Model Railway Features
Big Green Machine - breathing further life into the Accurascale ‘Deltic’
Working with what is already a superb model, TIM SHACKLETON breathes further life into the all-new Accurascale ‘OO’ gauge ‘Deltic’.
Landslip embankment scene - Step by step
The elements have combined to cause a landslip on this embankment scene. DAN EVASON explains how and why he created this novel diorama and the techniques employed.
Bridge Building - a step by step guide
A bridge offers a useful scenic focal point on a model railway. DAN EVASON shows how he built a unique structure for a ’OO9’ gauge layout.
Big ‘Cat’ sound for the Dapol Class 68
The Vossloh Class 68s are one of the most modern and powerful diesel-electrics running today. MIKE WILD installs the latest generation MS series ZIMO decoder into the feature rich Dapol ‘OO’ gauge model.
LOCOMAN CLASS 37 SOUND DEMONSTRATION
The English Electric Class 37 is one of the most popular diesel locomotives and this distinctive class is Locoman Sounds’ first digital audio project for a diesel. With one eye on spending, MIKE WILD installs a D&H decoder into an older generation 8-pin Bachmann model.
LASER-CUT ENGINE SHED BUILD
Some layouts require a signature structure, and DAN EVASON created just that by combining four Scale Model Scenery ‘OO’ gauge engine shed kits to create a very large facility.
HOW TO BAG A BARGAIN!
While the latest exciting new models may dominate the headlines, it shouldn't be forgotten that there is also a thriving secondhand model railway market. In this multipoint plan, TIM SHACKLETON looks at the pros and cons of buying pre-owned models.
BR’s Eastern Region Train Formations
BR’s Eastern Region covered a large swathe of England, operating an eclectic mix of main line, secondary and branch line services. MARK CHIVERS recalls some typical train formations from the 1950s and 1960s.
Prestwin mix & match
Want to break away from the limitations of ready-to-run rolling stock and create something original? TIM SHACKLETON uses simple cross-kitting to create bespoke models of a distinctive prototype.
Dibnah Diorama
Fred Dibnah was a legendary steeplejack and passionate about steam power. DAN EVASON pays tribute to him with a 4mm scale diorama based on a chimney scene.
Platinum purple bulleid
The repaint of ‘West Country’ 34027 into a special Platinum Jubilee purple livery has generated huge interest. RICHARD HALL shows how you can recreate the look on a super-detailed Hornby Bulleid ‘Pacific’.
VIDEO: Building the Great Central Railway - Episode 4
Episode 4 of the Building the Great Central Railway video series is here. Join Mike and Richard as they delve into the details of Swithland Sidings, explain how it was built, its features, rolling stock and operation in this 40 minute video. Watch it today exclusively on KeyModelWorld.
Swithland Sidings Under construction
In the 2021 Hornby Magazine Yearbook, we started our new project to build a replica of the Great Central Railway in just 16ft x 8ft and this year we are completing the second phase with a model of Swithland Sidings. MIKE WILD explains its construction.
Building Swithland signalbox
When you want to model a specific railway structure, in many cases the only way is to scratch build. PAUL CHAPMAN explains how he built Swithland Signalbox for the Great Central Railway layout.
VIDEO: Building the Great Central Railway - Episode three
In Episode 3 of building the Great Central Railway Mike Wild and Richard Watson continue on their journey of building a brand new model railway in 'OO' gauge. This time focusing on all things scenery from track weathering to expanding foam and the fine details. Watch Episode 3 here to see how we tackle the scenics.
Modelling a Stanier ‘Jubilee’ in early post- Nationalisation condition
Combining extensive prototype research with creative flair, TIM SHACKLETON models a Stanier ‘Jubilee’ in early post- Nationalisation condition, still carrying pre-war LMS livery.
Building a low-relief Warehouse
A warehouse is the perfect way to add detail to a layout’s backdrop. DAN EVASON shows how to build a laser-cut low relief structure in ‘OO’.
Locoman ‘W1' sound installation guide
New sound projects for the Gresley ‘W1’ 4-6-4 are available from Locoman Sounds to suit both the original high pressure and later rebuilt versions of this unique steam engine. MIKE WILD shows how to install Doehler & Haass decoders into Hornby’s ‘OO’ models with exclusive KeyModelWorld sound demonstration video.
Killer ‘20s’ renumbered, weathered and sound fitted
The Direct Rail Services-operated Class 20/3s offer an attractive and different locomotive for the modern railway scene. For his latest rolling stock project MIKE WILD decided to renumber, weather and sound fit a pair of the recent Bachmann ‘OO’ gauge models.
BUILDING POINTS FROM FINETRAX KITS
Building your own points doesn’t have to be a complicated and time consuming process, as TIM SHACKLETON demonstrates whilst assembling one of the impressive quick-build plastic turnout kits from Finetrax.
Weathering EFE Rail's SEA and SPA Wagons
Looking to add EFE Rail’s recently released ‘OO’ gauge SEA and SPA wagons to his fleet, DAVID DOLMAN took to the workbench to improve their outof-the-box appearance with a realistic, weathered in-service makeover.
How to build a cement terminal
Industrial activities are a brilliant corner filler for a model railway. DAN EVASON picks up a Gaugemaster kit with European heritage and shows how it can be built for a British scene.
Hornby Sentinel Sound installation
PAUL CHETTER describes how to add an invisible sound installation to Hornby’s diminutive Sentinel industrial locomotive.
Building Parkend North | Part two
With the foundations of this Western Region layout complete, DAN EVASON reveals how he brought the scenery to life in the second of our two features illustrating the construction of Parkend North in 'OO' gauge.
WE SHOW YOU HOW: Mixed-media modelling
Always looking for ways of expanding his horizons, TIM SHACKLETON follows the American approach of creating your own kits from a customised pick ‘n’ mix of available parts.
Modelling Bewdley station with 3D printing
Having selected a suitable subject, TRISTRAM NEAL outlines how he used modern printing techniques to create a bespoke station building, based on a well-known Severn Valley Railway prototype at Bewdley in this detailed step by step modelling guide.
Installing ESU sound in the Bachmann Class 66
Bachmann's Class 66 is a simple locomotive to upgrade to digital sound. In this KeyModelWorld exclusive feature MIKE WILD installs an ESU 21-pin decoder with Legomanbiffo's high performance sound together with a powerful speaker and stay alive into the 'OO' gauge model. Read the full guide here and watch our sound demonstration video.
WORKING DESTINATION SCREENS
Modern electronics are opening up new possibilities for miniature displays. MIKE LOMAX explains how he installed a working LED matrix screen into a ‘OO’ scale double-decker bus.
Parkend North: Part One
With a brief to create a layout set in the dying days of steam in the Forest of Dean in ‘OO’ gauge, DAN EVASON explores how a workable track plan was created – and how the permanent way was laid in the first of a two part series on this layouts construction.
STEP BY STEP: Paint fading techniques
You can almost taste the tobacco smoke and touch the threadbare upholstery as TIM SHACKLETON evokes the unique character of carriage stock from a bygone age using simple weathering techniques to fade the paint on a series of Hornby Maunsell carriages.