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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Collett GWR ‘Manors’ on the Cambrian

EVAN GREEN-HUGHES

Designed as a lightweight equivalent of the ‘Hall’ 4-6-0s, the Great Western’s ‘Manors’ did their best work on the Cambrian lines of mid and north Wales. EVAN GREEN-HUGHES explains why these versatile locomotives were so successful.

EVAN GREEN-HUGHES
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Flying Scotsman gains sound in ‘TT:120’

MIKE WILD

The famous Gresley ‘A3’ 4-6-2 is now available in ‘TT:120’ scale with Hornby’s new Triplex Sound installed from the factory. MIKE WILD inspects this new arrival.

MIKE WILD
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Building a ‘OO9’ micro layout – Part one

DAN EVASON

With a new influx of models in this narrow gauge scale, DAN EVASON shows how you can create a grand scene the size of a pizza.

DAN EVASON
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BUILDING A LEGEND: The Gresley ‘P2’ 2-8-2

Mike Wild.

Modern design methods and a brand-new facility are helping to shape construction of Britain’s most powerful steam locomotive in Darlington. MIKE WILD meets with A1 Steam Trust Chairman STEVE DAVIES MBE to find out how the mammoth project to build a brand-new ‘P2’ 2-8-2 is progressing in words, pictures and video.

Mike Wild.
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Hornby’s all-new LNER 'P2' 2-8-2 debuts

MIKE WILD

The stunning Gresley ‘P2’ 2-8-2s are the subject of a brand-new model from Hornby. MIKE WILD gets to grips with this enticing new offering highlighting its details and performance.

MIKE WILD

Hornby Rail Charter Services HST bundle available now!

Mike Wild.

The Key Model World Shop range has expanded with the addition of an exclusive bundle featuring Hornby’s ‘OO’ gauge Rail Charter Services HST and five trailer coaches as well as Key Publishing’s HSTs Around Britain, 1990 to the Present Day book.

Mike Wild.

OUT NOW: Steel sheet piling kits for ‘OO’ gauge

MIKE WILD

The latest Key Publishing exclusive kit models modern Larssen steel sheet piling used in construction and featured on Pete Waterman’s Making Tracks 3 layout.

MIKE WILD

Dapol ‘Prairie’ re-run

MARK CHIVERS

Dapol has confirmed a second batch of its popular ‘OO’ gauge Great Western Railway (GWR) ‘Large Prairie’ 2-6-2Ts, with decorated samples arriving for inspection by the company’s development team.

MARK CHIVERS

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Latest model railway videos

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GBRf livery for Hornby Class 50s

The Class 50s have always been popular, but the repainting of 50007 and 50049 into GB Railfreight blue and orange in 2019 has catapulted the class to a new level of enthusiast attention.

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‘MOGUL’ MAGIC

Dapol’s new ‘OO’ gauge GWR ‘Mogul’ has been designed with simplicity in mind when it comes to digital sound upgrades. MIKE WILD explores its potential by installing twin speakers and a few details to make this already stunning locomotive even better.

VIDEO: Hornby 2021 catalogue launch

The first Hornby Magazine Show of 2021 is here and its a special edition to reveal and discuss the all-new catalogue from 'OO' gauge model manufacturer Hornby. Join Mike and Richard in the Hornby Workshop for this in-depth video guide to Hornby's new products for the year ahead.

The Summit Feature Premium

The Summit

With stunning Pennine scenery, this massive ‘O’ gauge layout rekindles the spectacular Settle and Carlisle in steam days, as BOB ALDERMAN explains. Photography, Trevor Jones.

Ashdan Junction Feature Premium

Ashdan Junction

The West Midlands in the 1970s is the setting for BARRY PLATT’S ‘OO’ gauge digital sound layout – which recaptures the times wonderfully. Read the full story here, originally published in HM121, and watch the video too. Photography, Mike Wild.

VIDEO: Hornby Magazine Show Christmas Special

Join Mike, Mark and Richard to find out what has been happening on Topley Dale and start you Christmas celebrations with the Hornby Magazine team. The video will be ready to watch at 8pm on December 24 on this page.

VIDEO: Hornby 'Black Five' with D&H sound

In the latest issue of Hornby Magazine we show how to install a Doehler & Haass 8-pin sound decoder with Locoman Sounds latest sound project for the Stanier 'Black Five'. The feature uses the Hornby model with a locomotive mounted decoder socket and the full installation guide is part of our Beginners' Guide to Digital Sound supplement issued with HM163. Watch our sound demonstration here.

VIDEO: Hornby Class 31 with TTS

Hornby's Twin Track Sound decoder provide the perfect starting point to explore digital sound. In the latest issue of Hornby Magazine we show how to install a TTS decoder in a Hornby Class 31 together with a speaker upgrade. Watch in it action here.

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


 

Latest model railway reviews

Gaugemaster 3D-printed skips for 'N' and 'OO' Review Premium

Gaugemaster 3D-printed skips for 'N' and 'OO'

Gaugemaster’s ‘OO’ gauge Structures and Kestrel ‘N’ gauge ranges now feature a selection of 3D-printed items, including these colourful rubbish skips.

Brimal components magnetic sensor Review Premium

Brimal components magnetic sensor

Brimal Components’ range of model railway electronics is bolstered with this useful magnetic sensor device which is intended for use below the track.

Pivoting Elite couplings Review Premium

Hunts pivoting magnetic Elite couplings

West Hill Wagon Works’ extensive range of ‘OO’ gauge magnetic Hunt Couplings contains a staggering variety of types, including two useful packs of pivoting magnetic couplings.

JS Models laser cut roof slates Review Premium

JS Models laser-cut roof slates

JS Models has added a selection of pre-cut roof slates to its growing range of 7mm and 4mm scale laser-cut kits and detailing.

Heljan's Rail Adventure IGA Cargowaggon flat wagons Review Premium

Heljan's Rail Adventure IGA Cargowaggon flat wagons

A new batch of Cargowaggon IGAs has arrived for ‘OO’. MIKE WILD inspects the fascinating Rail Adventure twin pack.

Railways of South West Scotland Review Premium

BOOK REVIEW: Railways of South West Scotland

NEW from Key Books, this latest picture volume focuses on the rail network in and around South West Scotland For added variety, the authors have opted to reflect the areas in two specific time periods – 1960 to 1980 and 2001-2021.

Woodhead Lament Review Premium

BOOK REVIEW: Woodhead Lament

For fans of the much missed Woodhead route between Manchester and Sheffield, this all-new picture album is sure to prove popular - especially for those who knew the line.

Edward Thompson: Wartime CME Review Premium

BOOK REVIEW: Edward Thompson: Wartime CME

New from Strathwood Publishing is this detailed work on Edward Thompson, the London and North Eastern Railway’s (LNER) controversial - to some - Chief Mechanical Engineer (CME), during the Second World War.

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