Scale Model Scenery 

53 Tips For Building 
A Better Layout 
 

 
2nd October 2018 
 

   

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Table of Contents 

 
Table of Contents 1 

Introduction 7 

Mixing Analogue & DCC Control 8 

WHAT IS A DPDT SWITCH? 8 

Track Magic 9 
WHAT IS TRACK MAGIC 9 

SCRAP LOADS 10 

WHAT CAN I USE TO MAKE A SCRAP LOAD? 10 

WIRING COLOUR CODING 11 

WHY SHOULD I USE WIRING COLOUR CODING? 11 

INTERIOR LIGHTING 12 

WHY SHOULD I USE INTERIOR LIGHTING? 12 

RUNNING IN 13 
WHY SHOULD I RUN LOCOMOTIVES IN? 13 

BALLAST COLOURS 14 

WHY SHOULD I USE DIFFERENT COLOURED BALLAST? 14 

PAINT THE BASEBOARDS 15 

WHY SHOULD I PAINT THE BASEBOARDS? 15 

LAYERING THE GRASS 16 

WHY SHOULD I LAYER UP THE GRASS? 16 

BULK BUY GLUE 17 

WHY SHOULD I BULK BUY GLUE? 17 

GAUGE ISSUES 18 

WHY SHOULD I USE A WHEEL GAUGE TOOL? 18 

TRACKBED - CORKSHEET 19 

WHY SHOULD I USE CORK SHEET? 19 

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BACKSCENES 19 
WHY SHOULD I USE A BACKSCENE? 20 

CHOOSE THE RIGHT TIMBER 21 

WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE THE RIGHT TIMBER? 21 

BASEBOARD SUPPORTS 22 

WHY SHOULD I USE BASEBOARD SUPPORTS? 22 

CUTTING TIMBER 23 

WHY SHOULD I GET TIMBER PRE-CUT? 23 

DCC Handbook 24 

WHY SHOULD I KEEP MY DCC HANDBOOK HANDY? 24 

TRACK PLANNING - TEMPLATES 25 

WHY SHOULD I USE TRACK TEMPLATES? 25 

TRACK PINS 25 

WHY SHOULD I USE TRACK PINS? 26 

LOCOMOTIVE RECORD CARD 27 

WHY SHOULD I KEEP A LOCOMOTIVE RECORD CARD? 27 

DCC Locomotives Cheat Sheet 28 

WHY SHOULD DCC LOCO CHEAT SHEET? 28 

DCC Locomotive Addresses 29 

WHY SHOULD I USE A DCC LOCO ADDRESS? 29 

Polystyrene 29 
WHY SHOULD I USE POLYSTYRENE? 30 

Bodyshells 30 
WHY SHOULD I USE DIFFERENT BODYSHELLS? 31 

PROGRAMMING TRACK 32 

WHY SHOULD I USE A DCC PROGRAMMING TRACK? 32 

Rockfaces 32 
WHY SHOULD I MAKE MY OWN ROCKFACES? 33 

Connectors - Plug In Type 34 

WHY SHOULD I USE PLUG TYPE CONNECTORS? 34 

Colouring Edges 35 

WHY SHOULD I COLOUR IN CORNER FOLDS? 35 

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Mirrors 35 
WHY SHOULD I MODEL MIRRORS? 36 

Upgrade Speakers 37 

WHY SHOULD UPGRADE DCC SOUND SPEAKERS? 37 

Dusting 37 
DUSTING? 38 

Re-Use Waste Items - Stones 39 

HOW CAN I REUSE WASTE MODELLING MATERIALS? 39 

Spillages 39 
HOW CAN I AVOID SPILLAGES? 40 

Recycle & Reuse 41 

HOW CAN USE WASTE HOUSEHOLD ITEMS? 41 

Recycle & Reuse 42 

HOW CAN USERECYCLED GLAZING? 42 

Electric Screwdriver 43 

WHY SHOULD I USE AN ELECTRIC SCREWDRIVER? 43 

Photographic Backscenes 44 

WHY SHOULD I PHOTOGRAPHIC BACKSCENES? 44 

Take Photos! 45 

WHY SHOULD I TAKE PHOTOS? 45 

Copper Clad Sleepers- Baseboard Joints 46 

WHY SHOULD I USE COPPER CLAD SLEEPERS? 46 

Model Winter - Part One 47 

WHY SHOULD I MODEL WINTER? 47 

Model Winter - Part two 48 

WHY SHOULD I MODEL WINTER? 48 

Modelling Trees 49 

WHAT SORT OF TREES SHOULD I USE? 49 

Two Locos In One 50 

HOW DO I MODEL TWO LOCOS IN ONE? 50 

Extra Hand - Blu Tack 51 

WHY SHOULD I USE BLU TACK? 51 

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Plan Ahead - DCC Sound Fitting 52 

WHY SHOULD I PLAN FITTING DCC SOUND? 52 

Dirty Washes 53 

WHY SHOULD I WEATHER MODELS & SCENERY? 53 

Ask Questions 54 

WHY SHOULD I ASK QUESTIONS? 54 

Loco Model Boxes 55 

WHY SHOULD I ALTER BOXES FOR SUPER DETAILED MODELS? 55 

Blades 55 
WHY SHOULD I USE NEW BLADES? 56 

Water 56 
HOW CAN I MODEL WATER? 57 

Real Coal 57 

HOW CAN I USE REAL COAL? 58 

Flexible Track 59 

HOW CAN I USE FLEXIBLE TRACK? 59 

Track Plan Books 60 

WHY SHOULD I BUY TRACK PLAN BOOKS? 60 

   

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Introduction 
Thank you downloading our free Railway Modelling Tips eBook. We hope you enjoy reading it as 
much as we enjoyed compiling it, and of course, we hope you find it useful. Please feel free to 
pass it on to your modelling friends, fellow club members or anyone you think may benefit from it. 

The hints and tips in this eBook are taken from the Tip Of The Day series that’s been running for 
the past few months on our ​Railway Modellers Club​ website, and who knows, in another month or 
so, we may be able to publish volume two! 

Pop the kettle on and make a cuppa, then sit back, relax & have a read… 

Most of all… Keep on shunting! 

Justin & The Team 

www.ScaleModelScenery.co.uk 

   

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1. Mixing Analogue & DCC Control 

One for DCC (Digital Command Control) layouts. With DCC systems & traditional Analogue systems

never try to directly mix them!! Always keep them both separate from each other.

However, you can have both on the same layout so long as each system is kept electrically isolated

from the other. On my own layout, I have one track that can be operated from both systems but each

system is kept isolated from each other via a DPDT switch that only allows one system to power the

track at any one given time.

WHAT IS A DPDT SWITCH? 

Adding another pole to an SPDT switch (Single Pole Double Throw Switch) creates a double-pole,

double-throw (DPDT) switch. Basically, a ​DPDT​​ switch is two SPDT switches in one, which can

control two separate circuits but is always switched together by a single actuator.

So in simple terms allows power from one system to be on & powering the track, but keeps other

systems power feed to the track turned off. Switching the switch over to the other system power to

the track automatically cuts the power to the track from the other system. Thus only one power

system at a time can only ever be used, using a DPDT switch to switch between the two.

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2. Track Magic 

Trackwork if not regularly cleaned can soon get dirty which can lead to poor & unreliable running of

your trains. Regular track cleaning will keep your trains running smoothly. Track Magic by Deluxe

Materials is one item to keep in your track maintenance tool kit.

WHAT IS TRACK MAGIC 

Deluxe Materials Track Magic - Having clean track work is essential to have good trouble-free

running on your layout. It's an electrical cleaner liquid that comes complete with dispensing

container, micro flexi brush & sponge pad. It removes dirt from electrical contacts, point blades, loco

wheels, trackwork etc. Track Magic works by dissolving and mobilizing microscopic oily

contaminants to leave a clean conducting surface for smooth, reliable and steady running.

We've used Track Magic for a good number of years now with great success & results. An essential

item for your layout.

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3. SCRAP LOADS 

Adding loads to your wagons adds interest & purpose to running your trains, after all the real

railways were built to carry goods. Adding scrap steel processing plant or part of a steel works gives

operating interest to your layout with loading / unloading operations for your scrap steel trains. For

scrap steel carrying wagons look out for the likes of Bachmann’s Scrap steel SSA wagons.

WHAT CAN I USE TO MAKE A SCRAP LOAD? 

To replicate a steel scrap load use aluminium kitchen roll cut up into random sizes. Scrunched up &

crumpled into pieces as well as making them into crumpled squared cubes to represent steel bales.

Weather them using the likes of Deluxe Materials Instant rust or similar followed by weathering with

weathering powders or coloured pastels. To fill a wagon you only need to do is the top layer of steel

scrap bales. Use a piece of foam or card to fill in the rest of a wagon, thus giving an impression that

the wagon is fully loaded.Scrap loads. To replicate a steel scrap load use aluminium kitchen roll cut

up into random sizes. Scrunched up into crumpled pieces as well as making them into crumpled

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squared cubes. To weather them use the like of Deluxe Materials Instant rust or weathering

powders.

4. WIRING COLOUR CODING 

Wiring for layouts comes in all sorts of sizes & colours so it makes sense to adopt a colour code

system for when you start on the wiring up of your layout. Keep a diagram of the wiring & include a

wiring colour code key.

WHY SHOULD I USE WIRING COLOUR CODING? 

Keeping your wiring colour coded is essential for your layout. It makes it much easier for fault finding

& wiring up track & accessories. A good way is to use red & black wires for the track power feeds.

So if you’re running for example two parallel tracks, wire one track up with red & black wires & the

other track yellow & Blue.

Speaking from experience I once helped a fellow modeller with a wiring issue on his layout, he’d

used the same colour wire for all his layout wiring!! Much time was wasted working out which wire

was which. This could of been avoided if he’d used a colour coding system.

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For point motors use orange, green, white wires. There is no fast & hard rule as to which colours you

should use, choose your own colour system & stick to it! It’ll help in the long run with any wiring fault

finding issues in the future.

5. INTERIOR LIGHTING 

It’s well worth adding lighting to your layout, which can bring a night running session alive as well as

giving a different look & feel to your layout. As we head into the long dark nights of winter, what

better time to add lighting to your layout.

WHY SHOULD I USE INTERIOR LIGHTING? 

Interior lighting helps to enhance your layout & dioramas. L.E.D ‘s really help show off any interior

room details that may be missed when not lit up. L.E.D. lighting is now very affordable with low

prices & a wide range of colours to choose from. Not only that, L.E.D’s come in warm & cool style

lighting. L.E.D’s can be bought in strips as well as single items. Cheap to run & don’t (or hardly) get

warm in use, are ideal for your layout & dioramas as well as vehicle & train models.

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Other lighting option as well is grain of wheat bulbs, again available in various colours & sizes.

Bring your layout alive & enhance any night time running session with interior lighting.

6. RUNNING IN 

It goes without saying look after your model & it’ll give years of good service. With any new loco it

should be run in prior to going into service on your layout, as per the manufacturer instructions.

WHY SHOULD I RUN LOCOMOTIVES IN? 

Running in a new model or after it’s been serviced will help all moving parts to bed in. Run in your

loco for at least an hour with the loco running light engine (Not hauling anything). This can be carried

out on your layout or on a rolling road. Start off by running at slow speeds & gradually building up to

medium speeds during the running in session. Run the loco 5 minutes at a time, first in one direction

& then five minutes in the opposite direction, & so on during the running in session.

This will give all the gears, bearings & moving parts etc, time to nicely bed in & result in a much

smoother running loco. If a loco that has just been serviced, it’s worth giving it a running in session

as it’ll give you chance to check for any issues after servicing.

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Try using a rolling road or fit an auto shuttle unit such as one by Gaugemaster. This will

automatically stop the loco, change the direction & set off again. On DCC some decoders / DCC

control systems have a built-in shuttle mode which allows for automatic running.

7. BALLAST COLOURS 

A lot of people just use grey ballast on their layouts. But grey isn’t always the case!! A look at the

real railways will show otherwise.

WHY SHOULD I USE DIFFERENT COLOURED BALLAST? 

Ballast colour is never just grey, it’s a blend of various different colours & sizes. Depending on what

region or area you’re modelling will have a bearing on which colour ballast to use. Take a look at the

real railway to see what colour/size variations there is. Ballast colours depending on region, whether

it’s new or old ballast, how it’s weathered, what & how much traffic the line carries etc. Take

reference photos of the real thing to give you ideas as well as to a pictorial guide to work to.

Model Ballast comes in many sizes, grades & colours. Don’t be afraid to have a go at mixing various

ballast sizes & colours. In the photo, can be seen a mixture of ballast colours etc. Note how the

weathering & usage has also affected the look of the trackwork.

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If modelling OO scale, try using N scale ballast as a number of OO scale ballast offerings are over

scale. Check out the likes of DCC Concepts realistic range of ballast which gives a realistic looking

ballast.

8. PAINT THE BASEBOARDS 

Prior to laying track & scenics paint your bare baseboards.

WHY SHOULD I PAINT THE BASEBOARDS? 

Painting your baseboards is great for sealing the wood. More so when the layout is housed in a

shed, loft or garage. It also helps prevent baseboards from warping, moisture etc. Any emulsion

paint, varnish etc used for household decorating will do. Paint the baseboards prior to laying any

track or scenery.

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9. LAYERING THE GRASS 

Apart from the likes of football, cricket, lawns & bowling greens, grass grows in various heights

depending on location. The season & time of year also has a bearing on the colour of grass.

WHY SHOULD I LAYER UP THE GRASS? 

Add depth & texture to your grass by using different heights of static grasses, scatters, & turf

scatters. Use & blending various different colours & heights of grasses, scatters, turf scatters, will

give a much more natural pleasing look & finish to your layout. Look at the real thing when you’re out

& about on your travels. Remember to take photos & use them as a reference guide to work to.

Look out for winter, summer, spring & autumn blends of static grasses. Use a static grass applicator

tool or puffer bottle to apply the static grass for best affect.

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10. BULK BUY GLUE 

 
Building a layout can use a large amount of glue. The glue of choice for many modellers is P.V.A.

WHY SHOULD I BULK BUY GLUE? 

One of the main glues you’ll use for building the baseboards, making the scenic work, ballasting etc,

is PVA glue. Buying the small tubes of PVA glue can rapidly work out very expensive. Save money

by buying the big bulk packs of PVA glue. Builders merchants, & the likes of places such as Screwfix

etc sell bulk buy packs. Don’t worry about the glue going off, as it usually has a long shelf life.

Always Keeping plenty of PVA glue in stock at home will lessen the chances of running out in the

middle of a job. Remember bulk buy, stock up & save!!

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11. GAUGE ISSUES 

 
Rolling stock that frequently keep derailing is a sign that it could be the wheel back to back

alignment is out of gauge. This can be checked & corrected using a wheel gauge tool. Commonly

known as a wheel gauge back to back tool.

WHY SHOULD I USE A WHEEL GAUGE TOOL? 

Having wheelsets being out of gauge can cause running issues, such as derailments etc. On some

models, they come supplied with wheelsets that haven’t been properly been set to gauge correctly.

On other locos & rolling stock, the wheelsets can end up drifting out of gauge over time. One way to

check if your wheelset back to back measurements are set up correctly is to use a back to back

wheel gauge tool ( or a set of measuring verniers ).

Using the back to back gauging tool will soon identify if the wheelset is correctly set up, or needs

adjusting.

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12. TRACKBED - CORKSHEET 

 
Use Corksheet for your trackbed.

WHY SHOULD I USE CORK SHEET? 

Using Cork sheet for your trackbed. This tip is popular with many railway modellers. It helps reduce

wheel noise of passing trains & also help give a more realistic looking raised ballast shoulder. A

recommended depth size cork sheet to go for is 1/16th of an inch.

Cork sheet is available in sheet rolls, pre-cut to track width. Glue using PVA glue to your baseboard,

& place some heavy books on top of the cork sheet to keep it in place whilst the glue sets.

Other trackbed systems like those produced by such companies as Woodlandscenics, who produce

pre-chamfered trackbed. Other track bed systems such as Hornby, Gaugemaster etc do foam ballast

trackbeds. Though some foam trackbeds can deteriorate over time.

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13. BACKSCENES 

Set the scene on your layout by using a backscene which ​adds depth to your layout scenics.

WHY SHOULD I USE A BACKSCENE? 

Backscenes are available in all sorts of sizes & scales, covering everything from cities to villages,

industrial to countrysides. Photographic backscenes very popular amongst modellers these come

supplied as rolled up sections in a tube. Unroll the back scene out on to a smooth flat surface, &

place some heavy books to flatten out the backscene for a couple of days before use.

Mount the backscenes on to a board taking care to join up the backscene sheets up. Use a suitable

glue such as Deluxe Materials View glue. It may well be worth sealing the backscene board prior to

fitting the backscene sheets. Another way of adding a backscene is to paint your own, or if you’re not

confident with painting a backscene it’s worth contacting a local artist to paint one for you.

Backscenes are also useful for hiding non-scenic sections such as fiddle yards, as well as acting as

scenic dividers between different areas on the layout.

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14. CHOOSE THE RIGHT TIMBER 

Buy the right timber / sheet materials for your baseboard & benchwork. Make sure

 
 
WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE THE RIGHT TIMBER? 
When selecting timber for your layout framework & baseboards whilst your at DIY shops / timber

merchants, be careful with the timber / sheet material you select. Go for sheet material that is stored

flat rather than being stored standing up or on its side. Stored standing up or on its side, can lead to

material warping out of true. With packs of timber at the DIY stores take your time in selecting, don’t

take the first pack of timber on the shelf. Go for the straightest timber battens that you find in

stock.Taking care at this stage will give the best materials to work with, whilst building your

baseboards.

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15. BASEBOARD SUPPORTS 

A layout needs a good firm set of supports. A well supported layout is easier to work on & give

superior running over a badly supported layout.

 
WHY SHOULD I USE BASEBOARD SUPPORTS? 
When building a layout there are various options for supporting a baseboard. On legs, trestles, wall

mounted or suspended from the ceiling. Another option is for the baseboard to sit on the top of units

which give handy storage under the layout. For the legs, you can opt for bespoke made to measure

legs or tressels. Companies such as the Little Layout Company, for example, make trestles stands

which are ideal if you have a portable layout. The trestles can be adjusted for height which is great

for locations where the floor may not be level. For permanent layouts use bespoke made to measure

baseboard legs. It’s also worth using good quality timber for the baseboard legs.

For wall mounted layouts look at using angled wall mounting brackets either the L shaped type or

angle with wall slot type racking. This allows for easy height adjustment.

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16. CUTTING TIMBER 

Cutting timber can be a time consuming job, save time by getting it cut for you.

 
 
WHY SHOULD I GET TIMBER PRE-CUT? 
When purchasing your timber & baseboard sheet material, it’s worth getting it cut for you. Many DIY

shops & timber merchants offer a cutting service which is well worth taking advantage of. Yes there

may be well be a cutting charge for the service, this could add a couple of £’s more on to the total

cost of the materials. But this is money well spent in the time it saves, allowing you to get on with the

job of building a layout baseboard & frame work quicker. It’s worth taking a cutting list with you.

Some of the smaller or independent DIY/timber merchants are worth using as can work out cheaper

than the larger companies.

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17. DCC Handbook 

Always keep the Handbook to your DCC (Digital Command Control) controller handy.

 
 
WHY SHOULD I KEEP MY DCC HANDBOOK HANDY? 
When starting out in the world of DCC control on your model railway, keep your handbook by your

DCC controller (sometimes known as a command station). How many of us are guilty of not reading

the handbook then struggle afterwards?

Each DCC system controller varies in operation so keep the handbook alongside when operating, it

makes for quick reference when needed. Take your time to read through & familiarise with what

each function & operation does. Abonus of this is that you may find a new feature or control function

that you don’t know about before.

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18. TRACK PLANNING - TEMPLATES 

Use download & print off track plan templates to help plan your track layout design.

 
 
WHY SHOULD I USE TRACK TEMPLATES? 
When working out track plans on paper to the full size, use lining wallpaper to draw out your

full-scale track plan on. Peco does download & print off track templates to the same size as the

model track. These can be downloaded from here:

https://www.peco-uk.com/page.asp?id=pointplans

On the link above choose what scale of track you are using, then select which size track, i.e: Code

100, Code 75 etc. Then choose the pointwork / Switchwork for your track plan. Next download the

point/switch template, set your printer to 100% or actual size to print off to the template to the same

size as the model railway track.

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Using these paper track templates allow you to try various track layouts before actually buying any

pointwork. Thus saving time & money over buying point work that may not be suitable for your track

plan.

19. TRACK PINS 

Use Track pins to hold your model railway track securely in place.

 
 
WHY SHOULD I USE TRACK PINS? 
One method of securing the track to the baseboard is to use track pins. On Hornby & Peco Set

Track, the track comes with pin holes in the sleepers from the factory. On Flexi track & other

trackwork, you’ll need to make a hole in the sleepers for the track pin. Don’t be tempted to hammer

the track pin through the sleeper without first making a hole for the track pin. Hammering the track

pin without drilling a hole first can lead to the sleeper being damaged, splitting the sleeper apart or

worse damaging the rails!! Use a small handheld pin vice to make a hole in the sleeper. Use a 1mm

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drill bit. To insert the track pins either use a pin pusher or a pair of pliers to push the track pin in

place, or if using a hammer, use a pair of pliers to hold the pin whilst hammering it in.

It’s recommended to use the thicker track pins such as those by Peco Part no:ST280, as these are

more robust than the thinner track pins & won’t bend as easy.

20. LOCOMOTIVE RECORD CARD 

If using DCC keep a locomotive record card to log the loco decoder CV settings,

WHY SHOULD I KEEP A LOCOMOTIVE RECORD CARD? 

With DCC (Digital Command Control) growing ever more popular amongst railway/railroad

modellers, it’s worth keeping a record of your locomotives fitted with DCC decoder chips. It can be

easy to forget what decoder you’ve fitted, or the loco address number. So it’s worth keeping some

form of a record card to keep track of things. An example of a ‘Loco Record Card’ can be seen

above.On the card include the following:

● Locomotive type – Class & livery of the loco, for example, class 55 BR blue

● Locomotive class running number – for example, 55 015

● DCC address – for example address 15

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● Type of decoder fitted in the loco – for example, Gaugemaster DCC27 Omni

● CV settings (CV stands for Configuration Variable) – Settings such as acceleration,

deceleration

● Notes section – for recording additional details such as when the loco had the decoder fitted,

fitted with lights or not

21. DCC Locomotives Cheat Sheet 

Use a DCC Locomotive Cheat Sheet to keep track of your loco DCC addresses.

 
 
WHY SHOULD DCC LOCO CHEAT SHEET? 
If you have a reasonable number of locomotives in your model fleet it can be easy to forget which

DCC address you’ve given to your locos. It’s worth keeping a quick reference list of your loco DCC

addresses by your DCC Command station (DCC train controller). I keep my locomotives DCC

addresses on printed sheets on the wall for ease of viewing. As a backup, it’s worth writing the

locomotive DCC address number either in the model box or on the supplied service info sheet that

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comes with the model. Keeping the DCC loco cheat sheet by the DCC controller is very handy. It’s

amazing how many modellers don’t record down their loco address numbers, & end up forgetting a

loco address number!!

22. DCC Locomotive Addresses 

All locomotives that are DCC fitted need an address number allocating to them, a bit like each car

having its own registration number plate to identify it.

WHY SHOULD I USE A DCC LOCO ADDRESS? 

Once you’ve converted your loco to DCC (by fitting a decoder chip inside it), what loco address
number should you use? An easy way is to use part of the loco running number. On basic DCC
starter controllers like the Hornby Select for example, it can store up to around 60 loco addresses
using a two-digit loco address. So you can use any number between 1 & 60 as the locomotive
address number. So, for example, you have a loco which is numbered 47 022. Use the last two
numbers as the loco DCC address, thus we’d give that loco the address number 22.

For more advanced DCC controllers such as The Hornby Elite, Gaugemaster Prodigy, Digitax Evo,
Signatrak, Ecos etc allow you to allocate loco address numbers between 1 up to 9999 & some
beyond!! These allow you to use four figure loco address. So, for example, take loco 47 022 again.

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You could address the loco using four digits from it’s running number thus: 4702 or 7022 used as the
loco address.

Having allocated the loco it’s address, on some DCC control systems you can also name the loco.
You can use any name or full loco number for the loco. Depending on which DCC control system
your using. You can call up the loco using it’s full name/running number either via the list of locos
saved on the DCC controller, or via a saved favourite locos list.

23. Polystyrene 

Polystyrene makes for a great lightweight base for forming the basic shape of your landscaping on

your layout. It’s easy to cut & work with.

 
 
WHY SHOULD I USE POLYSTYRENE? 

Use polystyrene for forming the landscape such as hills, embankments, cuttings etc. It’s worth
asking around shops & supermarkets etc if they have any waste polystyrene packaging they don’t
want, as often they’ll give it away for free. Also check out the local DIY shops & insulation suppliers
for sheets of polystyrene.

Use PVA glue to fix the polystyrene in place & once the glue has set use a hand saw to cut to the
shape you require. This can get messy when cutting using a handsaw. A cleaner cut can be made
using a hot wire cutter. A word of warning as regards glue, some glues like super glue can melt

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polystyrene. The likes of Woodland Scenics sell foam glue which is ideal for working with
polystyrene.

24. Bodyshells 

On a tight budget may mean buying a new locomotive isn’t always easy. One way to expand variety

in your model fleet is to use spare bodyshells.

 
 
WHY SHOULD I USE DIFFERENT BODYSHELLS? 

On a tight budget? Want a new loco but can’t afford to buy new? One way to increase the variety of
your fleet is to purchase spare loco body shells. A quick trawl of the likes of ebay, Facebook model
trading groups, swapmeets, model shows etc can often bring up loco body shells for sale. Buying a
body shell from a loco in a different livery that will fit your existing fleet, will allow you to expand the
variety of your fleet. You may drop lucky & find custom resprayed bodyshells too!

www.​Scale​​Model​​Scenery​​.co.uk 29 
 

25. PROGRAMMING TRACK 

On DCC operated layouts a separate programming track is needed for programming locomotives.

 
WHY SHOULD I USE A DCC PROGRAMMING TRACK? 
Operating your layout using DCC control it’s recommended you have a separate dedicated

programming track to the main layout, for programming your locos. A section of track long enough to

hold a couple of locos or a DMU is all that is needed in most cases. Most DCC controllers have a

separate power outlet for connecting to a programming track, usually labelled up as Prog, or

Program. This provides power at a lower current to the programming track & thus won’t damage the

loco or accessory decoders. Another option for a programming track is to incorporate a built-in

programming track on the main layout. This needs to be set up with a switch that will change over

the main track power to the programming track outlet power. You’ll also need to fit isolating rail

joiners to isolate the programming, this will keep it separate from main track power supply during

programming.

www.​Scale​​Model​​Scenery​​.co.uk 30 
 

26. Rockfaces 

As well as readily available rockfaces, it’s worth making your own rockfaces which can also save you

money whilst producing custom bespoke rocks to fit your layout scenery.

WHY SHOULD I MAKE MY OWN ROCKFACES? 

When making your landscapes that include rockfaces various options are open to you. These are:

buying ready-made rockfaces & rockface pieces, cork bark, & casting own your own rockface.

Companies such as Woodland Scenics & Noch for example, produce rockface molds for use in

casting your own rockfaces. Another cheaper option is to use Kitchen/baking aluminum sheet rolls.

Simply cut off a piece, scrunch up the piece then open out into the desired shape rock face. Use

modelling plaster such as Woodland Scenics lightweight hydrocal plaster which gives a strong but

lightweight piece. Mix the plaster up & pour into the mold & leave to set. Once set remove from the

mold & fix into place with glue or plaster. For more variety, try breaking some of the pieces you mold

into smaller rock pieces. For creating cracks & fissures in the rock face use a carving tool, if you

don’t have a carving tool then a small flat bladed screwdriver will do. Use a wire brush or a plaster

carving brush. Again the likes of Woodland Scenics sell plaster carving tools & carving brushes.

www.​Scale​​Model​​Scenery​​.co.uk 31 
 

27. Connectors - Plug In Type 

Plug in type connectors are easy to use & install on layout wiring. Ideal for removable baseboard

sections or for isolating wiring sections etc.

WHY SHOULD I USE PLUG TYPE CONNECTORS? 

One way to make an electrical connection across a removable baseboard join is to use the plug type

choc block connectors. This allows a baseboard to be removed or an electrical section to be isolated

if need be. It also helps in fault finding on a layout too!

These simple chocblock plug & pin connectors are very easy to install. Simply strip a small section of

the plastic wire sleeve off the wire. Either twist the exposed the wires to keep them together or add

some solder on to the exposed wire end.

Unscrew the screw on the connector & insert the wire into the connector. Re-tighten the screw to

hold the wire in place. To connect the connectors together, simply plug the connector with the pins

on into the other connector. These connectors are available from the likes of the electrical suppliers

such as RS, Rapid, model shops, DIY shops, & of course the online retailers.

www.​Scale​​Model​​Scenery​​.co.uk 32 
 

28. Colouring Edges 

Plug in type connectors are easy to use & install on layout wiring. Ideal for removable baseboard

sections or for isolating wiring sections etc.

WHY SHOULD I COLOUR IN CORNER FOLDS? 

On some card kits once constructed they can have exposed edges such as along corners which can

let down the appearance of the kit. One way to hide the exposed edges is to colour them in. Use a

coloured pencil, felt tip pen, or even paint. Gently rub a pencil, felt tip pen along the bare exposed

edge, this blends the edge in with the surrounding walls. With paint, use the dry brushing method to

colour in the exposed edges.

Another method is to use texture sheets, & laser cut cornerstones which the likes of

www.scalemodelscenery.co.uk​ sell for upgrading & detailing building kits.

www.​Scale​​Model​​Scenery​​.co.uk 33 
 

29. Mirrors 

Add extra details to your layout with miniature mirrors.

WHY SHOULD I MODEL MIRRORS? 

Mirrors are all over the place from cars to house interiors & even on some locomotives. Mirrors are

easy to make & install to a layout. Mirrors add extra detail to the interior of buildings & elsewhere

around your layout. Use tin foil such kitchen/baking foil cut to size & simply glued into place on walls

etc. Another method is to use self adhesive foil from the likes of B&Q, Toolstation, Screwfix etc.

Simple cut to shape, peel off the backing & stick into place.

www.​Scale​​Model​​Scenery​​.co.uk 34 
 

30. Upgrade Speakers 

Changing the standard supplied speakers on DCC sound fitted locos can greatly improve sound.

WHY SHOULD UPGRADE DCC SOUND SPEAKERS? 

On DCC Sound Fitted locomotives improve the sound & tone by upgrading the speaker. Try different

size speakers to see what works & sounds best to you. What may work best for particular loco

sound may not sound as good on other loco sounds. DCC sound specialists like Legoman Biffo (Yes

that is his name), Digitrains, DCC Supplies amongst many others supply a range of different types &

sizes of speakers. Speakers like Bass Reflex, Earth Mover, Zimo Dumbo etc can vastly improve the

loco sound. It’s worth visiting a DCC sound specialist to for a demonstration of the different

speakers/sounds available.

Hornby has introduced a budget range of sound speakers called TTS (Twin Track Sound), you can

find a range of them here in Scalemodelscenery.co.uk:

https://www.scalemodelscenery.co.uk/?s=TTS&post_type=product&v=79cba1185463

www.​Scale​​Model​​Scenery​​.co.uk 35 
 

31. Dusting 

Every layout suffers from dust & household dust. Keep your layout hard surfaces & locomotives &

rolling stock clean with one such dusting product called Dust Dabber!

DUSTING? 
Keeping locos & other hard surface areas on a layout/diorama clean of dust is an ongoing problem

for many modellers. One way to keep locos & hard surface areas clean is to use a product called

‘Dust Dabber’. This cleaning product by Woodland Scenics was primarily designed for modelled

water scenes. On layouts with modelled water using Deluxe Materials Aqua Magic, Woodland

Scenics own brand water products, etc, a build-up of dust can soon spoil the reflective look of the

water. Dust Dabber is basically a bright green sticky, putty type product. To use, unscrew the lid &

pull a small amount of Dust Dabber out the tub. Now as the name applies, simply dab on to any hard

surface to pick up any dust & small loose debris. Once done simply replace back into the tub &

kneed back into the dust dabber material inside. Dust Dabber will retain & hold the dust. Dust

Dabber also works great on locomotives & rolling stock, ideal for getting into the awkward corners on

your locomotives. Having used Dust Dabber myself for over a year now, found it safe to use on locos

& doesn’t cause any damage.

www.​Scale​​Model​​Scenery​​.co.uk 36 
 

32. Re-Use Waste Items - Stones 

Don’t throw away waste modelling material. Ask yourself can i reuse elsewhere on the layout?

HOW CAN I REUSE WASTE MODELLING MATERIALS? 

Before throwing out waste items ask yourself can I re-use this on the layout? One example is when

making the hills & landform on your layout. Save any plaster waste bits that has set hard that may be

left. Break the waster plaster up into small bits to form what's known as Talus. The Talus has many

uses on the layout such as: Mineral loads, Riverbed rocks & stones, Scree on hillsides &

embankments.

Paint or dye the Talus to suit the scene you’re modelling. Allow to dry & fix into place using PVA or

scenic glue. The photo above of a Scottish river scene gives one example that Talus could be used

in a river scene along the river bank sides.

www.​Scale​​Model​​Scenery​​.co.uk 37 
 

33. Spillages 

Take care when modelling in how you store your glue & paint, more so when bottles etc are open.

 
 
HOW CAN I AVOID SPILLAGES? 
I’m sure most of you (myself included) at some point have accidentally knocked over tubs of glue &

paint, resulting in a mess over the workbench or in the worst case ruining a model. Avoid costly

spillages, keep your modelling workbench clean & tidy by using a purpose made tool/glue stand or

make your own. This could be done using a stiff card, plasticard sheets, plywood etc built up to form

a box with shaped holes cut to take glue bottles, paints etc.

Commercially available paint/glue stands are also available such as Humbrol’s workbench & our

own Scalemodelscenery.co.uk Type One Paint stand. These have purpose made holes that fit glue

tubes & paints etc perfectly.

www.​Scale​​Model​​Scenery​​.co.uk 38 
 

34. Recycle & Reuse 

Can that household object be used for modelling? Don’t throw away in the bin use it for modelling

instead. Household disposable items can make a great source of modelling material.

 
 
HOW CAN USE WASTE HOUSEHOLD ITEMS? 
Building Download Card kits or scratch building is a very cost-effective way of adding buildings &

details to a layout/diorama. Save card packaging from the likes of breakfast cereal boxes as these

are ideal for use as the base layers on download kits. It’s also worth asking shops if they have any

waste cardboard they don’t want as this can be a free source of modelling material. Other everyday

waste objects can make for a great source of modelling materials as well. The late Alan Downes,

who was one of Britain’s master modellers was great at turning everyday waste objects into

modelling masterpieces. One such example was his stunning model of a steelworks which can be

seen above. So think before you throw, ask yourself can I re-use this?

www.​Scale​​Model​​Scenery​​.co.uk 39 
 

35. Recycle & Reuse 

Can that household object be used for modelling? Don’t throw away in the bin use it for modelling

instead. Household disposable items can make a great source of modelling material.

 
 
HOW CAN USERECYCLED GLAZING? 
One of our club members ‘​Weeblexx123​​‘ has a fantastic recycling & reuse tip for glazing.

Weeblexx123 says – ” I never throw anything away before thinking can I use it. I keep plastic sprues

and offcuts bits of card, cardboard packaging bits of foam etc. The household plastic recycling

container is a treasure trove especially packaging with clear film that is excellent for glazing.

So as Weeblex123 says, any clear packaging such as what we use here at Sale model scenery for

packing kits make for great window glazing materials.

www.​Scale​​Model​​Scenery​​.co.uk 40 
 

36. Electric Screwdriver 

Use an electric screwdriver to speed up baseboard building & from getting wrist ache!

 
 
WHY SHOULD I USE AN ELECTRIC SCREWDRIVER? 
During the building of a layout at some point, you’ll be using a screwdriver. If you’ve not got one

already it’s highly recommended to use an electric screwdriver. Not only speeds up the job but saves

time, it also saves getting sore & aching wrists. A browse any tool/DIY shop, online etc you’ll find

one to suit your budget. Generally available as cordless type & come with built-in rechargeable

battery, most are supplied with a recharger too! They come in the following designs: Straight type,

Pistol grip type, Adjustable handle type, Cordless drill type.

Most come with a selection of screwdriver bits including a handy magnetic screwdriver bit

attachment. Think which design will suit you best? Ask yourself will you fitting screws in tight corners

& spaces on the layout, or have free unobstructed space for fitting screws? For tight spaces go for

the small pistol grip or adjustable handle electric screwdriver.

www.​Scale​​Model​​Scenery​​.co.uk 41 
 

37. Photographic Backscenes 

Add depth & set the scene on your layout by using a photographic backscene.

 
 
WHY SHOULD I PHOTOGRAPHIC BACKSCENES? 
Backscenes have moved on a long way with lots photographic ones now available on the market.

They, of course, give a more realistic feel to a layout than the older printed image type versions that

have been around decades. The photographic ones range in many different sizes to suit various

scales & cover just about any landscape & scene you can think of. A bonus of the photographic

backscenes, is that various companies can also produce bespoke backscenes either from their own

photo stock images or ones that have been taken by yourself.

Here’s a selection from our own range in the link below to give you an idea:

https://www.scalemodelscenery.co.uk/?s=backscene&post_type=product&v=79cba1185463

www.​Scale​​Model​​Scenery​​.co.uk 42 
 

38. Take Photos! 

Your camera or camera phone is your best tool for collecting modelling reference materials.

WHY SHOULD I TAKE PHOTOS? 

Record the progress of your layout build as you go. Taking close up photos can often show up any

areas of your modelling that may not look quite right, or highlight areas that need attention. It’s also a

good way to record how your layout has progressed from start to finish.

Most people these days have a camera built-in on their smartphones, which is ideal for capturing

things you see which would make great models on your daily travels. Look for the little details in the

street that you may not usually take any notice of. Look for things such as grates, manholes,

concrete utility markers, telephone poles, broadband boxes etc. Look for textures & weathering on

brickwork, walls, pavements, road surfaces, windows, roofing etc. Reference photos of what we see

in the street every day can help improve our modelling to recreating a realistic scene. What you

photograph today, may be gone or change in the future. So will help provide a useful reference in

the future, a look at photos of your town/city/village taken over the last few decades can show how

much has changed over the years.

www.​Scale​​Model​​Scenery​​.co.uk 43 
 

39. Copper Clad Sleepers- Baseboard Joints 

Use Copperclad sleepers on removable baseboard joints.

WHY SHOULD I USE COPPER CLAD SLEEPERS? 

On layouts that feature removable baseboard sections i.e. lifting baseboard sections, transportable
baseboard sections etc use copper clad sleepers. Copper clad sleepers range in various sizes &
lengths. Use these on trackwork over the end of removable baseboard sections. This will hold the
trackwork firmly in place & prevent any movement & damage. To install the copper clad sleepers:

● Lay trackwork over the baseboard joint.

● Remove a couple of sleepers from either side of the baseboard joint.
● Cut copper clad sleepers to length.
● Lay copper clad sleepers under the rails either side of the baseboard joint.
● Glue or drill & screw copper clad sleeper to the baseboard.
● Cut a slot through the top copper clad section of the sleeper between the rails.
● Now solder the rails to the sleepers.
● Test run rolling stock to check for any issues.
● Cut the rails across the top of the baseboard joint.
● Make sure rail ends are clear of any flash & burrs.
● Test run trains over the baseboard joint

This tried & tested method works very well indeed. For copper clad sleepers search online for
Wizzard Models who supply copper clad sleepers.

www.​Scale​​Model​​Scenery​​.co.uk 44 
 

40. Model Winter - Part One 

 
WHY SHOULD I MODEL WINTER? 
The bulk of model railway layouts that are modelled are set in spring/summer time. Add a bit of

variety & model a winter. This could be the whole layout or just a section of a layout with scenic

breaks to divide the winter scene from the rest of the layout. With lots winter snow products available

from, Noch, Woodland Scenics, Deluxe Materials to name a few, modelling snow couldn’t be easier.

Add a snowy backscene to complete the scene these are available from Scalemodelscenery.co.uk,

ID Art Printers as well as various others. Before adding the scenic snow think about what kind of

look you want, is it a light dusting of snow or a heavy blanket of snow? If going for a light dusting of

snow, add vegetation first. Use winter blend static grasses, bare trees etc to your layout first. Add

scenic snow & the longer grasses to poke through the snow as per the real thing.

www.​Scale​​Model​​Scenery​​.co.uk 45 
 

41. Model Winter - Part two 

WHY SHOULD I MODEL WINTER?

If going for a heavy blanket of snow, then you won’t need to add grasses. Features such as rock

faces, roads, rivers etc will need modelling first. Use bare white plaster for the landform base to start

off. Then build up your layers of snow to form snow drifts & deep snow banks. Think which direction

the snow has fallen from, as this affects how the snow will settle on a building. Remember snow

usually settles on flat surfaces, ledges roofs, & on walls that it has been blown on to.

Of course, you can use other materials for making snow. Modellers over the years have used

Polyfilla, scouring powder, talcum powder, plaster, baking soda, flour & salt. Some are ideal for short

temporary periods e.g. photographic purposes. Though salt, flour shouldn’t be used for a permanent

snow scene.

If using overhead lighting use cooler white & blue type lighting colours to help create the effect.

There is a wide range of colour changing LED lighting strips, these allow you to set the colour to suit

your needs. They are widely available from the likes of B&Q, Screwfix, Ebay etc

www.​Scale​​Model​​Scenery​​.co.uk 46 
 

42. Modelling Trees 

WHAT SORT OF TREES SHOULD I USE?

Trees come in lots of varieties shapes & sizes. A fully grown mature tree such as an Oak tree scales

out in 1:76 OO scale at around 32cm. With this in mind, many of us often end up using models of

fully grown mature trees that are too small. Some fully grown mature trees can tower above

two-story houses. Have a look next time you are out & about at the trees in your area.

Season & time of year has a big bearing on what the trees look like, so for example if modelling

winter then the trees would be bare. In autumn the leaves & foliage would be various yellows browns

& orange type colours. Springtime with new leaf growth, the leaves will be brighter lighter green

colours & if modelling mid-late summer then darker green colours.

Look for the taller model trees when selecting models of mature trees, these often are found in the

premium range brands of the various model scenic companies. They may cost a little more but are

well worth it. You, of course, can also make your own trees. Use twisted wire coated in plaster &

painted in suitable dark colours, tree trunks aren’t brown as such so look at the real trees & note the

colours of the tree trunks.

www.​Scale​​Model​​Scenery​​.co.uk 47 
 

43. Two Locos In One 

HOW DO I MODEL TWO LOCOS IN ONE?

If you only view your locos from one side whilst running on the layout, & you’re on a tight budget

here’s a way to increase your loco fleet for minimal cost. One side of your loco renumber it to a

different running number thus replicating two locos in the same class. So for example, you have

diesel loco 37 057, remove the number off one side & renumber it say 37 058. So when running &

viewed from one side you’ll see it as 37 057, & when turned round & viewed from the other side

you’ll see it as 37 058. This way you can expand your fleet without actually buying new locos. Only

the cost of a loco transfer number pack. Check out the following loco transfer manufacturers:

● Fox Transfers

● Modelmaster

● HMRS

● Railtec

● Replica Railways

They produce both waterside & pressfix type transfers. The other option is to produce your own

using your computer & computer printer transfer paper.

www.​Scale​​Model​​Scenery​​.co.uk 48 
 

44. Extra Hand - Blu Tack 

 
An extra hand is worth while for those modelling jobs which could do with a third hand to hold parts

etc. Blu Tack is one cheap versatile way to use as a third hand.

WHY SHOULD I USE BLU TACK?

Use Blu Tack or Black tack for holding small parts whilst painting or gluing. This gives an extra hand

for holding stuff. Blu Tack is ideal as it’ll stick to most surfaces without damaging them. For attaching

small glued items onto a model try placing a ball of Blu Tack on the end of a screwdriver which will

hold the small part. It’s also ideal for temporarily holding brass etched named headboards on to

locos. Blu Tack is available for all good stationery shops, craft shops, supermarkets etc.

www.​Scale​​Model​​Scenery​​.co.uk 49 
 

45. Plan Ahead - DCC Sound Fitting 

 
When fitting DCC sound to a locomotive, plan ahead to make the installation go smoothly.

WHY SHOULD I PLAN FITTING DCC SOUND?

When installing DCC sound decoders & speakers in your locos, take your time & plan ahead how to

carry out the installation. Look at online guides as well as purchasing books that cover installing

DCC sound. Speak to the DCC sound specialists who offer invaluable advice on what speakers will

or won’t fit in your locos. They’ll also give advice on which speaker is best for your loco & your

budget.

Take your time during when installing the speakers & decoders, DON’T RUSH!! Rushing the job

could mean you miss useful positions for speakers & the wires. Nothing is worse than a rushed a job

which can result in getting wires trapped or fouling the drive mechanism of a loco.

www.​Scale​​Model​​Scenery​​.co.uk 50 
 

46. Dirty Washes 

 
Get down & dirty with weathering washes. Add extra realism to your models by adding weathering.

WHY SHOULD I WEATHER MODELS & SCENERY?

Vehicles, trains etc don’t stay clean for long. Using weathering washes help give your model &

scenery extra realism. This helps bring out extra detail & can make for impressive looking models if

done correctly. It easy to do & great fun, try practicing on an old model or a test piece of scenery to

begin with.

When painting & weathering rock faces made of plaster, use thin washes rather than using neat

paint. Use water-soluble paints such as thinned artist acrylics, Humbrol washes, Woodland Scenics

pigments. Use Light thinned coats to build up the rock effect. The porosity of plaster will help soak

up the thin washes & help create great rock effects.

Using thin washes on buildings etc will help bring out details & add a more realistic natural

weathered look. Look on Youtube videos for videos by Humbrol, Woodland Scenics & other

modelers showing how to use weathering washes & Pigments to achieve different weathered effects

www.​Scale​​Model​​Scenery​​.co.uk 51 
 

47. Ask Questions 

 
Not sure how about how to wire a layout? Not sure how to paint models etc, don’t be shy in asking

questions. As well as online, speak to fellow modellers first hand at model shows.

WHY SHOULD I ASK QUESTIONS?

It’s well worth attending any of the model railway & models shows around the country. As well as

seeing layouts & modelling first hand, it’s a great time to ask any questions. Don’t be afraid to speak

to the people running & operating the layouts? Ask them about their layouts, ask them how things on

the layout have been modelled or how things have been wired up etc. They’ll be more than happy to

answer your questions as well as offering hints tips & advice. They’ll also will help point you in the

right direction with your modelling. Remember they’ll have many years of modelling experience, so

should be able to help you. No question is too daft, so don’t be afraid to ask. Even with years of

modelling experience there is something new to learn or try.

www.​Scale​​Model​​Scenery​​.co.uk 52 
 

48. Loco Model Boxes 

 
Don’t risk damaging locos that have super detail parts that have been fitted, alter the box to prevent

damage & knocking off detail parts such as buffer beam details.

WHY SHOULD I ALTER BOXES FOR SUPER DETAILED MODELS?

Once you’ve added super detailed extra parts to a locomotive, you may find it’ll sometimes not fit

back in its original box. To save accidental damage to a model that has the extra detail parts fitted,

alter or modify the model box. This can be done by simply cutting a section out of the polystyrene

tray or plastic tray that the loco comes in, to allow room for the extra detailed parts.

If this is not possible, then look at other suitable boxes that come with foam inserts. The foam insert

can be easily cut to shape to suit the loco & allow clearance for the extra detailed fitted parts.

www.​Scale​​Model​​Scenery​​.co.uk 53 
 

49. Blades 
 
Blades don’t last forever. If a blade has become blunt replace it!

WHY SHOULD I USE NEW BLADES?

When building card kits, laser cut kits, download kits, always use a new sharp craft knife blade. If the

blade is struggling to cut through card & paper texture sheets, then it’s time to replace the blade as it

has become blunt. A blunt blade will snag & tear the paper texture sheets & end up ruining the

modelling piece. Keep a pack of spare craft knife blades handy & remember to change blades

before they become blunt. Dispose of blunt blades safely.

On a tight budget? Use a blade sharpening tool to re-sharpen knife blades & extend the blade life.

www.​Scale​​Model​​Scenery​​.co.uk 54 
 

50. Water 

HOW CAN I MODEL WATER?

Adding a water scene feature to a layout adds interest & is easy to do. Water features range from

rivers, lakes/lochs, waterfalls, ponds, seas, drainage ditches, puddles etc. As well as using tried &

tested methods such as varnishes, there are also various modelling water products available on the

market. Ready-mixed & ready to pour modelling water products are great & easy to use. The likes of

Deluxe Materials Aqua magic & Woodland Scenics water products are one such items..

For doing deeper water scenes or adding depth, pour the modelling water in layers & allow each

layer to set before pouring additional layers to achieve the depth you require. Some water products

allow you to pour deeper layers such as Woodland Scenics Deep Pour Clear & Deep Pour Murky.

You can add tints to the water to give a more natural look, for example: Canal & river estuaries are a

murky brown colour. Deepwater is usually a dark colour. Sea’s vary in colour such as greens, blues,

browns & dark colours. Rivers usually are more clear along the shallow edges changing to browns &

dark colours in the deeper middle parts of the river. Faster moving water can be modelled using

water effects products to create ripples, waterfalls etc. Add a white pigment paint to highlight foam,

bubbles & movement.

www.​Scale​​Model​​Scenery​​.co.uk 55 
 

51. Real Coal 

 
Nothing beats using real coal on a model to give a realistic look.

HOW CAN I USE REAL COAL?

Adding real coal to your locomotive tenders, wagons, coal yards brings extra realism. If you have a

coal burning fire use some of the small pieces of coal as material for your layout. Preferably the

small pieces of pulverised coal are best. Otherwise, place a lump of coal in a bag & hit with a

hammer to break it down to a suitable size. Use a sieve to grade the coal for use on your layout.

Alternatively if visiting a preserved steam railway, worth asking if they can let you have a piece of

coal but be sure to offer a donation to the railway as a way of thanks.

Coal can be fixed in place using P.V.A. glue or scenic model glues. For piles of coal use a 50:50 mix

of P.V.A. glue with a drop of washing up liquid. Use a syringe to carefully apply the glue to piles of

coal. Leave 24 hours & it should set solid.

www.​Scale​​Model​​Scenery​​.co.uk 56 
 

52. Flexible Track 

 
Save money by using flexible track over set type track

HOW CAN I USE FLEXIBLE TRACK?

Use Flexible track to create more realistic trackwork. Flexible track is sold in yard lengths & is easily

cut to length using track cutting tools. Ideal for long track runs & creating realistic curves which have

a gentle transition leading into & out of the curves. Using flexible track saves you money over the

traditional settrack type track work. As well Hornby, other makes to consider are Peco, Tillig, C & L

Finescale, Exactoscale, SMP amongst others.

It’s worth using track template tools such as those by Tracksetta amongst others, as these help lay

perfectly straight track & various radius curved track. Don’t forget to but your rail joiners at the same

time you buy the flexible track!! It’s also worth keeping a few spare packs of rail joiners & track pins

in your parts/tool box.

www.​Scale​​Model​​Scenery​​.co.uk 57 
 

53. Track Plan Books 

 
Can’t think of a track plan? Track Plan books are the perfect place to start your model railway layout.

WHY SHOULD I BUY TRACK PLAN BOOKS?

If you’ve yet to make a start on your model railway & not sure what sort of track plan to go for, it’s

worth going old school by buying a track plan book. There are lots available to choose from both

new & second hand. The likes of for example, Peco track plan books show the track plan but also

how a layout will look when built. Great if needing some inspiration!! Peco & Hornby amongst others

also give a list of which track sections you’ll need, so you’ll have no need to guess as to what track

you’ll need to buy. The track plan books also show where to connect the power supply as well as

handy tips on laying track etc.

Moving up a level there are track plan books also aimed at modellers who want to move onto more

advanced layouts. For example, the likes of the Late C.J.Freezer who penned & published many

excellent track plan books & booklets over the years. Point work used in these sort of track plan

books use the likes of Peco (or similar) longer radius points rather than the sharper radius Hornby

pointwork. If using computers, look at online track planning software.

www.​Scale​​Model​​Scenery​​.co.uk 58 
 

We hope you enjoyed reading our 53 Tips eBook. Whilst you may already know quite a few of them,

even if you take away just one or two things from this book, then that’s brilliant!

For further hints, tips & videos, and exclusive tutorials, why not check out our Railway Modellers

Club Website at:

www.​RailwayModellers​​.com

For details of our growing range of laser cut & 3D printed kits and accessories in OO, N & O scale,

please visit:

www.​ScaleModelScenery​​.co.uk

If you’re on Facebook, please feel free to join our Railway Modellers Group with over 4000 active

members, sharing hints, tips and photos of their layout every day! You can find the group at:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/railwaymodellers/

www.​Scale​​Model​​Scenery​​.co.uk 59