HM166, April 2021

WELCOME TO HM166 | APRIL 2021

The April 2021 issue of Hornby Magazine (HM166) is available now. You can read the full issue in page-turning PDF format or as individual features re-edited to suit the digital world. Indulge in the latest layout features and exclusive online videos, browse new releases in the News and Reviews, discover the secrets of railway modelling through our step by step guides and much more.

HM166, April 2021

VIDEO: Hornby's Thompson ‘A2/2’ for 'OO'

Hornby's latest arrival for 'OO' gauge is the Thompson 'A2/2'. Join Mike Wild in the Hornby Magazine workshop as he demonstrates this new release and its functionality.

VIDEO: Heljan GWR railcar for 'O'

Heljan's latest arrival for 'O' gauge is the GWR AEC railcar with 'Razor Edge' body styling. Join Mike Wild in the Hornby Magazine workshop as he demonstrates this new release and its functionality.

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Newton Grove 19F

A visit to a friend’s ‘O’ gauge layout was all the inspiration JONATHAN NEWTON needed to switch scales and start a new collection. Newton Grove shed is the result – a compact portrayal of the final years of steam in the North West.

VIDEO: Heljan Class 17 for 'O' gauge

In the latest issue of Hornby Magazine we take a detailed look at Heljan's new Class 17 Bo-Bo diesel for 'O' gauge. Join Mike Wild in the workshop to see the model in action on our garden railway.

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Roundtree Sidings

Summer 1985 is the setting for this super detailed ‘EM’ gauge exhibition layout built by the DEMU North East Area Group members. TREVOR SMITH reveals the detailed story behind this popular layout which features main line and Tyne and Wear Metro operations in 4mm scale.

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Somerset & Dorset Celebration

The famous Somerset & Dorset Railway is a modeller’s dream with double-headed passenger workings, locomotives and rolling stock from across the regions and stunning scenery. MIKE WILD celebrates the S&D 55 years after its closure in March 1966 by recreating the journey from Bath to Bournemouth West in model form. Photography, Trevor Jones, Chris Nevard and Mike Wild.

VIDEO: Bachmann Fowler '7F' 2-8-0 sound demonstration

In the latest issue of Hornby Magazine we show how to install a ZIMO sound decoder with YouChoos sound into the Bachmann Fowler '7F' 2-8-0. Join Mike Wild in the workshop as he demonstrates the sound projects features on Topley Dale.

VIDEO: Digitrains Class 68 sound demonstration

In the latest issue of Hornby Magazine - HM166, April 2021 - we review Digitrains new sound file for the Class 68 Bo-Bo diesels. Here the full suite of sounds in our sound demonstration featuring the Dapol 'OO' gauge model fitted with a ZIMO MX644C decoder.

VIDEO: Hornby Magazine Show | March 2021

The latest edition of the Hornby Magazine Show is here on KeyModelWorld. Highlights of this months show include the start of a new ‘OO9’ narrow gauge project which takes inspiration from the Ffestiniog Railway in North Wales, to add a new scene to Wardle Bay in ‘OO9'. Join Richard, Mark and Mike online for this not to be missed film.

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‘N’ Gauge Heavy Metal Part One

Weathering in the smaller scales hasn’t always received the attention it deserves. TIM SHACKLETON tries different approaches as he weathers a selection of big freight locomotives in 2mm scale.

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Hornby's Thompson ‘A2/2’

Hornby has expanded its range of Eastern Region ‘Pacifics’ with the arrival of the first ever ready-to-run model of the Thompson ‘A2/2’ fleet. MIKE WILD takes a detailed look at both versions of this exciting new addition for ‘OO’ gauge.

WIN! A Hornby ‘A2/2’ 4-6-2 worth £190

Hornby Magazine is offering a chance to win one of Hornby’s brand-new ‘OO’ gauge Thompson ‘A2/2’ 4-6-2 as 60501 Cock o’ the North in BR lined green with early crests. The closing date for entires is April 25 2021 at 5pm GMT.

HM166 Reality Check Feature Premium

Thompson's ‘A2/2s’ and ‘A2/3s’

Although the ‘Pacifics’ of the LNER are generally considered to be some of the best-looking locomotives ever built, there was one batch of locomotives that defied this rule. EVAN GREEN-HUGHES and ANDREW RODEN look into the history of the ‘A2/2s’ and ‘A2/3s’ which, while they looked ungainly, were an intelligent response to wartime pressures.

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EFE Rail 'Shark' ballast plough

EFE Rail's all-new ‘N’ gauge BR 20ton ‘Shark’ ballast plough brake van arrived with retailers in early February. In this review we take a detailed look at a 'Dutch' grey and yellow liveried version.

HM166 Graham Farish Parrot Review Premium

Graham Farish LMS ‘Parrot’ flat

New for ‘N’ gauge from the Graham Farish stable is the utilitarian ‘Parrot’ bogie flat wagon. These vehicles were built between 1917-1919 and were originally designed for War Department use, but later moved across to serve the LMS and BR.

HM166 Heljan Class 17 Review Premium

Heljan upscales Class 17 for 'O'

It may have been one of the least successful 1960s era diesel locomotives, but the Clayton Type 1s continue to be exceptionally popular in model form. MIKE WILD reviews Heljan’s all-new and eagerly awaited Class 17 for ‘O’ gauge.

HM166: Hatton's Gresley carriages Review Premium

Hatton's Gresley coaches debut

2021 looks set to be the year of the carriage for ‘O’ gauge with new collections due to cover LNER and BR designs from three different manufacturers. Hattons Model Railways has set the ball rolling with its trio of Gresley 61ft 6in corridor coaches. MIKE WILD takes a closer look.

HM166 Digitrains Class 68 sound Review Premium

Digitrains Class 68 sound

Digitrains has launched a new Class 68 Activedrive digital sound project for ZIMO decoders. Developed by John Gay, it offers an impressive audio suite from coupling and buffering up sounds to compressor, warning horns and notable engine transitions.

HM166 TRS Trains Duchess Review Premium

TRS Trains water-based smoke generators

TRS Trains is a new name in modelling and is offering a custom digital controlled smoke generator and sound installation as part of its range of services. Interestingly, this isn’t using conventional smoke generators such as the oil-filled Seuthe type – the TRS Trains products make steam with bottled water.

HM166 DMG Electech 21-pin decoder Review Premium

DMG Electech DCC Decoder

DMG Electech has introduced a new range of digital accessories including 8-pin and 21-pin Digital Command Control (DCC) decoders.

HM166 Heljan GWR AEC railcar Review Premium

HELJAN'S GWR RAILCAR

The Great Western Railway was amongst the first in the world to introduce self-contained diesel railcars for passenger services. Now the classic ‘Razor Edge’is available for ‘O’ gauge with the arrival of this brand-new model from Heljan – MIKE WILD investigates.

HM166 Geoscenics wagon tarpaulins Review Premium

BR wagon tarpaulins

New from Geoscenics are these wagon tarpaulin sheets suitable for ‘OO’ and ‘O’ gauge. Our review samples included 7mm and 4mm scale BR wagon tarpaulins intended for use on standard wooden-bodied open and longer ‘Tube’ wagons.

HM166 Gaugemaster Military materials Review Premium

MILITARY MATERIALS

HM166 Pacific Models diesel headcodes Review Premium

Diesel headcodes

Pacific Models has added this new pack of 4mm scale two and four-character headcodes suitable for BR diesel locomotives and DMUs.

HM166 SMS Lobster Creels Review Premium

SMS lobster pot

Scale Model Scenery (SMS) has bolstered its range of laser-cut kits and detailing accessories with this new 4mm scale pack of lobster pots/creels.

HM166 SMS wall coping Review Premium

Sandstone Wall Coping

New from Scale Model Scenery is this 4mm scale pack of sandstone wall coping. Ideal for adding that finishing touch to a wall (up to 4mm thick).

HM166 Gaugemaster dockside buildings Review Premium

Dockside developments

New to the Gaugemaster Structures range are these ‘OO’ gauge dockside warehouse and dockside crane kits.

HM166 ACFI feed water kit Review Premium

LNER ‘A1’/‘A3’ACFI conversion kit

For those wishing to add variety to their fleet of London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) ‘A1’/‘A3’ 4-6-2s, this ACFI water feed heater conversion kit may fit the bill.

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‘7F’ SOUND

Bachmann’s Fowler ‘7F’ 2-8-0 can be brought to life with digital sound using space in the tender to install a 21-pin decoder, speaker and stay alive pack. MIKE WILD shows you how using components from YouChoos.

HM166 Somerset and Dorset Celebration Feature Premium

Hornby Magazine April 2021

Welcome to the latest issue of Hornby Magazine - HM166, April 2021 - which celebrates the famous Somerset and Dorset Railway to mark 55 years since its closure by British Railways. Highlights of this issue include in-depth reviews of the new Hornby 'A2/2' for 'OO' gauge alongside the new 'O' gauge Class 17 and AEC railcar from Heljan, featured layouts, step by step guides and more. Read the full magazine in PDF format here and check out our latest video content in the Video Features section.