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 VISITS… • George Dent headed to Aberystwyth to check out a model exhibition being held at the famous Vale of Rheidol railway.

EXCLUSIVE PROJECT UPDATES

HELJAN ANNOUNCES HIGH-SPEC 'WARSHIP'

PREMIER LNWR STOCK FROM BACHMANN

In Brief

EFE'S 'WARSHIPS' SAIL INTO VIEW

REVOLUTION SHOWS OFF CAR CARRIER COLOURS

Modeller's Bookshelf • George Dent and Chris Leigh present four recently published titles to inform and inspire your modelling.

ON THE WORKBENCH

EXHIBITION DIARY - NOVEMBER 2024-FEBRUARY 2025

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 GOING INDUSTRIAL, BIG TIME • Peter Marriott paid a visit to an exhibition in Belgium and was bowled over by the work of Floris Dilz, whose industrial-themed layouts never fail to inspire.

IN THE FRAME • DAVE LOWERY finds the answer to a modelling quandary has been under his nose for some time.

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

MODEL RAIL'S Christmas GIFT GUIDE • Wondering what gifts to buy for your fellow railway modellers – or yourself? George Dent marks the 12 days of Christmas with a dozen suggestions for stocking fillers and more substantial treats. And there’s a chance to win a Hornby train set!

Welcome to the New Firm • Splintering off from another club, members of the newly formed Scottish Diesel and Electric group were free to indulge their interest in BR blue.

3 things we like

MINI MARVELS • As one of the smallest British standard gauge locomotives ever built, Ruston’s tiny four-wheel diesels have long been a source of fascination for modellers. Ben Jones discovers more about these cult industrial machines and their surprisingly long career.

TOP SECRET: NUCLEAR '48S'

HOW TO CUSTOMISE YOUR RUSTON 48DS • George Dent hand-paints one of Heljan’s superb little Ruston diesels into a new colour scheme, improvising detailing parts and adding a footplate crew.

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

HOW TO CREATE A UNIQUE WATER TOWER • Recalling an unusual structure seen at Salisbury in the 1980s, Chris Nevard set about customising a popular plastic kit to create an eye-catching addition to the lineside.

HOW TO MAKE A VIDEO SURVEY VEHICLE • A big fan of Class 153 diesel railcars, Chris Leigh converts a Hornby model into the latest guise for several of the class, a video survey vehicle for Network Rail.

HOW TO USE HAIR TO CREATE A WATER FEATURE • Peter Marriott shows how the family cat helped add flowing water to his fountain!

Scaling up production • Accumulating a shed full of ‘O’ gauge stock left Jon Grant with no choice but to make the leap from ‘OO’. The result is a stunning 7mm debut.

3things we like

Accurascale BR Mk 1 Suburban stock

3 things we like

EFE Rail Plasser...