Model Railways

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Featuring Hornby Magazine 

Read the full Hornby Magazine issue in PDF format or dip into our reformatted online features for KeyModelWorld at your leisure. 

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Latest news and features from model railway on Key Model World

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FOLLY LANE

This 1990s Southern Region layout was acquired last year by members of Beckenham and West Wickham Model Railway Club. GREG MARSHALL explains how this fascinating ‘OO’ gauge layout brings the Britpop era back to life.

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Class 104 Conversion

In a classic piece of hands-on modelling, TIM SHACKLETON takes a brutal-looking selection of saws, files and knives to an elderly Hornby model. In the first part, he tackles the chassis.

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Branch Line Album

Recalling fond childhood memories, PAUL A. LUNN shows how Clayton West can be modelled at home in ‘OO’ gauge.

Kernow Model Rail Centre GWR Steam Railmotor. Review Premium

Kernow GWR Steam Railmotor

A decade after its announcement, BEN CHURCH reviews this distinctive GWR train and asks whether the wait has been worthwhile.

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GWR Steam Railmotor

Railways have always faced the problem of how to work their most lightly used routes cheaply. One solution that found much favour in Victorian times was the steam railmotor, as EVAN GREEN-HUGHES explains.

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What Next? BR Standards

In the concluding part of the series looking at gaps in the range of ready-to-run main line steam locomotives in ‘OO’ gauge, TREVOR JONES and BEN CHURCH examine the BR Standards.

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Creating a Waterfall

For a very different feature on a layout, DAN EVASON shows how to create a stunning waterfall scene in this detailed step by step modelling guide.

NEW SERIES 8: Digital Sound Introduction | Part One

Launching today at 8pm today - March 8 2024 - is our brand-new video series offering an introduction to the world of Digital Sound for model railways. In this new four part series, we will explore what digital sound has to offer and how to install and use decoders from Hornby, ZIMO and ESU.

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Latest model railway videos

Class 50 sound installation guide. Feature Premium

Nifty 50s: Install Locoman Sounds in Hornby's Class 50

Locoman Sounds has introduced a new sound profile for the Class 50 ‘Hoovers’. MIKE WILD installs a pair of Doehler & Haass chips into the Hornby GBRf pairing of 50049 and 50007 with some nifty adjustments to the lighting functions.

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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.

Hornby TT:120 Gresley A4s Review Premium

Hornby’s ‘TT:120’ Gresley ‘A4’ and rolling stock

In our first review of Hornby’s new ‘TT:120’ collection, MIKE WILD inspects the Gresley ‘A4’ 4-6-2, BR Mk 1 coaches and Pullman carriages which are available now for this new scale.

VIDEO: Dapol and Rails of Sheffield launch 'OO' GW Inspection Saloon

Dapol and Rails of Sheffield have unveiled plans for a newly-tooled ‘OO’ gauge Great Western Railway (GW) designed Diagram Q13 Inspection Saloon for the Dapol Black Label range. Watch the launch video here.

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Bakewell - the Peak District in 'OO' gauge

The Midland Railway's stunning route through the Peak District is the subject of ROB BROOKS’ ‘OO’ gauge layout, which keeps this much missed railway alive in model form.

Ellis Clark Trains shows running 'Black Five' sample

Ellis Clark Trains has received new decorated and running samples of its LMS 'Black Five' 4-6-0 for 'O' gauge. Jonathan Newton joined Ellis Clark to find out more and capture the sample in action.

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Little Loco Company Class 15 for 'O' gauge

The Little Loco Company launched its 'O' gauge Class 15 in January 2017 and now it is set for a new lease of life with EFE Rail. MIKE WILD gives this impressive model of the BTH Type 1 the once over.

Hornby Triplex Sound installation guide Feature Premium

How to install Hornby Triplex sound in the Class 56

A new breed of Bluetooth sound chip is here with the arrival of Hornby’s Triplex Sound decoders. MIKE WILD installs the 8-pin variant in a Hornby Class 56 and explains the set up process step by step.

Click here to watch our full collection of model railway videos.


 

Latest model railway reviews

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Heljan’s ‘OO’ gauge Class 57 returns

Heljan’s popular ‘OO’ gauge Class 57 Co-Co diesel returns in a selection of new identities and colour schemes. MARK CHIVERS takes a closer look.

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RailRoad Royal Class 67 67005 from Hornby

DB Cargo’s Class 67 67005 Queen’s Messenger has the distinction of being one of two locomotives designated to pull the Royal Train. Hornby has recreated this prestigious locomotive in its most recent guise as part of its 2023 range.

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Hornby Class 66 – The Green Progressor

Hornby’s latest version of its former Lima Class 66 is GB Railfreight’s unique green 66796 The Green Progressor. The locomotive was painted in its livery and named to reflect its use on High Speed 2 construction trains.

Graham Farish Class 158 DMU. Review Premium

Graham Farish's all-new Class 158

These stylish DMUs are the subject of an all-new ‘N’ gauge model. MARK CHIVERS assesses its execution and running qualities.

Rapido Trains Titfield Thunderbolt train pack Review Premium

Titfield Thunderbolt Deluxe train pack

70 years since the film first debuted, Rapido Trains UK’s eagerly-awaited Titfield Thunderbolt train packs representing the iconic 1953 Ealing comedy have arrived.

Hornby BR 2MT 2-6-0 for OO gauge Review Premium

The Hornby BR '2MT' 2-6-0 for 'OO' gauge

Hornby’s all-new model of the BR ‘2MT’ 2-6-0 has been a long time coming for ‘OO’ gauge, but it has now arrived with retailers. Mike Wild takes a closer look at BR lined black 78047.

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Point Motor Wiring Board

Now available from Model Rail Electrics, this ready to use point motor board allows for both easy wiring for point control and additional functionality without soldering.

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Station Porter with Churns

With the growing popularity of ‘TT:120’, 3D printing is providing a comprehensive range of figures and details for the scale.

Click here to read our full collection of model railway product reviews.