Voie Libre international

When I wonder about what motivates our creations, notions such as art, composition, reproducing an image or a memory spring to mind… But first and foremost, well before geography, literature or artistic expression, it seems to me that our hobby calls on History. Whether the project is prototypical, strongly inspired by reality, or allows itself a fair share of modelling licence, History remains one of our main drivers. This is what will provide us with that extra touch bringing life to our layout, allowing us to evoke scenes that go beyond the model, propelling it into the real world. So open your History books, and grab your tools!…

Alongside its Militaria range, the Model Kit Shop artisan firm has also released railway stock such as locomotive accessories and scenic items, but above all plenty of 60cm gauge static stock: a Decauville “Progrès” 0-6-0 tank locomotive, locotractors (Billard T 75D and T 50, Simplex, Jung) as well as wagons (WDLR, Péchot, Decauville), in 1/43.5 scale on 14mm gauge track. Sectional track is also available. All these items are 3D printed. For instance, the Decauville 0-6-0 consists of 36 parts printed in very fine photopolymer and is quickly assembled without unpleasant surprises. Denis Gomez, who runs Model Kit Shop, also produces his range in 1/35 scale, the Billard T 75D and the Decauville tipper skip are already available. Perfect for furnishing a depot or modelling a works site. On my…

The range of French 60cm gauge military railway stock produced by the Model Kit Shop artisan firm consists of many 3D printed models. I chose a Billard T 75D, motorized with a variable wheelbase Halling chassis. The motor housing is a tad too high and requires some milling into the floor of the T75 locotractor, a job made easier by the quality of the photopolymer used. The remainder of the assembly is carried out smoothly in accordance with the instructions. I painted my model green, because it joined my sugar mill fleet. Compared to the P'tits Kits T50 type, the large difference in the height of the cab is very obvious! MODEL KIT SHOP HTTP://MODELKIT.FR/FR/ BILLARD T 75D €89.99 HALLING CHASSIS: CA. €30…

You were looking forward to it, here it comes! BD Concept's latest creation is a driving chassis with a 28mm wheelbase, and 7mm diam. wheels. This should enable modellers to power a wide range of 9mm gauge stock. Like earlier models, the centrally-located coreless motor drives two gears, via two worms. Total height is 12.65mm, and length is 42.6mm. BD CONCEPT AVAILABLE FROM THE LR MODÉLISME ONLINE STORE HTTPS://TRAINS.LRPRESSE.COM/ PRICE: €69.90…

This is a welcome product for replacing loop couplings, profi couplings, harpoon couplings, Kadee couplings… in summary, all those things that spoil our consists that are increasingly realistic. Régions & Compagnies has released a shank that fits into the standardized housing and features a double screw coupling (in coupled position, therefore) that simply fits into the top of the shanks. True, you will need tweezers to couple and uncouple, but this system brings buffers almost into contact, while the elongation boxes will allow stock to run through curves. The couplings are sold by sets of five with 10 standardized shanks, enough to outfit 5 wagons. All we are missing is a coupling on its supporting hook for the last wagon in the train, but it is very likely that such…

Anew range is under production at l'Atelier du Tacot. Pascal Boivin has taken an interest in vintage agricultural machinery, from the days when hauling power was still shared between steam and animals. The first model is a portable engine from the Gargan workshops. The kit was drawn on the basis of an original diagram available online from the Gallica website. It consists of some 15 very sharply 3D printed parts. The quality of the photopolymer used is such that the chains of the drawbar were printed as one single part, while the links remain articulated… The model, in H0 scale, will be at home on a threshing scene or loaded onto a flat wagon. Other machines, such as a thresher, can be expected if the portable engine is successful. ATELIER…