REVIEWS - 'O' GAUGE
Interest in ready-to-run 'O' gauge (7mm:1ft scale) models is at an all-time high with new releases coming to market from Heljan, Dapol, Lionheart Trains, Ellis Clark Trains, Accurascale and more. Join us for the latest model reviews and an increasing number from our back catalogue to give you the full story on 'O' gauge locomotive, rolling stock and acccessories. Look out for our videos too from both our 'O' gauge test track and the garden railway.
'O' gauge model reviews
Heljan’s heavy weight ‘Grid’ Class 56 for 'O' gauge
The 3,300hp Class 56s brought new power to Britain’s freight traffic and a distinctive engine note with their turbo charged Ruston Paxman engine. MIKE WILD inspects Heljan’s eagerly awaited first ready-to-run model of the Type 5 for ‘O’ gauge.
Dapol’s 'Bubble' expands with 'O' gauge Class 121
The single-car Class 121 DMU is one of the most colourful and long-lived first generation multiple units to run on the railway network. MIKE WILD inspects Dapol’s brand-new offering for ‘O’ gauge.
Minerva’s diesel debut: the Class 14 'Teddy Bear'
Specialist ‘O’ gauge manufacturer Minerva Model Railways has produced its first ever ready-to-run diesel locomotive modelling the characterful but short-lived Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’. MIKE WILD finds out what this diesel-hydraulic has to offer.
JS Models laser-cut roof slates
JS Models has added a selection of pre-cut roof slates to its growing range of 7mm and 4mm scale laser-cut kits and detailing.
REVIEWED: Heljan's refurbished Class 31 for 'O'
The Brush built Class 31s are popular and long-lived locomotives which have carried a huge number of colour schemes. MIKE WILD inspects the all-new model of the A1A-A1A design in refurbished form for 7mm scale from Heljan.
Dapol releases Vanwides and VEAs for 'O' gauge
Dapol's long-awaited ‘O’ gauge BR 12ton Vanwide ventilated box van is finally here, adding a new wagon to the manufacturer’s portfolio.
Bespoke station signs
Pacific Models has broadened its bespoke station signage service to incorporate 2mm, 3mm and 7mm scales in addition to its existing 4mm service, with your choice of name and railway company/ region, including modern era examples.
3D Solder Mate
West Hill Wagon Works has added a selection of useful modelling aids to its range of 3D-printed accessories and scenic detailing.
Revamped ‘Whistler’ for ‘O’
The Class 40 is one of the largest and heaviest diesel locomotives to operate on the British railway network and it is back for a second outing with new body tooling for ‘O’ gauge with Heljan. MIKE WILD checks out this recent new release.
TRAINSPORTER STORAGE SOLUTIONS
If you are looking for a durable container to store or transport locomotives and rolling stock to/from exhibitions, Trainsporters’ collection of stock boxes for ‘OO’ and ‘O’ may have the solution.
Heljan's all-new Brush Type 4 for 'O'
The Class 47 is a hot topic for new releases this month with Heljan set to deliver its all-new multi-era model of the Brush Type 4 in November. MIKE WILD gets up close and personal with this new arrival for ‘O’ gauge.
Minerva expands wagon fleet
Steam era goods trains are set for a boost in ‘O’ gauge with the arrival of Minerva Model Railways’ all-new model of the Great Western Railway Wooden Mink four-wheel box van.
DAPOL ‘BUBBLE’ GOES 'O'
The characterful Class 122 single-car DMU is finally here for 7mm scale. MIKE WILD reviews this new arrival and assesses if it has been worth the wait.
Super-size GBRf ‘Hoovers’
The English Electric Type 4s or Class 50s have long had a loyal following. When Heljan launched its ‘O’ gauge model back in 2019 it swiftly sold out and a second batch was soon in the pipeline.
Brassed off
Modelu continues to expand its fantastic collection of 3D printed figures with ever more interesting and characterful creations. Amongst the latest releases is this brilliant set of brass band figures which are available from ‘N’ to ‘G’ scale.
Model Scene Grass Tufts
Model Scene’s extensive range of scenic products includes a selection of different static grass textures including these useful ‘HO’ scale small grass tufts.
PREMIUM ROLLING ROADS
DCC Concepts rolling roads are a respected part of its collection of model railway accessories, but now the specialist has introduced a new premium collection featuring gold plated rollers together with a new option for ‘O’ gauge.
Door to door with DAPOL CONFLAT
NEW FROM DAPOL in its expanding collection of ‘O’ gauge BR 10ft chassis goods wagons is the Conflat-A container wagon. The first batch arrived in early July and the model is being offered with a choice of GWR and BR era liveries with and without BD containers as their loads.
MIKE WILD
Master Piece ‘O’ gauge figures
Following Heljan’s recently released ‘O’ gauge GWR diesel railcar (HM166), Master Piece Figures has forwarded a selection of suitable 7mm scale cast metal passengers from its extensive range for populating the vehicle.
MARK CHIVERS
Teak finish for Hattons Gresleys
The latest arrivals for ‘O’ gauge are the teak liveried version of Hattons’ Gresley corridor coaches. MIKE WILD inspects their finish.
Edwardian Passengers
Recently added to the Modelu range of 3D-printed model figures are these 1:76 scale (‘OO’) Edwardian seated passengers. Our review sample included five figures in appropriate Edwardian attire.
Mr Surfacer 1000 Primer
Albion Hobbies’ extensive selection of modelling products includes this Mr Surfacer 1000 primer and surface filler from the Mr Hobby range.
Bogie upgrades for Heljan Mk 1s
Heljan has issued a new batch of 7mm scale Mk 1 carriages with two new designs of bogie. MIKE WILD takes a closer look at the First Corridor and Gangway Brake models.
Hornby Maglight lighting system
Following the release of its illuminated four and six-wheel carriages (HM164), Hornby has now released its bespoke magnetic LED lighting system as a standalone unit.
Bespoke station signage
Pacific Models is offering a new custom service to customers wishing to create their own bespoke station signage in any scale. Prototype or fictitious names can be incorporated into the design, together with a choice of regional BR colours, for the background.
Lionheart’s Mk 1s
2021 marks 70 years since introduction of the British Railways Mk 1 carriage design and Lionheart Trains has just delivered the first of its all-new ‘O’ gauge ready-to-run models. MIKE WILD finds out if these could be the definitive version for 7mm scale.
LOC cabinets and point machines for 'O'
If you are looking for a few finishing touches to a lineside scene, these new ‘O’ gauge relay cabinets and point machines from Old Duffer's Chuffers certainly fit the bill.
DMG lighting strip
DMG Electech has introduced a new interior lighting strip. It is designed for use with ‘OO’ gauge multiple units and coaching stock and this latest offering differs from many of the similar products on the market in that it is made up of individual LED Printed Circuit Boards.
Hobby Trax CDU
New from Hobby Trax are these Tyson Capacitor Discharge Units (CDUs), suitable for use with all solenoid point motors. A CDU stores electricity on board to provide instant power when changing power demanding solenoid point motors.
Routemex ‘pick and mix’
Routemex has introduced a new modular junction signal system to its range of ‘O’ gauge signal kits. Differing slightly from previous kits, the new system revolves around a junction signal post kit to which your choice of signal head and route indicator can be added.