Model Railways

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Featuring Hornby Magazine 

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Latest news and features from model railway on Key Model World

Heljan receives LNER ‘U1’ running sample

Heljan has received a running sample of its newly-tooled ‘OO’ gauge LNER  Beyer-Garratt ‘U1’ 2-8-0+0-8-2 for evaluation.

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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.

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1980s Motive Power

At the dawn of the 1980s the East Coast Main Line (ECML) was still the domain of the legendary Class 55 ‘Deltics’. Change was imminent though, as the 1980s saw the culling of several classic British diesel designs.

Hornby TT:120 ‘Duchess’ gains colour

Hornby has received decorated samples of its all-new ‘TT:120’ LMS ‘Princess Coronation' 4-6-2.

Dapol Class 87 nears production

Dapol has unveiled first engineering samples of its new ‘N’ gauge Class 87 Bo-Bo electric.

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Rannoch 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.

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Dalziel 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

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Mini Roller

From Mini Roller comes this useful painting aid for your stock of modelling essentials.

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Latest model railway videos

Accurascale reveals all-new BR 16ton steel mineral wagons for 'OO'

Accurascale has revealed its latest all-new ‘OO’ gauge wagon project – the ubiquitous BR 16ton steel mineral open wagon.

VIDEO: 1960s Weathering Part Three | Carriages

In the third instalment of our latest video series, we move on to weather a set of Bachmann BR Mk 1s in carmine and cream livery with an authentic 1960s finish.

VIDEO: 1960s Weathering Part Two | Steam Locomotives

In part two of our 1960s weathering series, we go to town on a pair of Hornby BR '9F' 2-10-0s as we create different weathered finishes for a BR Standard and Crosti locomotive using readily available Lifecolor acrylic paints and introduce airbrushing techniques. Watch now for free when you sign up for a free member account.

NEW SERIES: 1960s Weathering, Part One | Goods Wagons

Welcome to a brand-new series from Key Model World covering weathering techniques for 1960s era goods wagons, passenger rolling stock and locomotives. In Part One - FREE on Key Model World - we show you how to weather mineral, bolster and tank wagons in this detailed step by step video as we start our journey into the world of weathering.

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Catherwood - Building Vale station: Part 2

In part two of our visit ‘down under’, GLENN JONES explains how he built the scenery of the layout’s extension in memory of fellow modellers, and how this atmospheric tribute to the Southern Region is finally complete.

Accurascale Class 37/0 for OO gauge. Review Premium

Accurascale Scottish 'Car Headlight' Class 37/0s

Accurascale’s latest batch of all-new ‘OO’ gauge Class 37 Co-Co diesels (HM192) have arrived, with the latest releases modelling the early Scottish ‘car headlamp’ style Class 37/0 variants.

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Flying Scotsman gains sound in ‘TT:120’

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.

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

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.

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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.

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