During the twenty years in which Britain's nationalized railway operated mainline steam locomotives, a vast array of individual designs complemented the British Railways 'Standard' machines, built up to 1960. Such was the variety of motive power to be seen on the network that this 'early' period of BR's existence has proved to be the most enduring amongst enthusiasts and modellers. The ready-to-run market has reflected this popularity in terms of models and liveries available off-the-shelf. Despite constantly rising levels of detail, finish and performance, r-t-r models can never cater for every variation in components, equipment or livery that invariably arose within large and long-lived fleets. Nor can they offer particular running numbers and names to satisfy every customer, while older products may also require work to bring them up to the standard of contemporary offerings. Therefore, being able to change factory-applied decals, add period or individual locomotive-specific details, modify a livery or create an authentic weathered finish can prove vital to achieving a heightened sense of realism and individuality within our traction fleets. Aimed at modellers of all abilities and serious model railway enthusiasts, this book gives details of a wide range of techniques, materials and tools and is lavishly illustrated wtih 400 colour photographs.

Locomotive and layout maintenance is an essential aspect of railway modelling, but one that is little understood by modellers, especially those new to the hobby or returning after a long absence. Fine Tuning and Maintaining 00 Gauge Models shows you all of the techniques required to introduce new models to your layout, run them in, fit all of the parts supplied with them and undertake repairs where necessary. It includes advice on how to carry out routine maintenance, shows the reader techniques for fine-tuning performance and discusses the important issues surrounding conversion to the finer scales. Chapters include: running in new models; fitting factory-supplied parts; rolling stock and locomotive wheels; mechanical enhancements; simple enhancements; keeping the layout running smoothly; ongoing maintenance and repairs. 00 gauge is one of the most popular gauges within the hobby and this book should have wide reaching appeal. Supported by 415 superb colour photographs and detailed instructions.

Locomotive kit building remains the best route to achieving a varied range of motive power in most scales but it also retains a mystique, being associated with expert modellers and expensive tools. However, in this invaluable, richly illustrated volume, George Dent demonstrates how anyone can successfully assemble working kits with only a modicum of inexpensive equipment and experience. All aspects of assembly are covered in detail including working in plastics, resin and metal; the very basics of working and joining materials; installing ready-made power units and performing more complex operations, such as assembling etched metal chassis frames and intricate valve gear. Includes a full guide to essential tools, materials and adhesives, covers the art of soldering and explains the basics behind chassis construction and alignment. Presents an in-depth guide to the assembly of cylinders, coupling rods and valve gear and examines a range of power unit and transmission options. Demonstrates how to detail and modify kits for extra realism, illustrates painting, lining and weathering techniques and offers tips on running-in, testing and maintaining mechanisms. An essential guide to building locomotives and multiple units from kits and helps the modeller to achieve the best results from every kit. Aimed at railway modellers of all abilities, it is superbly illustrated with 537 colour photographs.

The airbrush is an essential tool for modellers striving for professional-looking results. It can greatly enhance the quality of your modelling output, whether applying a full livery scheme or simply blending in areas of new paintwork. A good airbrush will offer unparalleled levels of finish and consistency, as well as the chance to create unique effects such as weathering and stencilling. This book reveals how anyone can use an airbrush effectively, provided that a few basic rules are followed. All of the necessary techniques are described, along with a wealth of practical guidance and detailed advice on choosing a spraying set-up to match your own needs and budget. Covers cleaning and maintaining the airbrush, 'tricks of the trade' and techniques suitable for a range of subjects, across each of the popular scales.

Once seen as a niche practice, the craft of weathering has now become firmly rooted in the railway modelling mainstream. Not simply a means of rendering models in layers of dirty paint, weathering involves a myriad of techniques aimed at improving realism, including distinctive surface textures, highlights and shading, burnishing and peeling paint finishes. The weathering process brings out the best in a model, making moulded relief or a lustrous livery really stand out. As well as replicating the real world more closely, weathering also helps a model to look at home within a scenic setting. Aimed at modellers of all abilities and eras, this book is an essential guide to creating the most realistic locomotives and rolling stock in any scale. It includes: a guide to tools, paints, washes, dry pigments and other innovative media; the correct techniques for model preparation; a wide range of techniques for wagons, carriages, locomotives and multiple units in any scale; how to replicate authentic surface textures and effects, from polished surfaces to corroded metal and worn timber; how to bring models to life with faded paintwork, peeling and chipped finishes and subtle highlights and shading; the secret to successful airbrushing. This book will be of great interest to railway modellers of varying abilities, particularly those interested in rolling stock and locomotives, and is fully illustrated with 660 colour photographs.

Layout building is perhaps the most exciting, rewarding and challenging aspect of creating a model railway. Making the right design decisions and choosing good construction techniques are vital to ensure success. This book takes you through basic baseboard construction, shelf layout themes and how to link multi-deck designs together, enabling you to make the most of a given space. With different concepts covered, from simple portable layouts to helix construction techniques, Nigel Burkin mixes the best of British layouts with those used routinely overseas and shows you how you too can achieve success and satisfaction in executing your layout design. Topics covered included: Designing for comfort; How to use space efficiently; Practical construction techniques from L-Girder to box frame baseboards; Sub track bed construction, track laying and wiring; Fine tuning the layout for smooth operations.

From background information on the technology itself to layout wiring; taking in decoders, hand controllers, wireless and many practical modelling projects, Neil Burkin offers a comprehensive introduction to Digital Command Control [DCC] for the beginner and experienced modeller alike.The book emphasises the benefits of DCC technology as a model railway control system and offers practical advice on the choice of systems, applying the technology to a layout, how to use it to enhance layout operations, and how it can be used to overcome practical difficulties with operations such as banking, double-heading, lighting and sound. Technical jargon is avoided and clear descriptions of each project featured in the book will remove the mystery surrounding DCC. Many of the modelling projects may be adapted for almost any modelling situation and are supported by over 400 excellent colour photographs. A comprehensive guide to Digital Command Control for the beginner and experienced modeller alike. Emphasises the benefits of DCC technology and offers practical advice on the choice of sytems. Includes practical modelling projects which are supported by over 400 excellent colour photographs. Nigel Burkin is a railway modeller with over 20 years' experience and has hundreds of magazine articles to his credit.