Model Railway Features
Wheeltapper sound for the Dapol ‘Manor’
The Dapol GWR ‘Manor’ 4-6-0 is designed with sound installation in mind. MIKE WILD explores its simplicity with a new sound profile from the Wheeltapper collection on an ESU V5 chip. Read the full guide and watch our demonstration video here.
MAKING A SCENE: Modelling river crossings
A ford crossing a river or stream could make an interesting and unusual setting on a layout. DAN EVASON shows how you can build one and bring it to life.
Detailing Lima and Hornby RailRoad Class 31s
With a bit of work and a sharp eye on costs, many older models can be brought into line with more recent productions. TIM SHACKLETON shows how you can transform second-hand bargains into smooth-running, good-looking models you can be proud of.
Model railway rolling stock detailing
How do you make the most of today’s stunning ready-to-run models? MIKE WILD offers 20 ways to enhance your models with readily available products and simple steps.
STEP BY STEP: Installing Wills point rodding
Wills Models range of point rodding kits are a simple and affordable means of introducing detail at the lineside. In this feature NIGEL BURKIN explains how the kits can be used in conjunction with a ground frame in ‘OO’ gauge.
North Eastern Railway pioneer electrics
While electrification is very much in the news these days, the release of a model of a pioneering North Eastern Railway locomotive reminds us that such schemes have been around for more than 100 years. EVAN GREEN-HUGHES has the story.
Making buildings from scratch
Creating bespoke buildings for your layout may sound daunting, but as MALCOLM BRIGGS shows in the start of a new series, it is far easier than you might think.
The final HST wind down
British Rail’s Inter-City 125 is one of the most recognisable and successful trains in railway history but is now reaching the end of its operational days. Some units, however, are enjoying a second life, as EVAN GREEN-HUGHES explains.
ZIMO Digital sound for the Hornby HST
The scream of turbochargers epitomised the High Speed Trains when they entered service. PAUL CHETTER sets out to recreate the spectacle with digital sound in ‘OO’ gauge using the Hornby 8-pin chassis HST power cars as the basis.
Railway Realism: The BR High Speed Train story
On October 4 1976, exactly 40 years ago, a train that revolutionised rail travel in the UK first entered public service. Since then the High Speed Train has gone on to be one of the most iconic and well-known ever to run on our rails, as Evan Green-Hughes relates.
Train formations: Class 43 High Speed Trains
If you think High Speed Trains are all alike, you might be surprised at the variety. MARK CHIVERS presents a series of formations covering their 40-year careers.
WORKBENCH: Class 20 weathering – Part 1
The Class 20 offers potential for detailed weathering effects. TIM SHACKLETON brushes up on the basics of weathering with a pair of Bachmann Class 20s in 'OO' gauge.
Equipment Guide: Track rubbers
Clean track is essential when operating a model railway, and without it comes the frustration of poor operation. MARK CHIVERS surveys a range of readily available track rubbers in our latest Hornby Magazine Equipment Guide and highlights our pick.
The LNER’s elegant ‘B12’ 4-6-0
At the turn of the 20th century, many British railways developed more powerful passenger locomotives, and amongst the most elegant were the Great Eastern Railway’s long-lived ‘B12’ 4-6-0s, as EVAN GREEN-HUGHES describes.
Railway Realism: Chinley
Once the centre of a busy railway network Chinley, in Derbyshire, is now but a shadow of its former self. EVAN GREEN-HUGHES looks at the rise and fall of this important railway landmark.
Reality Check: GWR ‘Kings’ - the ultimate 4-6-0
Widely regarded as the ultimate development of the Great Western 4-6-0, ‘Kings’ were locomotives of great beauty and extremely powerful workhorses as well, as EVAN GREEN-HUGHES relates.
EQUIPMENT GUIDE: Wheel cleaners
Keeping model wheels clean is vital but can be tricky. MARK CHIVERS assesses some of the best products on the market in the Hornby Magazine Equipment Guide.
West Coast Cement goes East
At the Spalding Model Railway Exhibition, the Hornby Magazine team switched the identity of its popular modern day cement works layout to the East Coast Main Line. MIKE WILD explains why and how the change came about.
3D printing model railway carriages
As computers, software and peripherals become ever more advanced, increasing numbers of modellers are embracing the technology as a new form of digital scratchbuilding, as STEPHEN GRANT outlines.
Reality Check: The ‘Electric Scot’ - BR’s Class 87s
For many years the premier express locomotives on the West Coast Main Line were the Class 87s, but they have now fallen from grace though surprisingly many are enjoying a second but rather less glamorous career, as EVAN GREEN-HUGHES explains.
Modifying the Hornby Grand Suspension bridge
Generations of modellers grew up seeing pictures of the Tri-ang/Hornby suspension bridge - but can this veteran model work in today’s high-fidelity world? DAN EVASON explains how he updated it to provide a signature structure.
Upgrading Hornby’s veteran Class 90
Hornby’s ‘OO’ gauge model of the Class 90 AC electric has been around since the early 1990s and shows its age from the box. However, with a few simple upgrades MIKE WILD shows how he went about improving the appearance of uniquely liveried 90128 Vractverbinding in Belgian Railways blue and yellow.
How to create a 1930s roadworks scene
Like railways, roads always need maintaining. DAN EVASON shows how to recreate a typical 1930s roadworks scene.
Modelling Tyne Dock Class 24s in 'OO' gauge
TIM SHACKLETON goes for a high-fidelity weathering treatment that squares with the level of detail on a matched pair of Sulzer Type 2s.
BEGINNERS GUIDE: Where do I start?
Before you start building a model railway, there are a few important questions to consider. JONATHAN NEWTON looks at what they are and what some options might be.
BEGINNERS GUIDE: Choosing a model railway scale
Choosing a gauge to model can present a challenge. However, as RICHARD HALL explores, the ever-increasing ranges across multiple scales each provide their own strengths and benefits.
BEGINNERS GUIDE: Developing the grand plan
Developing your layout’s design is a highly rewarding part of the process. MARK CHIVERS offers a few hints and tips to help create that master track plan.
BEGINNERS GUIDE: Top tips for a better layout
Some simple steps can maximise your enjoyment of your model railway. JONATHAN NEWTON offers 20 top tips to aid construction and reliable operation of your new layout.
BEGINNERS GUIDE: Transform your layout
Details can make a very real difference to a layout, transforming it from a train set to a model railway. JONATHAN NEWTON examines the options.
Weathering Diesel Brake Tenders in 'OO' gauge
With a new selection of Key Publishing’s exclusive ‘OO’ gauge diesel brake tender now available, TIM COOPER shows how some gentle weathering can really bring this model to life.