Model Rail

Model Rail magazine is the UK's biggest-selling magazine dedicated to railway modelling. Every issue is packed with the country’s finest home and club layouts, stunning photography, unbiased and in-depth product reviews, expert tips, layout plans and step-by-step articles that really show you how. In our unique ‘Workbench’ section, we tackle a wide range of modeling skills and projects. Our expert writers and model-makers will help you to get the most from your hobby and build the layout of your dreams. Model Rail is published 13 times a year, every four weeks.

Welcome

MODEL RAIL'S EXCLUSIVE CLASS 26

WHAT THE 'L'?

DAPOL REVEALS 'COALFISH' AND CONTAINERS

In Brief

ON THE WORKBENCH • What new items have appeared in George’s workshop this month?

EXHIBITION DIARY - SEPTEMBER 28-OCTOBER 26 2024

Unusual scenes captured by the lens of Chris Nevard

News Real • Our full-size railways are constantly evolving, providing fresh inspiration for modelling projects. BEN JONES looks at a few of the latest developments that could soon be appearing on our layouts.

Staff Show & Tell A Great Experiment • After working on a departmental Class 24 last month, George Dent was inspired to tackle another Sulzer Type 2, this time in the eye-catching RTC red/blue livery.

Kit-built '06' hits the rails

TYRANNOSAURUS HALTS HS2 WORK!

Show & Tell HARRY'S MODEL WORLD • When Harry Busby caught the model railway bug, his family were delighted to discover the myriad benefits of the hobby.

Inside track with Ben Ando • Ben Ando is the founder of Revolution Trains and a regular contributor to Model Rail.

A layout with hex appeal • Inspired by a model he saw in the Netherlands, Peter Goss built this stunningly crafted exhibition layout in a very unusual shape.

3 things we like

Workbench • Inspirational projects, advice and top tips that show you how

IN PRAISE OF TIMBER TRACKS • Most of us will have favourite manufacturers and people whose products we trust. Chris Leigh pays tribute to one that he has long enjoyed, while offering tips for getting the best from the kits.

Factfile: Welford Park

HOW TO KIT-BASH A LASER-CUT BUILDING • It’s often hard to find a ready-to-plant structure or kit to fill a specific space, so George Dent resorted to modifying a kit to create an imposing industrial backdrop.

HOW TO BUILD A LINESIDE CONVEYOR & LOADER • Rail freight operations in the post-Beeching BR era had to be cost-effective, leading to streamlined line-side infrastructure. Peter Marriott experiments with a Faller plastic kit, creating an interesting coal-loading facility that will fit onto virtually any ‘OO’ layout.

BUILDING A SET OF OLDBURY COACHES • 3D printing offers so many possibilities to modellers, even those working in larger scales. Mark Pretious describes how he built a set of Isle of Wight carriages in Gauge 3.

Factfile: Isle of Wight Railway Oldbury coaches

HOW TO RECREATE FADED BLUE DIESELS • George Dent offers two slightly different techniques to help give your BR locomotives a lived-in appearance.

HOW TO BUILD A SIMPLE SCENIC DIORAMA • Peter Marriott creates a simple diorama using Bachmann’s Somerset & Dorset-themed station, while also creating a simple and effective low-relief backdrop.

Hidden foundations • The discovery of one man’s secret, shed-built layout led Louis Denning to create an entire model railway club.

3 things we like

Hornby LNER Class B17/5

3 things we like

Factfile: LNER Class B17/5

Heljan LNER Class O2 2-8-0

3 things we like

Heljan LMS Inspection Saloon

3 things we like

Rapido LMS/LNER...