Garden Railway SM32 Mamod 16mm Live Steam Milk Churns

FAQ – Product FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions – 16mm Scale Milk Churns

What exactly do I get with this listing?

You receive six 16mm scale milk churns, resin printed in grey. They are supplied unprimed and unpainted, with all printing supports removed and any parts left unassembled if needed.

What scale are these milk churns and what are their dimensions?

These churns are 16mm scale (1:19), suitable for Live Steam and Mamod style garden railways. Each churn is based on a 10-gallon prototype (about 28.75" high by 13.5" diameter in real life), which works out at roughly 38 mm high by 18 mm diameter in the model.

What colour are the churns supplied in?

All six churns are supplied in a neutral grey resin, ready for you to prime and paint in your preferred colours.

Are these suitable for use as wagon loads or platform details?

Yes, they are designed as scenic details for model railways and dioramas. They work very well as wagon loads, or dotted around platforms, loading bays, and yard areas to bring a 16mm layout to life.

Do the churns come pre-painted like the ones in the photos?

No, the churns are supplied unprimed and unpainted. Any painted churns shown in photos are examples only, to demonstrate how they can look after priming and painting.

Are these items ready to use straight out of the box?

They are ready from a printing and cleaning point of view (supports removed, cleaned and cured by hand), but you will need to prime and paint them before placing them on your layout if you want a finished, realistic appearance.

How are the churns finished before shipping?

Each piece is cleaned and cured by hand after printing. All supports are removed, and we do our best to smooth away any marks. Some light sanding may still be required to achieve the finish you prefer.

Are the churns supplied as one piece or do they need assembly?

The churns are supplied unassembled if needed, depending on the design of the print. Any separate parts will arrive with supports removed and ready for you to test-fit, glue (if required), then prime and paint.

Are these suitable for outdoor garden railway use?

They are intended for 16mm garden railway scales, but they are resin items, so treat them as you would other fine scenic details. Avoid rough handling and prolonged exposure to harsh conditions where possible to keep them looking their best.

Can I order more than one set to create a larger wagon load?

Yes, multiple sets work very well together. Simply arrange them in groups on a flat wagon, in a loading dock scene, or around a creamery or goods shed to build up a busy, lived-in look.

How delicate are these resin churns?

Resin can be quite delicate, especially at finer details, so it is best to handle the churns carefully and avoid dropping them. They are intended as scenic items rather than toys.

What should I do if my churns arrive broken in the post?

If anything arrives damaged, please take clear photos of the damage and the packaging as soon as possible and get in touch. While we cannot be responsible for breakages after delivery, we will always see what we can do to help with items damaged in transit.

What if I accidentally break a churn after it arrives?

We cannot take responsibility for accidental damage once the parcel has arrived safely. However, depending on the break, you may be able to repair small chips or cracks with a good quality cyanoacrylate (super glue) and a little sanding before repainting.

The surface has faint lines or marks. Is this normal?

Fine layer lines or small support marks can sometimes be visible on resin prints, even after careful cleaning. This is normal. A quick pass with fine wet-and-dry paper or sanding sticks before priming usually smooths them out.

My primer or paint is not sticking well. What can I do?

If paint is not adhering, try the following:

• Gently wash the churns in warm, soapy water and let them dry fully.
• Lightly sand the surface with fine grit to give the primer a key.
• Use a suitable primer (such as an automotive or model primer) before applying your top coats.

One churn seems slightly different from the others. Is that a fault?

Minor variations can occur during printing and hand finishing, but all churns are designed to be consistent in scale and general appearance. If you believe there is a significant defect, please send a photo so we can assess it.

How should I prepare the churns before painting?

Preparation is straightforward:

• Check for any remaining rough spots and gently sand if needed.
• Optionally wash in warm, soapy water and allow to dry.
• Apply a suitable primer to give your paint something to grip.

What kind of primer works well on these resin churns?

The churns take primer well. As shown in the example, car (automotive) primer works nicely, but any good quality model or hobby primer suitable for resin can be used before your colour coats.

How were the painted examples in the photos finished?

The painted examples were done with a coat of car primer followed by a silver acrylic spray. You can follow a similar approach or choose different colours and weathering to suit your layout.

Do I need to glue any parts, and what glue should I use?

If your particular set includes any separate parts, they can be assembled with a small amount of cyanoacrylate (super glue). Always test-fit first, then glue, let it cure fully, and only then move on to priming and painting.

Any tips for painting and weathering the churns for a realistic look?

For a lived-in railway feel, you might:

• Prime the churns, then spray or brush a metal shade (such as silver or grey).
• Add washes or dry-brushing to pick out details and simulate grime.
• Lightly weather the bases and handles to suggest handling and yard dust.