Alton Model Railway Group
The most recent modelling articles
Adding DCC where it should not fit, by James Taylor
‘As a long time user of DCC and in prototype terms proponent of the odd, small and unusual I have had occasion to install mobile decoders in some tight spaces’
Some thoughts, tips and techniques, by Roger Joel
‘…the ballast should be applied ‘dry’ and brushed into the desired position and thickness using a small paint brush…’
Adventures on the 30" Gauge
Modelling a Maintenance of Way train, by Paul Joel
‘…it took a bit of searching (and some funny looks in Hobbycraft) to find scale lumber that matched Peco’s On30 sleepers…’
Why believability is important in a layout, by Roger Joel
‘…there should have been plenty of interest for both the operator and the viewer, but it did not all gel as we had hoped…’
Progress with an On30 layout, by Paul Joel
‘…if you have older Porters from Bachmann it is best not to chip them, but get a new one instead – believe me it’s far less hassle that way…’
Kit-bashing an On30 scrap car, by Paul Joel
‘…anything I had suitable in my ‘bits box’ – I don’t actually have a bits box, but I do now wish I had – I kept finding things I could use that I didn’t know I had…’
Members articles on a variety of topics around the hobby.
Some thoughts, tips and techniques, by Roger Joel
‘…the ballast should be applied ‘dry’ and brushed into the desired position and thickness using a small paint brush…’
A brief introduction to commonly used model “sizes” – by James Taylor
‘…when someone starts taking an interest in model railways, quite frequently, they get bombarded by different information on scale and gauge and get utterly confused…’
Trials and Tribulations in Gauge 3 – an interview with Mark Pretious of ‘Blackgang’ fame
‘…there is a great social aspect to Gauge 3 because to have a meaningful operating session you need more than one persons baseboards and stock…’
A Short Guide to Quality Paint Finishes Without the Use of an Airbrush, by Steve Cook
‘Whether you are … an experienced modeller or new to the hobby the task of painting your model can spell the difference between satisfaction and frustration.’
Creating some unique figures for Pine Bluffs, by Denis Holland.
‘First I scraped off the jeans and shaped the legs to appear bare. Then I had a cold shower!’
Articles on Digital Command Control (DCC)
Adding DCC where it should not fit, by James Taylor
‘As a long time user of DCC and in prototype terms proponent of the odd, small and unusual I have had occasion to install mobile decoders in some tight spaces’
A.N.Oldgit considers the importance of good electrics when wiring for DCC.
‘…don’t forget to keep the track clean and if you use a ‘track rubber’ have a final wipe around to remove any rubber dust…’
How the Group have approached using DCC on our layouts, by Roger Joel
‘The OO Gauge Section…chose to adopt Digitrax equipment from a commonality standpoint…’
A beginners guide to DCC, by Roger Joel
‘DCC…has been the norm in the USA for many years. But it is only in the last decade that these systems have taken off in the UK.’
The best of the years railway releases
Find out what Bob Treacher of Alton Model Centre thought were the modelling highlights of 2013
‘…the surprise sellers of the year have been the Lynton and Barnstaple carriages, catching both Dapol and the traders off guard…’
Find out what Bob Treacher of Alton Model Centre thought were the modelling highlights of 2012
‘…the quality of ‘off the shelf’ models continues to get better and better, personified in 2012 by the Blue Pullman introduced by Bachmann…’
Find out what Bob Treacher of Alton Model Centre thought were the modelling highlights of 2011
‘…for those of us old enough to remember Triang and Lima the accuracy and detail of modern models is astounding…’
Hints and tips from A.N.Oldgit
A.N.Oldgit considers the importance of good electrics when wiring for DCC.
‘…don’t forget to keep the track clean and if you use a ‘track rubber’ have a final wipe around to remove any rubber dust…’
A.N.Oldgit discusses the art of building and colouring rocky scenery.
‘…I employed the tried and tested method of rubber rock moulds (Woodlands Scenics) and plaster of Paris…’
A.N.Oldgit muses on the importance of good baseboards for your layouts
‘…in order to achieve true ’right angles’ and spot on dimensions in the baseboards there is no substitute for a calibrated saw table…’