On-Line Reference
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Tramway Modelling
On-Line Reference |
Go to a new article from John Prentice on building an Occre 1:24 scale tram kit.
Modelling Tips
This page has been written to give tram and tramway modelling enthusiasts pointers to where they can find out more about the subject.
The modelling articles are divided by scale and topics, but many methods are applicable across all the sizes
Further information is available in the range of tramway modelling books.
Model trams can be seen at many model exhibitions.
Views of the wonderful model trams and tramways shown over the years at the Festival of Model Tramways can be seen in the reviews in the Festival Archive.
The British Systems list provides links to photographs and postcards of the full size tramcars.
Facebook Tramway Modelling Group where you can add your own model photos and exchange ideas.
Facebook Hong Kong Model Tram Group dealing with HK models.
Photo: Glasgow Standard tram in 1:16 scale by Frank Roche.
Manufacturers
These are lists of suppliers of materials, kits, or complete models. The information collected is for guidance only, and this web site cannot be held in any way responsible for any inaccuracies found. Any questions and queries should be directed to the manufacturer concerned.
Here at Tramway Information we can exclusively supply you with Majestic Trams white metal kits and Pete Watson PDF card kits.
If you need to track down the location of your local model railway shop, try www.ukmodelshops.co.uk
Photo: Zürich tram in H0 scale. Commercial product from Navemo John Prentice
Large scales
The traditional large scale for British tram models is 1:16 scale (3/4":1 foot), running on 3.5" gauge track.
A Beginners' Guide to Large Scale Tramcar Modelling: a pictorial study by John Prentice of how to build a large scale model tramcar using traditional methods. This excellent article illustrates most of the main steps in making a tram in 1:16 scale (3/4":1 foot).
Frank E. Wilson was a pioneer of working large scale tram models, starting in 1928. This is a review of his work.
Half Inch Scale tram construction is described in pictures by Tony Cooke.
Building a 1:24 scale Occre tram kit described by John Prentice.
Suppliers list of websites for suppliers of materials and services for large scale modellers.
Ashley Best shows us how to scratch build this superb 1:16 scale Brill 22E bogie (right) that functions in the correct manner.
Click here to view.
Photo: Stockport tram in 1:16 scale by Ashley Best. Bob Appleton
Photo: Brill 22E bogie in 1:16 scale by Ashley Best. Ann Best
Small scales
The most common small scale for British tram models is 00 (4mm to 1 foot), running on 16.5mm gauge track. For Continental models it is H0 (3.5mm to 1 foot), which also runs on 16.5mm gauge track.
An article by John Prentice on Raworth demi-cars (right) with particular reference to the Majestic kit.Click here to view.
John Prentice describes how to construct Etched Brass model tram kits in 00 scale.
An article by John Prentice on building Majestic Hong Kong tram kits.Click here to view.
East London bogie trams by John Prentice, in 4mm scale and full size. Click here to view.
East London 4-wheel trams by John Prentice, in 4mm scale and full size. (Ilford car right) Click here to view.
A Review of Current Hong Kong Commercial Tram Models - 2022 By John PrenticeClick here to view.
Adrian Batt describes his methods for the scratch building of award winning small scale models.Click here to view.
David Voice describes a method of scratch building with a difference, using clear plastic sheet and printed artwork.Click here to view.
David Voice's description on scratch building in "How to go Tramway Modelling" has often been referred to for guidance by other modellers. However, the latest edition does not include the traditional method, so David has kindly allowed us to reproduce here an extract from his earlier book.Click here to view.
An article on Tramcar Trucks by David Voice with additions by John Prentice, untangles some of the jargon of this topic, and gives details of mechanisms available to motorize models in 00 and H0 scales.
An article by Brian Wild on a simple 4mm scale layout with homemade overhead, first published in Tramfare magazine.Click here to view.
The History of Hamo Tramways, a 76 page article by David Voice and Brian Wild (90MB pdf free download).
For motorising your small scale models check out Motors & Bogies for current suppliers.
Or why not try one of the Printable Kits in various scales for free download.
Photo: Maidstone Demi-car in 00 scale by John Prentice from Majestic kit. John Prentice
Photo: Ilford 40 in 00 scale by John Prentice. John Prentice
Photo: LUT type WT 261 in 00 scale by Adrian Batt. Adrian Batt
Photo: LCC No.1 in 00 scale by David Voice. David Voice
General
Before you can begin your model layout, it is necessary to have some idea of the real sizes. This section gives you examples of the Prototype Dimensions.
The TLRS have developed a series of simple Standards giving the modeller a good starting point for his work.
The TLRS and its magazine Tramfare are useful reference sources.
An article on Current Collection by David Voice with additions by John Prentice, gives details of the various methods by which an Electric Tramcar can receive its power supply.
Starting & Stopping is a review by John Prentice of tramcar controllers and brakes.
Tramcar Colours by John Prentice, shows why it is so difficult to get a good match to a prototype livery.
BS 381c Colour Chart is useful for identifying tramway colour names.
Lead Free Solder, its qualities and alleged problems for the model maker are considered by John Prentice.
Joints with Glue and Solder. John Prentice takes a look at various glues and gives tips on how to solder.
Model Tramway Web Links. See what other modellers have done.
Fancy trying 3D design and printing? Derek Smith has provided some simple video guides to using the SketchUp software to construct a tram.
Photo: LUT tram in 1:16 scale by Richard Elliott.
Photo: People horse tram in 1:16 scale by Richard Elliott.
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