Ten Handy Hints

Here are a few hints based on my experiences building model railways-

1. Clean the track and wheels regularly. At the start of each morning of a show, the track is gone over with a PECO track rubber and the loco wheels are cleaned with a fibre pen. Even though we only have one compensated chassis loco, stalling is rare.

2. Keep wheel and track standards consistent. It stops most of your derailments.

3. Use plywood for baseboards. Its light, strong, and some DIY and hardware stores will cut it for you. If you take along a well worked out cutting list, you can come away with an accurately cut baseboard kit that just needs gluing and pinning together.

4. Daler board is great for buildings. Its cheap enough to mess around with until you are happy but strong enough to need little bracing. If you are not confident about scratch building, look at the way a Superquick kit goes together and use that as your inspiration.

5. Plastic kits are a cheap way of increasing your wagon stock and improving your modelling skills all at the same time. Try to fit metal wheels as they will run better. Most kits include tension lock coupling adapters but kit built wagons are easier to fit after market makes to than ready to run as a general rule.

6. Etch brass kits are like card kits that you assemble with solder. Start with those that fit a ready to run chassis or SPUD first.

7. One of the best places to start your research is the local library, they all have railway sections, but try local history, industrial and architectural sections as well.

8. Remember that everyone had to start somewhere and at an exhibition, you only see the best fruits of their labour. Most exhibitors are only too willing to give advice, so don't be shy, if you want to know something, ask.

9. Join your local model railway club. Its might seem a little odd at first, but should eventually yeald much help and information. You don't have to be an expert, all levels of ability are welcome.

10. Don't just sit thinking about it, get on and make something, and above all, enjoy your modelling !

Ó Copyrite Philip Parker 2000 - If you are interested in publishing this, or any other article I have written, please get in touch.