We've been writing lots of How to Guides and Techniques, based on your questions and requests for more information. This index collates all those articles into one easy-to-use list, with the various topics grouped together.
Techniques
Basically, how to do stuff.
- What Tools Do I Need For Building Card Model Kits?
- What's the best glue for model making?
- Modelling Wagon Loads In OO Gauge
- How To Ballast Model Railway Track
- Realistic Road Markings For OO Gauge Model Railways Using Stencils
- Graffiti and Modelling
- How to Clean Model Railway track
- Making Catenary Hangers - The Right (Wright) Way!
- 4 Ways To Design The Perfect Model Railway Track Plan
- What is the best model railway track plan?
Scale
What 'Scale' means, and how it is different from 'Gauge'.
- What is the difference between 009 and N Gauge?
- Which is bigger - 1:35 scale or 1:72 scale?
- How long is a mile in OO gauge?
- What Gauge does Hornby use?
- Model Railway Scenic Breaks - What Are They & How To Use Them
- What Scale Is British OO Gauge?
- Can OO Gauge Trains Run On HO Scale Track?
- What Scale Is OO Gauge?
- What are the most popular model railway scales in the UK?
- What's the difference between OO and HO scale or gauge?
- How tall are 1:76 scale figures?
Baseboards
Lots of info on choosing and using baseboards.
- Scale Model Scenery Baseboard Guide
- Does a OO gauge layout fit on a 6ft x 4ft board?
- What do you lay model railway tracks on?
- Inclines - Do's and Dont's For Your Model Railway Layout
- Building A Model Railway Baseboard
Track Gauge
What is Track Gauge and what you need to know when choosing Track.
- Can you join Hornby and Peco track?
- Is Hornby Dublo the same as OO gauge?
- What Gauge does Hornby use?
- How Far Apart Should OO Gauge Double Tracks Be?
- What Scale Is British OO Gauge?
- Is all OO track compatible?
- Can OO Gauge Trains Run On HO Scale Track?
- What Scale Is OO Gauge?
Track laying
Everything about track and track accessories.
- Does a OO gauge layout fit on a 6ft x 4ft board?
- How To Clean Model Railway Track
- Making Catenary Hangers - The Right (Wright) Way!
- LX050-OO Mix & Match Catenary Guide
- What do you lay model railway tracks on?
- Inclines - Do's and Dont's For Your Model Railway Layout
- Can you join Hornby and Peco track?
- What Is The Minimum Curve Radius For OO Gauge Track?
- Is all OO track compatible?
- Model Railway Uncouplers - A Complete Guide
- Modelling Canted / Super-elevated Trackwork
Track weathering and ballasting
Guides on improving the look of your track.
- How To Ballast Model Railway Track
- Realistically Better Railway Sleepers - Easy Painting & Weathering Guide
- Choosing Model Railway Ballast | The Ultimate Guide
Electrics & Lighting
Some of the more technical questions we've been asked to explain.
- Model Railway Overhead Lighting
- How To Hide Surface Mounted Point Motors On Model Railway Layouts
- What does DCC Stand for in Hornby Model Railways?
- What Does DCC Ready Mean?
- Lighting & Backscene Effects - How Backscenes Can Dramatically Change A Layout
Painting
Lots of tips on all sorts of painting techniques.
- Painting The LX050-OO Catenary - Frequently Asked Questions
- Dry Brushing For Beginners: Simple Techniques For Maximum Realism
- Weathering Scale Model Scenery Bowstring Bridges
- Realistic Road Markings For OO Gauge Model Railways Using Stencils
- Graffiti and Modelling
- Realistically Better Railway Sleepers - Easy Painting & Weathering Guide
- 3 Simple Techniques to Achieve Realistic Rust Effects
Scenery
Lots of tips on all sorts of scenery techniques.
- The Start Of A Diorama - Beginner's Corner
- Modelling Level Crossings: Real Life Inspiration
- 5 Ways To Model Realistic OO Gauge Pavements
- How To Use Static Grass On A Model Railway Layout
- Market Day - Creating a Market Scene in OO Scale
- Create A Unique Model Railway Backscene
- Modelling Lineside Vegetation: Adding Thistles & Bracken To Your Model Railway
- Modelling N Gauge Low Relief Street Scene
- Modelling A Harbour or Quayside Scene In OO Scale
- Realistic Road Markings For OO Gauge Model Railways Using Stencils
- Positioning Model Railway Speed Signs & Whistle Signs
- Creating a Miniature Harbour Scene in 'OO' Gauge
- Building a Snowy Scene in 'OO' Gauge
- Building A Shed & Garden Scene in O Gauge
- Storytelling With A Model Railway
- Modelling An N Gauge Shipping Container Scene
- Modelling A 1/76 Scale Park Scene - Micro Diorama Build
- Building A Modern Industrial 1/76 Scale Micro Diorama
- Modelling A Simple Roadworks Scene in OO / 1:76
- Micro Dioramas To Showcase Our OO Scale Detailing Kits & Accessories
- Model Railway Scenic Breaks - What Are They & How To Use Them
- OO Gauge Platform Height - How Tall Should They Be?
- How To Make Model Railway Hills From Mod Roc or Plaster Bandage
- Farm Gates and Fences - A History
- Modelling Trees - General Observations
- Building a Winter Coffee Hut Scene in OO Gauge
Let's Make a Scene
These are guides on what you can do, and which kits and detailing parts we've used and suggest.
- Let's Make A Scene - Builders Yard
- Let's Make A Scene - Modelling A Farm or Farmyard
- Let's Make A Scene - Modelling Rubbish, Fly-Tipping & Scrap
- Let's Make A Scene - Vegetation
- Let's Make a Scene - Prototype Examples
- Let's Make a Scene - Britain in Bloom
- Let's Make a Scene - A Council Depot
- Let's Make a Scene - A Factory Yard
- Let's Make a Scene - Roadworks
- Let's Make a Scene - A Foot Crossing
- Let's Make a Scene - Urban Building Site
- Let's Make a Scene - A Railway Workshop
Buildings
Everything from sheds to harbours, gardens to a brewery.
- When is a pub not a pub? When it's a fire station!
- 1930's Factory Kit Bashed Into An Impressive OO Gauge Brewery
- 5 Ways To Model Realistic OO Gauge Pavements
- Kate’s first ever build: The KX057-OO Barn!
- Modelling N Gauge Low Relief Street Scene
- Modelling A Harbour or Quayside Scene In OO Scale
- OO Gauge Lineside Hut Scratchbuilding Project
- Making A Start In Scratch Building - Modern Industrial Units
- Creating a Miniature Harbour Scene in 'OO' Gauge
- Building A Shed & Garden Scene in O Gauge
- Storytelling With A Model Railway
- Adapting A Kit: When is a shop not a shop ? When it’s a pub!
- Upgrading Hornby Plastic Platform Sections
- Building A Modern Industrial 1/76 Scale Micro Diorama
- Model Railway Scenic Breaks - What Are They & How To Use Them
- Modelling OO Gauge Roads: A Comprehensive Guide To Road Widths & More
- OO Gauge Platform Height - How Tall Should They Be?
- Let's Make A Scene - Builders Yard
- Let's Make A Scene - Modelling A Farm or Farmyard