As computers, software and peripherals become ever more advanced, increasing numbers of modellers are embracing the technology as a new form of digital scratchbuilding, as STEPHEN GRANT outlines.
HALF A century ago, the major manufacturers offered only a limited choice of ready-to-run rolling stock, aimed primarily at the train set market. Anybody wanting anything more specialised or better detailed would have to attempt a kit and these often required considerable model engineering skills to assemble a presentable and smooth running model.
Today, the big players offer ranges of steam, diesel and electric types that would astonish a railway modeller of 40 or 50 years ago, with choices of number and with class detail differences all faithfully reproduced.
