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 ‘PWM’ – ON SALE NOW!

ALL-NEW ‘DELTICS’ BREAK COVER

In Brief

‘SMALL PRAIRIE’ IS NEXT MODEL FROM LIONHEART

ACCURASCALE CHOOSES THE ‘BUCKJUMPER’

CAR PARTS AND BARRIERS

Modeller's Bookshelf • A quartet of new books that will be useful for modellers and general railway enthusiasts alike.

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

…and finally • Unusual scenes captured by the lens of Chris Nevard

EXHIBITION DIARY - APRIL-MAY 2023

News Real What's happening on Britain's railways… • 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.

Show & Tell • The place to share your projects with the Model Rail community.

Staff Show & Tell The number of the fish • As featured in last month's Workbench, George Dent built and enhanced a Cambrian Models kit of an ex-LMS ‘Salmon’ rail carrying wagon. Belatedly, it has now gained an identity, thanks to a fine ink pen.

Let there be (a different kind of) light

Inside track with Ben Ando

Working with the big brass • Dave Stone didn't let the thought of building locomotives, rolling stock and track deter him from choosing this seldom-modelled era.

CONNECT FOUR • The Grouping was one of the most dramatic changes ever seen on Britain's railways. Nick Brodrick recounts how it came about and offers some pointers for modelling the fascinating changeover period of the 1920s.

HOW TO CREATE A POLISHED WEATHERED LOOK • Using a range of weathering techniques, George Dent seeks to portray a hardworking steam locomotive for the ‘Big Four’ era.

What you will need

HOW TO BUILDING HEMYOCK PART 4: THE DAIRY AND LINESIDE STRUCTURES • Chris Nevard completes his evocation of Hemyock, on the Culm Valley branch in deepest Devon, by constructing the dairy and goods yard structures.

HOW TO CREATE A LIGHTWEIGHT ROCKFACE • Making realistic rockfaces can be a messy business. Peter Marriott demonstrates how a new paper-based product affords outcrops to be made quickly, easily and cleanly.

HOW TO ANIMATE A CHILDREN'S PLAY AREA • Ready-to-plant children's play areas can be bought off the shelf, but Graham Goodchild demonstrates how, with a little ingenuity, you can save money by making your own mechanism.

Know your stuff • This is where our team of experienced modellers answer YOUR questions. Email your queries about railways – real or model – to modelrail@bauermedia.co.uk

HOW TO CREATE A CONCRETE APRON USING CARD • Q I'm building a modern freight yard in a corner of my new layout, which will require an area of ‘concrete’ around the tracks and shed. What's the best material to use and how do I go about it? A modelling friend recommended plaster or DAS clay, but they sound too messy for my liking!

KNOW YOUR… LIVERIES PART 18: BR Type 2s in green • Paul Chancellor casts his eyes over a range of livery permutations seen on BR's green diesel locomotives in the 1,000-1,500hp power range.

Notes from the Workshop DAVE LOWERY'S...