Frequently Asked Questions
THE KITS
What scale and gauge are your kits?
Most of our kits are 16mm to the foot scale, for 32mm or 45mm gauge track; each product page lists the gauges it comes in. We also have some 7/8in scale kits, which we'll be bringing back.
Do the kits come built or painted?
No. They're unbuilt, unpainted kits for you to assemble and finish. Occasionally a built model comes in second-hand, and we'll list it in the shop.
What's included in a locomotive kit?
The printed and laser cut parts, wheels, axles and bushes, motor and gears, and all the screws, nuts and bolts. Each product page has a full "Included" list.
What isn't included?
Batteries, glue and paint. Most kits also need a switch and wiring; where a kit includes a battery box and switch, the product page says so.
What are the parts made from?
The main parts are 3D printed in PETG, with fine detail printed in resin on some kits. Frames and cab parts are laser cut acrylic, some kits have laser cut metal frames, and cranks are CNC machined steel.
How hard are they to build?
It depends on the kit. Some are very easy, just a case of glueing together and painting. Our more advanced kits need the motion work quartering and setting up to run in sync.
BUILDING
What glue should I use?
Superglue for the 3D printed parts. For the acrylic cab and frame parts we recommend dichloromethane, which welds acrylic.
Are there building instructions?
Yes, on our Building Instructions page. Our blog has step-by-step builds and a painting guide, and George Williamson has filmed himself building and painting several of our kits on YouTube.
How should I paint a printed kit?
Prime first, then paint. Our blog post "Painting 3D printed kits" covers priming, painting and weathering.
MOTORS AND CONTROL
Which motor should I choose?
Most kits have a preferred motor, and some are offered with both. The 3–6V motor works well pulling light trains on flat circuits. The 6–15V motor suits steep track and heavy loads.
Plastic or metal gears?
Nylon gears are quiet and cheaper. Metal gears last longer under heavy use. Each product page lists the gear ratio for each version.
Can I fit radio control?
Yes. Our locomotives run on batteries, and you can fit radio control in place of a simple switch. We've worked with Loco Remote to make sure their systems fit our locos.
ORDERING AND STOCK
How long will my order take?
In-stock items are dispatched within 3 working days. Kits marked made to order or pre-order show their lead time on the product page. A few less popular items, such as some Delrin sprocket sizes, show as available but are ordered in for you, so they can take a few weeks longer. If you need something by a certain date, email us before ordering and we'll tell you when it will be dispatched.
A kit is out of stock. Will it come back?
Press "Notify me when back in stock" on its page. We'll email you when it's back, and the number of requests helps us decide what to make next.
Do you sell spare parts?
Yes: wheels, cranks, gearboxes, Delrin chain and sprockets are all in the shop. For anything else, email us.
Do you take part-exchanges?
Yes, on 16mm kits and locos from any maker, built or unbuilt. Email us with what you have.
DELIVERY AND RETURNS
How much is delivery?
UK orders go Royal Mail Tracked 48, and delivery is free over £100. Full prices for the UK and abroad are on our Delivery & Shipping page.
Do you ship overseas?
Yes. For Europe and Norway, taxes are paid at checkout, so there's nothing more to pay on delivery. US orders include the 10% import tariff at checkout. Other countries may charge tax on arrival.
Can I return a kit?
See our Refunds & Returns Policy.
Still have a question?
Email info@pdf-models.co.uk and we'll get back to you.