Explore the amazing model railways built by talented individuals and clubs which feature in the pages of Hornby Magazine. This section covers 'OO', 'EM', 'P4', 'N', and 'O' gauge model railways and more in all eras. Plus many now feature exclusive online video content which you can only find here on Key Model World.
Bath Green Park in O gauge
The Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway’s northern terminus is the subject of ANDREW PEARCE’S stunning ‘O’ gauge layout. He explains how and why he built this giant layout.
ANDREW PEARCE
New Dalby - Research Division
Network Rail’s Leicestershire-based test track inspired ANDREW PORTER to capture the spirit of innovation in his fabulous ‘N’ gauge layout. Watch our video trailer below and sign up or sign in to watch the full layout tour video.
ANDREW PORTER
Ranelagh Bridge - London Paddington's stabling point
The once familiar sight of Western Region hydraulics at Ranelagh Bridge yard has been preserved in model form by MALCOLM BENTLEY'S stunning ‘OO’ gauge layout. We discover how and why it was built as well as its clever operational tricks.
MALCOLM BENTLEY
White Meadow Quarry 'N' gauge layout
Childhood memories from the Croydon area inspired RAY TAYLOR and ANNA BASS to build White Meadow Quarry. This busy 'N' gauge layout combines main line and industrial railways in an unusual setting. Discover its story in word, pictures and video.
RAY TAYLOR and ANNA BASS
Byway MPD - a steam era depot with sound
This compact ‘OO’ gauge depot layout is set on the Midland Region in the late 1950s/early 1960s. Builder JOHN GAY reveals how it was built and its high-tech operation in words, pictures and video.
JOHN GAY
Heaton Lodge Junction - The Grand Plan
One of the biggest model railways in the UK is set to expand further with conversion of its storage yard into a facility recreating the likes of Tinsley and Healey Mills yards. Owner SIMON GEORGE talks to MIKE WILD about the latest evolution of this ‘O’ gauge behemoth.Photography, Mike Wild and Jonathan Newton
SIMON GEORGE
St John’s - a GWR branch line terminus in 'OO'
PAUL WARDEN opted to 'Go Great Western’ with his first ever layout, recalling summer Saturdays in Glorious Devon in the 1930s and 1960s in ‘OO’ gauge - and you can see it at the 2023 Great Electric Train Show. Read the full feature and watch our exclusive layout tour video here.
PAUL WARDEN
MAKING TRACKS 3: Milton Keynes Central - the finished layout
When you have built two stunning 64ft long layouts in two years and you want to build a third, how do you make it even better? The answer was to take on a challenge from Hornby Magazine, which PETE WATERMAN OBE and the Railnuts did when they set out to build Milton Keynes Central in ‘OO’ gauge. MIKE WILD explains all.
MIKE WILD
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.
PAUL DERRICK
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
GLENN JONES
The Charnwood Forest Branch – Part 2
In the second of our two part feature on Soar Valley Model Railway Club’s stunning ‘O’ gauge layout, JOHN ELLIOTT looks more closely at how the buildings and scenery were created.
JOHN ELLIOTT
The Charnwood Forest Branch – Part 1
An ‘O’ gauge spectacular based on a real railway, Soar Valley MRC’s layout has been a long time in gestation. JOHN ELLIOTT introduces this stunning layout in the first of a two part feature.
JOHN ELLIOTT
Twelve Trees Junction
Hornby Magazine’s popular Southern Region ‘OO’ gauge layout has been out of the limelight for some time, but it is far from forgotten. We look back at its first full feature from the Archive. Photography, Mike Wild.
MIKE WILD
Hatherleigh Junction - Western Region Gauge 1
BOB HUNTER opted for Gauge 1 for his fictional North Devon station and the results are a spectacular showcase of what can be achieved in large scales.
BOB HUNTER
Hawkswood Junction - Nottinghamshire in the 1980s in 'OO'
Nottinghamshire during the 1980s is the setting for railwayman STEVE BRAMMER’S ‘OO’ gauge home-based layout, capturing the scene of the times delightfully.
STEVE BRAMMER