning

Model Train Incline Calculator Tool

Use our simple online tool to work out how steep your model trains can climb on your layout by calculating the incline required.

Track Planning Featured

Compression and The Art of Modelling Large Areas in Small Spaces

Three essential techniques for compression that allow us to maximize the available area when modelling large railroad layouts in small spaces for detail and realism.

Track Planning

How Many Feet In a Mile For N Scale?

Let's calculate how many feet and inches are in an N scale mile and determine whether this will allow us to accurately model a real world area.

Model Scenery

How Long Does Primer Take to Dry on Miniatures?

Learn the recommended length of time to let primer dry when painting miniatures in order to achieve a high quality finish.

Train Sets

How to Uncouple Hornby Trains

In this article we take a look at how to uncouple Hornby trains safely in order to prevent damage to your model trains and track.

Train Sets

Why Does My Model Train Slow Down?

Let's take a look at some of the reasons for poor performance of model trains and how to resolve these issues to ensure your locomotives run smoothly.

Train Sets

Are Model Trains a Dying Hobby?

Model railroading has always been popular but many have started to ask are model trains a dying hobby. Find out if rail transport modelling is still in demand and whether model trains will still be popular in future years.

Train Sets

Why Are Model Trains So Expensive?

Model trains are a very popular hobby around the world. But why do they cost so much to buy? In this guide, we'll explain what makes model trains so expensive and whether they are worth it in terms of value for money.

Model Scenery

The Best Papier Mache Recipe for Realistic Model Hills and Scenery

Build realistic landscapes for model railways and wargaming boards using this durable papier mache recipe to create model hills and mountains. Follow this guide to improve the quality of your model scenery using paper mache.

Train Sets Featured

What are Model Train Scales? Modelling Gauges Explained

Model trains come in a variety of scales and gauges. This guide explains model train scales in detail and considers the best gauge to use in rail transport modelling. A number of commercially available model railway gauges can be used to build a great layout.