Latest news and features from model railway on Key Model World
How to install DCC Concepts Powerbase on gradients
Gradients have always posed a problem to model railway builders. MIKE WILD tackles the subject using DCC Concepts Powerbase equipment to install two gradients on our much modified ‘N’ gauge office test track, with impressive results.
MIKE WILD
Dentdale - the Settle and Carlisle in 'N' gauge
Wayne Webb, Tony Frazer and Bob Taylor
‘N’ gauge offers the potential for a really expansive layout, and Wayne Webb, Tony Frazer and Bob Taylor have exploited its potential to brilliant effect in their impressive Settle and Carlisle railway layout.
Wayne Webb, Tony Frazer and Bob Taylor
Bachmann’s ‘64XX’ for 'OO' gauge
Is it just another ‘Pannier’ or something totally different? MIKE WILD runs the rule over Bachmann’s ‘OO’ gauge model of the GWR ‘64XX’ 0-6-0PT.
MIKE WILD
Weathering a GWR '64XX' 0-6-0PT
TIM SHACKLETON gives the Bachmann 'OO' gauge ‘64XX’ 0-6-0PT a convincing oily rag finish that recaptures childhood memories.
TIM SHACKLETON
The GWR ‘64XX’0-6-0PTs
The Great Western stood alone amongst the railways of the British Isles in its widespread use of ‘Pannier’ tank locomotives. EVAN GREEN-HUGHES takes a close look at the ‘64XXs’, and finds out what made this small class different from the rest.
EVAN GREEN-HUGHES
Devon Junction - a Western Region through station in OO
Glorious Devon has inspired generations of modellers and LES PARRY is no exception. However, he chose to emulate Exeter St David’s in the basement of his Spanish home.
LES PARRY
Updating the Hattons KWA Warwell
TIM SHACKLETON widens the scope of Hatton’s new KWA Warwell in a bid to bring it into line with 21st century military strategy.
TIM SHACKLETON
Dapol launches all-new ‘OO’ GWR '28XX'/'2884' for 'OO'
Dapol is to produce an all-new ‘OO’ gauge Great Western Railway (GWR) ‘28XX’/’2884’ 2-8-0.
MARK CHIVERSClick here for all the latest model railway news. Click here for the latest model railway features.
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Latest model railway videos
FIRST LOOK: Hornby launches Bluetooth HM DCC and Triplex Sound
The world of digital is about to be turned on its head with the arrival of Hornby’s new HM DCC Bluetooth control system. MIKE WILD gets to grips with this new way to control your trains and assesses its value.
MIKE WILD
Misselthwaite - the Yorkshire Dales in OO gauge
To make the most of an inaccessible space in his new home, LEWIS BUCKNELL built a ‘OO’ gauge layout set in the BR steam era in Yorkshire - to evocative effect. Read our full feature here with exclusive Key Model World only video.
LEWIS BUCKNELL
VIDEO: Building a Diesel Depot - PART FOUR
Part four of our diesel depot video series is here as we take the layout another step forward with the installation of DCC Concepts ground signals, Layout 4U yard lights and full interior lighting in the main depot buildings to bring the scene to life. Join us for part four today.
MIKE WILD
VIDEO: Building a Diesel depot - PART THREE
Part 3 of our Building a Diesel Depot video series is here. In this part we continue by adding the backscenes, building up the ground cover, adding the finer details and introducing the first collection of rolling stock to adorn Natford TMD for its debut at Model Rail Scotland.
MIKE WILD
VIDEO: Making Tracks 3 - March Update
Peter Waterman's Making Tracks 3 ambitious project continues to make progress in preparation for its six week display starting at Chester Cathedral this summer. CHRIS CLENTON brings the story up to date with the latest update and exclusive video from the Making Tracks 3 workshop.
CHRIS CLENTON
Installing digital sound in the Bachmann Double Fairlie
The stunning Bachmann narrow gauge Double Fairlie has been a catalyst for new ‘OO9’ layout projects. JOHN GAY explains how you can upgrade the model to feature both sound and a stay alive for uninterrupted running.
JOHN GAY
Hornby’s ‘J36’ 0-6-0 for OO gauge
The first batch of Hornby’s highly anticipated LNER ‘J36’ 0-6-0s arrived at the end of December. MIKE WILD gives BR liveried 65311 a once over.
MIKE WILD
Bachmann’s Quarry Hunslet for 'OO9' gauge
The tiny and delightful Quarry Hunslet 0-4-0ST is here for ‘OO9’ narrow gauge. MIKE WILD takes a closer look at this diminutive new release.
MIKE WILDClick here to watch our full collection of model railway videos.
Latest model railway reviews
Class 47s – The Jack of All Trades
Mark V. Pike’s latest picture volume provides a highly illustrated portrait of Class 47 diesel locomotives at work across the UK from 1985 to the present day and features the class in a wide variety of liveries from the final years of corporate BR blue to more recent privatised freight company schemes.
JONATHAN NEWTON
British Rail Traction Maintenance Depots Part 1: Northern England
A new series of publications showcasing British Rail Traction Maintenance Depots (TMDs) from Platform 5 opens with this volume dedicated to locations in Northern England between 1974 and 1993. More will follow.
MARK CHIVERS
Railfreight in the 21st Century
Always of interest to railway enthusiasts and modellers alike are the operation and formation of freight trains. Over the last two decades the railfreight scene has changed substantially and this book reflects many of these changes since the year 2000.
JONATHAN NEWTON
Railways in South Yorkshire – Four Decades of Change
The railway across South Yorkshire has changed significantly since the 1970s and this latest book from Key Publishing recalls how the rail network has adapted since then to the present day scene.
JONATHAN NEWTON
Modelling British Railways Modern Freight Locomotives
This latest title in the series of Modelling British Railways bookazines from Key Publishing focuses on modern-era freight locomotives and the various models available ‘off-the-shelf’ across ‘OO’, ‘N’ and ‘O’ gauge.
MARK CHIVERS
Dapol ‘N’ gauge Class 142 ‘Pacer’
The ‘Pacer’ family of DMUs have never been the most popular with passengers, yet modellers have been keen to add this distinctive utilitarian trains to their fleet. Dapol added it's long awaited ‘N’ gauge model of the Class 142 in 2019 – MIKE WILD takes a closer look.
MIKE WILD
Oxford Rail ‘N7’ 0-6-2T debuts
The Great Eastern Railway’s ‘N7’ 0-6-2Ts were powerful and capable suburban tank engines and now for the first time we can own one in ‘OO’ gauge. MIKE WILD inspects this Oxford Rail product.
MIKE WILD
Hornby’s Crimson Lake streamlined 'Princess Coronation' 4-6-2s
The new Hornby streamlined ‘Princess Coronation’ 4-6-2 arrived in March 2019 carrying LMS Crimson Lake colour scheme with gold lining and modelling 6229 Duchess of Hamilton and 6244 King George VI. Read our review of these stunning locomotives here.
MIKE WILDClick here to read our full collection of model railway product reviews.