OO gauge
'OO' gauge is the main model railway scale in the UK running 4mm:1ft scale models on 16.5mm gauge ('OO') track. It is the first choice for British model railway scenes and out of all the main scales and gauges is the best supported with ready-to-run locomotives and rolling stock as well as an extensive range of accessories, figures, vehicles and control equipment. Makers of ready-to-run 'OO' gauge models including Hornby, Bachmann, Dapol, Heljan, Accurascale, Cavalex Models, Oxford Rail, Revolution Trains, Realtrack Models, Sutton's Locomotive Works, OO Works and more. Read our full collection of 'OO' gauge related news, features and reviews here.
‘Big Four’ Fowler ‘4P’
With the first half of Hornby’s ‘Big Four’ collection having already arrived (HM200), commemorating the centenary of the formation of the ‘Big Four’, the latest representative in the quartet of models is now available in the form of the London, Midland & Scottish Railway (LMS) Fowler ‘4P’ 2-6-4T.
BEN CHURCHCommonwealth of Australia
In recent months Hornby has released a significant number of Gresley ‘A4’ 4-6-2s,primarily in its Hornby Dublo range as part of the Great Gathering 10th anniversary collection. This new ‘OO’ gauge ‘A4’ arrival is from the main range, but no less exciting as it represents one of the five Commonwealth-named ‘A4s’ in original condition, finished as 4491 Commonwealth of Australia.
BEN CHURCHFlangeway updates ‘Salmons’
Following the initial release of its ‘Salmon’ bogie rail carrier wagons in 2022 (HM183), Flangeway Models has released a new contemporary-era version of the popular ‘OO’ gauge vehicles.
BEN CHURCHRevised Hornby 4-VEP arrives
With a preserved example recently raising the profile of these important EMUs, BEN CHURCH assesses Hornby’s latest version of the 4-VEP in ‘OO’.
BEN CHURCHAccurascale’s Class 66 Revival
The Class 66 is a locomotive virtually no modern layout can be without. Accurascale has taken on and re-worked the Hattons Originals product for ‘OO’ gauge – MIKE WILD takes an exclusive look at the first production samples.
MIKE WILDBachmann reveals new ‘Palvan’ for ‘OO’
Bachmann has revealed it is developing a selection of newly-tooled ‘OO’ gauge BR 12ton ‘Palvan’ pallet vans.
MARK CHIVERSFinal preparations for Statfold Model Railway Exhibition 2024
Final preparations are under way for the annual Statfold Model Railway Exhibition which is due to take place on April 13/14 2024 at Statfold Country Park near Tamworth.
MARK CHIVERSSERIES 8: Digital Sound - installing Hornby TXS chips
In part two of our Digital Sound video series we start our trilogy of sound installation features by working with the new Hornby Bluetooth Triplex Sound chips. In this video we show how to add an 8-pin chip to a Hornby Class 60, a 21-pin chip to the LMS 'Turbomotive' and a Next18 chip to a TT:120 scale 'A4' 4-6-2 taking you through every step of the journey. Watch today with a FREE member account exclusively on Key Model World.
MIKE WILD and JONATHAN NEWTONFOLLY LANE
This 1990s Southern Region layout was acquired last year by members of Beckenham and West Wickham Model Railway Club. GREG MARSHALL explains how this fascinating ‘OO’ gauge layout brings the Britpop era back to life.
GREG MARSHALLFence Houses - North East coal operations in 'OO'
Fence Houses models a busy National Coal Board shed in the industrial North East to the south west of Sunderland with an eclectic collection of industrial locomotives operating alongside main line BR motive power.
IAN FORSYTH