I have not managed to get any models to a stage which would make a worthwhile post for a couple of weeks; in a large part due to the disaster I had with the matting agent in my varnish.

This has meant that a number (oh yes, it wasn’t just the one I showed a picture of………) of models have had to get a coating of in nitromors.  But nitromors is not enough to to properly clean the model and a lot of attention with a glass fibre scratch pen is required.  So I have had an enjoyable weekend plucking glass fibres from my fingers!  The models are now at the stage where they have been stripped back and the base coats have been renewed.  It is pretty galling to find yourself back to were a month or two back!

It does, however, remind me of another of the tools that I find invaluable in my modelling – a ultrasonic bath.  Now they don’t sound like a critical tool to a railway modeller but let me correct you.  It is utterly startling how much grot and muck comes off even the most thoroughly cleaned model – you won’t believe me until you have experienced it!

This is the version I have, which is larger than most and is big enough to get a full length coach in it.  It also has a heating element in it and the warm water helps the cleaning process.  So too does this stuff; Shiny Sinks.

This is a very effective cleaner and does not leave a residual film (which washing up liquid does).

The really handy thing about this set of recommended tools is that they won’t get you in trouble with the domestic authorities.  That is because this combination is excellent for cleaning jewellery so you can earn a few brownie points for giving these a spring clean!

I got mine from Maplins and it cost about £60.  Given that they are going through their liquidation sale at the moment, you may be able to do better than me but they are available (at a higher cost) via Fleabay or Amazon – such as this one https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/JPL-ULTRA-8060-Ultrasonic-Cleaner-3-Litre/131291011406?epid=21015637893&hash=item1e918dd94e:g:byYAAOSwgQ9VkUcO