Category Archives: Hints and tips

2B or not 2B?

Posted on May 6, 2016 by snitchthebudgie

Keeping track clean, and by association keeping wheels clean, is a perennial problem.  How often do you see a loco stall at an exhibition, followed by a lot of work with a Peco track cleaner?  I came across this tip in … Continue reading →

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Some interesting quotes….

Posted on April 28, 2016 by snitchthebudgie

From ‘Achievable Layouts’: If you want to do this (build and achievable layout) as well, I think the first step is self-awareness. Be honest with yourself about how prolific you are in the hobby. At the same time, be honest … Continue reading →

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Better looking N-gauge track

Posted on March 29, 2016 by snitchthebudgie

One of my continuing issues with N gauge is the poor appearance of the trackwork.  This, together with the heavy looking wheels – OK on diesels, but obvious on steam locos, has often temped me over to the 2mm dark … Continue reading →

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Llanastr – yet another small layout

Posted on March 17, 2016 by snitchthebudgie

The blogsphere is a small place and downright incestuous at times.  Two of my favourite sites Prince Street, and Andrew’s Trains  both recently featured one of my favourite small layouts, Llanastr, built to P4 (4mm/ft, and a scale 18.87mm gauge) … Continue reading →

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Another small layout idea – and a view from across the pond

Posted on March 13, 2016 by snitchthebudgie

Trevor Marshall’s “Achievable Layouts” regularly comes up with some interesting model railroad ideas.  They are often small (and achievable), as Trevor models in ‘S’ gauge, so a medium size layout to him is a very buildable small layout in ‘N’.  His … Continue reading →

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Good(s) links

Posted on March 11, 2016 by snitchthebudgie

Here are two useful sites for the goods wagon enthusiast. Firstly, “Goods & Not So Goods – An overview of railway freight operations for modellers.”  This labour of love is packed full of interesting material.  The site is often an … Continue reading →

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Lego sushi ?!?

Posted on March 1, 2016 by snitchthebudgie

I grew up with Meccano – my children grew up with Lego.  But they never got this keen!  It’s not railway modelling, but one has to admire skilful modelling in whatever shape or form.  How about a complete sushi restaurant … Continue reading →

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Two photos

Posted on February 28, 2016 by snitchthebudgie

To finish February, two random photographs I came across whilst ambling around the web.  Sorry, I haven’t got the links or owners… Firstly, unloading an elephant from a circus train.  (From the file name, I think this is an entry … Continue reading →

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Book review – ‘Model Railroad Planning 2016’

Posted on February 26, 2016 by snitchthebudgie

Regular readers will know that I am better at planning railroads than building them, and probably prefer the armchair to the workshop.  So I was pleased to receive this year’s copy of ‘Model Railroad Planning’, published by Kalmbach, from the … Continue reading →

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Odd modelling ideas #2

Posted on February 22, 2016 by snitchthebudgie

Thanks to N Gauge Forum for this gross idea – “Something prototypical I’d rather not model,”  with a link to this BBC page.  The BBC is a bit over-the-top about the risks – only 10% of UK trains still deposit … Continue reading →

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