Model Railway Features
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.
Enhancing Hornby’s Colletts
The quality of ready-to-run carriages is outstanding today, but can they be made even better and more realistic? MIKE WILD says yes, with simple painting and additions.
STAFF PROJECTS: Bachmann Class 37/4 restoration
The discovery of a partially stripped chassis and a tatty Class 37 body prompted MIKE WILD to assess returning this Bachmann model of 37411 to frontline service. Here’s how he did it.
Digital sound for the Hornby 4-VEP
With the prospect of a new and upgraded 4-VEP from Hornby in 2022, MIKE WILD looked back at the first versions to introduce digital sound while also improving the front gangways in this modelling guide.
SUPER SOUND FOR THE BACHMANN GRESLEY ‘V2’
Bachmann’s all-new Gresley ‘V2’ has been designed with digital sound in mind, but is there a way to introduce a bigger and more powerful speaker in the 2-6-2? MIKE WILD explores the options with a brand new sound file from Locoman Sounds.
Modelling a car dealership
The return of MKD plastic kits to the British market through Hornby Hobbies was the perfect opportunity to make a realistic car dealership for a ‘OO’ layout. DAN EVASON explains the process step by step.
TIME MACHINE
Hornby Magazine’s resident Time Lord Tim Shackleton fast-forwards a GBRf Class 66 and simultaneously backdates a British Rail Class 50 with intriguing results.
VIDEO: Hornby's Tornado with Locoman Sounds
The A1 Steam Trust's new build Peppercorn 'A1' 4-6-2 60163 Tornado is the subject of our latest sound demonstration video to go with our full installation guide in Hornby Magazine Yearbook No 14 for 2022 - on sale now. Watch our completed installation which uses Hornby's BR lined blue liveried model of 60163 plus Locoman Sounds' all-new sound profile for the high-profile main line registered 'Pacific' here.
Whatever the weather
Snowploughs, Railhead Treatment Trains and much else besides – with one eye on the weather forecast, TIM SHACKLETON looks at some of the specialised vehicles that keep Network Rail running.
Super signalbox
Building a signalbox is one thing, but what if you could give it a full interior, lighting and realistic sound? That’s exactly what DAN EVASON did with this super-detailed Ratio kit in 4mm scale.
‘Western’ ambassadors for sound
The distinctive note of the ‘Western’ hydraulics is highly sought after in model form. PAUL CHETTER installs sound into Heljan and Dapols model of the Class 52 in ‘OO’ scale and compares the steps required and the results achieved.
Weathering a ‘Western’
TIM SHACKLETON turns a Heljan model of Western Enterprise into a detailed portrait of a real locomotive at a specific point in time to capture the elegance of these beautiful machines.
'J50' sound and stay alive
Compact tank engines aren’t always the easiest when it comes to digital sound installations, but Hornby’s ‘J50’ 0-6-0T can be equipped with sound and stay alive. MIKE WILD shows how he did it in this step by step guide.
VIDEO: A Fairlie good idea
The Hornby Magazine team are building a new narrow gauge model railway. Join Mike Wild and Richard Watson as they embark on a 'quick' project to model a Ffestiniog style narrow gauge layout inspired by the arrival of Bachmann's first ever ready-to-run 'OO9' Double Fairlie 0-4-4-0T. Log in or sign up to KeyModelWorld to watch this 1hr long feature video first today!
Quick-fix ‘92’ upgrades
The Hornby Class 92 was the first of the manufacturer’s models to be entirely made in China in the late 1990s. MIKE WILD brings increased performance and a little extra detail to the dual-voltage electric.