Latest news and features from model railway on Key Model World
Colourful Class 31s
New from Key Publishing comes this illustrated guide for one of the most unappreciated British diesel designs. The Class 31s were built by Brush Traction from 1957 to 1962 and were born out of the modernisation plan of 1955, which called for the wholesale replacement of steam with diesel and electric traction on a like-for-like basis.
BEN CHURCHHornby TT:120 ‘Duchess’ gains colour
Hornby has received decorated samples of its all-new ‘TT:120’ LMS ‘Princess Coronation' 4-6-2.
BEN CHURCHDapol Class 87 nears production
Dapol has unveiled first engineering samples of its new ‘N’ gauge Class 87 Bo-Bo electric.
BEN CHURCHRannoch Station
Modellers of the picturesque West Highland line will be pleased to see two new kits from Peco, bolstering its range of laser-cut wood kits (HM195) and providing new options for modellers of this scenic route.
BEN CHURCHDalziel North
The atmosphere around a Scottish freight terminal in the early 2000s inspired RODDY NEWBIGGING and friends to create this detailed pastiche of the early privatised railway in North Lanarkshire.Photography, Jonathan Newton
RODDY NEWBIGGING3D Printed Armco Safety Barrier
New from West Hill Wagon Works are these ‘OO’ gauge 3D printed packs of Armco style safety barriers.
BEN CHURCHMini Roller
From Mini Roller comes this useful painting aid for your stock of modelling essentials.
BEN CHURCHNew Peco Wagon Load Kits
Peco has issued six useful kits to help detail ‘OO’ and ‘N’ gauge wagons with loads, suitable for wagons of all sizes.
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Latest model railway videos
Building a TT:120 Model Railway Part Two | Landscaping
Part Two of our new Building a 'TT:120' Model Railway is out now. In this episode we focus on ballasting the track and building the landscape to prepare the layout for its scenic ground cover in Part Three. Watch it today for FREE when you sign up for a free Member account.
MIKE WILD and JONATHAN NEWTONNEW SERIES: Building a TT:120 Model Railway | PART ONE
Part one of our brand-new modelling series is available now! In this new series we tackle construction of a 'TT:120' scale model railway using the latest products for this new scale in the British modelling market, starting with construction of the baseboards, platforms and laying the track.
MIKE WILDFIRST REVIEW: Heljan’s ‘O’ gauge Class 73
For the second month in a row, Heljan has delivered a brand-new ‘O’ gauge ready-to-run locomotive, and this striking model of the Southern Region Class 73 electro-diesel could be its best yet. MIKE WILD explains why with video of a sample running on Britain's Biggest Model Railway.
MIKE WILDRapido’s Lion
In our first look at Rapido’s all-new model of Liverpool and Manchester Railway 0-4-2 Lion, MIKE WILD discovers what it has to offer.
MIKE WILDMaking Tracks: The Grand Challenge
Pete Waterman and the Railnuts are making final preparations to put all three Making Tracks layouts together for the first time at the 2023 Great Electric Train Show. We visited the Making Tracks Workshop to catch up with the latest progress with Pete and the team with exclusive video.
MIKE WILDVIDEO: Cavalex Models Class 56 and wagon projects update
Cavalex Models visited the Key Model World Workshop to showcase the latest version of the sound file for its all-new 'OO' gauge Class 56 together with decorated samples of its PHA and JHA bogie wagons. Join us for exclusive video and sign up to read our full feature.
MIKE WILDUpgrading Sonic Models GCR ‘A5’ 4-6-2T
Sonic Models’ GCR ‘A5’ 4-6-2T has been designed for simple sound installation, but with simple upgrades it can be enhanced further. MIKE WILD shows how.
MIKE WILDWhite 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 BASSClick here to watch our full collection of model railway videos.
Latest model railway reviews
London Rail Atlas
London is Britain‘s pre-eminent railway hub and recent developments such as the Elizabeth Line have altered the map. Crecy’s latest edition of the London Railway Atlas details many of the changes in London’s railways since their inception.
BEN CHURCHTrains4U Jackal 2 Military Vehicles
Trains4U of Peterborough’s range of 3D-printed military vehicles includes this 1:76 scale Jackal 2.
BEN CHURCHBluetooth TXS for Hornby ‘9F’
Hornby’s recently retooled ‘OO’ gauge BR Standard ‘9F’ 2-10-0 (HM185) gains a new outing finished as 92002 in BR black with early crests – and the addition of the manufacturer’s new Bluetooth Triplex Sound (TXS).
MARK CHIVERS‘BIG FOUR’ COLLECTION: GWR ‘Castle’ 4074 Caldicot Castle
To celebrate the centenary of the 1923 Grouping, Hornby is producing four limited edition models, the first of which arrived in late November. The Great Western’s representative in this collection is ‘Castle’ 4-6-0 4074 Caldicot Castle.
BEN CHURCHPeco ‘TT:120’ seven-plank open wagons
Peco’s latest releases for ‘TT:120’ scale include these all-new seven-plank open wagons in eight different liveries covering Cadbury’s, Huntley and Palmers, Colman’s and British Railways colour schemes, together with one for each of the ‘Big Four’ railways.
BEN CHURCH‘OO9’ Gloucester bogie coach arrives
Bachmann’s eagerly-awaited newly-tooled ‘OO9’ Ashover Light Railway Gloucester bogie coach arrived in the Hornby Magazine office during December.
BEN CHURCHTerrific TTA Tankers
The ubiquitous TTA ‘monobloc’ tank wagon has been a common sight for ‘OO’ gauge modellers for a long time. Half a century since first appearing in the Hornby range in 1973, the manufacturer has retooled this classic BR wagon for its 2023 range and the first examples are now available.
BEN CHURCHThe Great Gathering Returns
2013 witnessed the reuniting of all six surviving Gresley ‘A4’ 4-6-2s including two based in North America. A decade ago, Hornby released limited edition models to commemorate the reunion and now they are being re-released – this time in limited edition Hornby Dublo form – to mark ten years since that landmark and unlikely-to-be-repeated event.
BEN CHURCHClick here to read our full collection of model railway product reviews.