HM194 - August 2023

The August 2023 issue of Hornby Magazine (HM194) 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.

HM194, August 2023

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Building Norton Bridge signalbox

The imposing Norton Bridge signalbox is just one of the exclusive PJM-Key Publishing laser-cut kits for ‘OO’ scale available from the Key Model World Shop. MIKE WILD offers top tips for its construction and shows how to paint it and install the interior kit.

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British Rail ‘PEP’ Electric Multiple Unit story

Rarely modelled, but part of the railway scene now for almost 50 years, the British Rail ‘PEP’ family of EMUs is now reaching the end of its service life. EVAN GREEN-HUGHES takes a look at the interesting history of this group of influential but often overlooked trains.

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Suburban destination boards

Pacific Models has released several sets of BR Eastern Region (ex Great Northern Railway) destination boards and smokebox numberplates for suburban trains originating from London termini in ‘OO’ and ‘O’.

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1:148 Bedford HA van

New from ‘N’Tastic Scale Models is this 1:148 scale Bedford HA van, which forms part of a rapidly expanding new range of road transport vehicle kits.

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Train-Tech motor switch

Gaugemaster’s Train-Tech range of electronic accessories and components is bolstered with the addition of a new two-wire point motor switch.

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Wickham Trolley crew

Modelu’s range of 3D-printed finescale figures is augmented with the addition of this pack of 7mm scale Wickham Trolley crew designed for use with Ellis Clark Trains’ new ‘O’ gauge ready-to-run model.

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Diode matrix

Brimal Components has added a new diode matrix board to its range of electronic accessories.

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Modern station furniture

DCC Concepts has added a selection of modern station platform furniture to its range of ‘OO’ gauge model railway accessories.

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Building a Permanent Way Depot

You’ll often see the ‘orange army’ and their equipment maintaining the railway. DAN EVASON shows how to build a small maintenance depot in ‘OO’ gauge.

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Phorpres seven-plank open wagon for 'N' gauge

A new addition to Peco’s ‘N’ gauge Quality Line range of wagons is this seven-plank open with “Phorpres” Bricks branding (Cat No. NR-7012P).

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Peco ‘N’ gauge metal wheel packs

‘N’ and ‘OO9' gauge modellers looking to replace wheelsets need look no further than a series of new packs containing Peco’s nickel-silver tyred wheels from its Quality Line wagon range.

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New Peco code 80 concrete sleeper track for N gauge

Peco has introduced a new improved version of its ‘N’ gauge concrete sleeper flexible track to the range of nickel silver track options.

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‘OO9’ Ffestiniog Railway coaches return

Peco’s popular ‘OO9’ Ffestiniog Railway ‘Bug Box’ coaches return to the range in a new colour scheme.

Dapol B4 0-4-0T for O gauge. Review Premium

Dapol LSWR ’B4’ 0-4-0T for 'O' gauge

Southern Railway 7mm scale modellers are in for a treat with the arrival of the Adams ‘B4’ 0-4-0T from Dapol, but does it tick the right boxes? MIKE WILD finds out as we demonstrate the model in action.

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Lockwood Street - a 2mm finescale terminus

The former Hull and Barnsley Railway terminus at Cannon Street in Hull was the inspiration for the Hull Miniature Railway Society to build this enthralling 2mm finescale railway. PAUL DERRICK explains all.

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Hornby six-wheel departmental carriages for OO gauge

Hornby’s latest batch of ‘OO’ gauge six-wheel carriages includes a selection of vehicles in departmental colour schemes.

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Flying Scotsman ‘Electra’ from Hornby

The striking LNER ‘Flying Scotsman’ livery is the latest to be released on the Hornby Class 91. MIKE WILD checks out this colourful new addition.

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Triplex Sound for the Hornby Class 08

Hornby’s new Bluetooth Triplex Sound chips provide a simple means of adding stay alive, but can you fit all the components into the Hornby Class 08? MIKE WILD shows how in this step-by-step guide.

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Hornby East Midlands Trains HST power cars

East Midlands Trains’ dynamic livery is the latest colour scheme to adorn Hornby’s recently re-tooled ‘OO’ gauge Class 43 High Speed Train (HST) power cars.

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Hornby's ScotRail Highland Explorer Class 153

Hornby’s venerable ‘OO’ gauge Class 153 diesel railcar returns for its latest outing in ScotRail active travel livery.

Cockshute Layout Tour Feature Premium

Cockshute - a 1970s Traction Maintenance Depot

After several false starts, the Sutton’s Locomotive Works Class 24 became all the inspiration ALLAN FREER needed to rekindle his ambition to build a model railway. Cockshute depot near Stoke-on-Trent is the result.Photography, Jonathan Newton

Sonic Models LNER J50 0-6-0T for N gauge. Review Premium

Sonic Models J50

The bulky lines of the LNER ‘J50’ 0-6-0T have been recreated in ‘N’ gauge by Sonic Models. MIKE WILD assesses how this new locomotive stacks up.

VIDEO: A day in the life of Flying Scotsman | Part Four

We go behind the scenes in the final part of our Flying Scotsman series to discover what it takes to maintain and operate the world's most famous steam locomotive during its visit to the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway in May 2023.

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Modelling Low Moor Fairburn ‘4MTs' in 'N'

TIM SHACKLETON successfully migrates weathering techniques he developed for 4mm scale across to an ‘N’ gauge 2-6-4T.

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The LNER ‘G5’ 0-4-4Ts

One of the most successful Victorian-era passenger tank engines was the North Eastern Railway’s ‘O’ class, which became the LNER’s ‘G5’ and lasted for more than 50 years in service. EVAN GREEN-HUGHES charts the history of a fleet so well designed it never needed any substantial upgrades during its service life.

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Great Days Out | Summer 2023

As the summer heats up, MARK CHIVERS picks out some of the railway highlights to enjoy a day out and draw inspiration from all over Britain.

Accurascale product update interview Feature Premium

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Accurascale product update

Accurascale has grown rapidly since it launched its first products in 2018. MARK CHIVERS meets with Project Manager STEVE PURVES to catch up on the latest progress with its ever-expanding collection of ‘OO’ gauge locomotives and rolling stock with exclusive online only images and video.

40145 production sample arrives

Production samples of Key Publishing’s latest limited edition ‘OO’ gauge model of Class 40 40145 East Lancashire Railway have arrived. View them here and watch our full sound demonstration.

VIDEO: An evening with Flying Scotsman | Part Three

In the third part of our new series about the world’s most famous steam locomotive, we feature presentations from former owner Pete Waterman OBE as well as Riley and Son Engineering’s Director Colin Green to discover more about Flying Scotsman’s story and its resurrection.

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Catherwood - a Southern Region branchline, Part 1

Inspired by his grandmother's tales of life in England and visits to the Swanage Railway, GLENN JONES recreated a slice of southern England in Australia. In the first instalment of a two-part feature, he explains the early construction, operation and train fleet. Photography, Jonathan Newton