Latest news and features from model railway on Key Model World
Introducing Grosvenor Square
Termini make wonderful railway models and the Hornby Magazine team embarked on a project to create a Western Region theme station set in the Midlands in 2016. MIKE WILD introduces Grosvenor Square and explains its first phase of development.
MIKE WILDReality Check: Terminus Operation
Throughout the railway age the terminus has been an important part of the operational scene, and one that has brought with it special requirements, as EVAN GREEN-HUGHES describes.
EVAN GREEN-HUGHESConverting an American station for a British layout
Looking outside the usual sources for a building can reap big rewards. TIM SHACKLETON explains how Grosvenor Square’s imposing terminus building came into being using an American outline kit as the basis.
TIM SHACKLETONGrosvenor Square: Building platforms
There is a myriad of methods and materials which can be used to make model platforms. Mike Wild explains how with a combination of timber, plastic, card, resin and ballast the extensive platforms for Grosvenor Square were built.
MIKE WILDBuilding a low relief backdrop
Creating a backdrop to a railway scene doesn’t have to rely on printed or painted backscenes. Mike Wild explains how the low relief scene at the back of Grosvenor Square developed.
MIKE WILDStation detailing at Grosvenor Square
There are many ways to bring life to a station scene. Mike Wild offers 10 top tips to make your layout’s signature location stand out from the crowd.
MIKE WILDGrosvenor Square: A roof over our heads
Hornby Magazine’s roofing contractor TIM SHACKLETON describes the construction of Grosvenor Square’s imposing overall canopy.
TIM SHACKLETONGrosvenor Square Phase 1: the completed layout
Layout complete, it’s time to learn the ropes for how it will run. Mike Wild discusses how the original version of Grosvenor Square operated and what it ran with on its debut in 2016 at the Warley National Model Railway Exhibition.
MIKE WILDClick here for all the latest model railway news. Click here for the latest model railway features.
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Latest model railway videos
VIDEO: Accurascale delivers its all-new Class 37
The English Electric Class 37 is without doubt the most successful BR Type 3 diesel. Accurascale has released its highly anticipated new model for ‘OO’ gauge. MIKE WILD runs the rule over this exciting new arrival.
MIKE WILDDapol upscales the ‘08’
The rise in popularity for ‘O’ gauge ready-to-run is set for steep increase with the arrival of Dapol’s Class 08 diesel shunter. MIKE WILD reviews this new arrival and assesses it abilities on the track.
MIKE WILDUPDATED: Bachmann Summer British Railway Announcements 2023
The Bachmann summer 2023 British Railway Announcements are here, with more than 170 new models planned across the company's ranges. MARK CHIVERS looks at what's on offer in the coming months
MARK CHIVERSHornby’s ‘Lord Nelson’ for 'OO' gauge
Hornby's 'OO' gauge 'Lord Nelson' 4-6-0 made its debut in 2019. With a new batch on the horizon, MIKE WILD takes a closer look at this Southern Railway express locomotive.
MIKE WILDKey Publishing launch large logo Class 40 limited edition
Join Mike Wild and Mark Chivers for the launch of our latest limited edition model featuring the pre-production sample in our video Premiere.
MIKE WILDHattons Andrew Barclay 0-4-0ST for OO gauge
Hattons took delivery of its first batch of Andrew Barclay 0-4-0STs in April 2018 and now a new batch is in development. MIKE WILD inspects a trio from the first release.
MIKE WILDHatton’s delightful ‘P’ 0-6-0T for OO gauge
With the announcement of a new batch of SECR ‘P’ 0-6-0Ts from Hattons for ‘OO’ gauge, MIKE WILD goes into detail with our original review of the first batch.
MIKE WILDKEY MODEL WORLD TV SHOW - APRIL 2023
Join the Hornby Magazine team from the Statfold Model Railway Exhibition as Mike and Mark present the latest edition of the Key Model World TV Show. In this edition we feature Ian Woodward's Wardwood layout, tour the Statfold Model Railway Exhibition and take a first look at the Hornby Triplex Sound and Bluetooth control system. Sign up for a Freemium account to watch the full video here together with exclusive images.
MIKE WILD and JONATHAN NEWTONClick here to watch our full collection of model railway videos.
Latest model railway reviews
Rapido Trains’ SECR Six-Wheel Brake Vans
These distinctive and important vehicles are now available. MARK CHIVERS puts Rapido’s new ‘OO’ gauge model under the microscope.
MARK CHIVERSRails of Sheffield SECR ‘D1’ 4-4-0 for 'OO' gauge
Rails of Sheffield’s latest partnership with Dapol has delivered a first ever ready-to-run model of the SECR ‘D1’ 4-4-0 for ‘OO’. MIKE WILD finds out more about this attractive new Southern Region locomotive.
MIKE WILD1:148 Bedford HA van
New from ‘N’Tastic Scale Models is this 1:148 scale Bedford HA van, which forms part of a rapidly expanding new range of road transport vehicle kits.
MARK CHIVERSSuburban destination boards
Pacific Models has released several sets of BR Eastern Region (ex Great Northern Railway) destination boards and smokebox numberplates for suburban trains originating from London termini in ‘OO’ and ‘O’.
MARK CHIVERSTrain-Tech motor switch
Gaugemaster’s Train-Tech range of electronic accessories and components is bolstered with the addition of a new two-wire point motor switch.
MARK CHIVERSWickham Trolley crew
Modelu’s range of 3D-printed finescale figures is augmented with the addition of this pack of 7mm scale Wickham Trolley crew designed for use with Ellis Clark Trains’ new ‘O’ gauge ready-to-run model.
MARK CHIVERSDiode matrix
Brimal Components has added a new diode matrix board to its range of electronic accessories.
MARK CHIVERSModern station furniture
DCC Concepts has added a selection of modern station platform furniture to its range of ‘OO’ gauge model railway accessories.
MARK CHIVERSClick here to read our full collection of model railway product reviews.