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
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.
Revolution's DRS Class 37/4
Revolution Trains is best known for its home-grown products in ‘N’ and ‘OO’ gauge, but it is testing the waters in ‘O’ gauge with the commissioning of this limited edition Class 37/4 from Heljan.
Heljan upscales Class 17 for 'O'
It may have been one of the least successful 1960s era diesel locomotives, but the Clayton Type 1s continue to be exceptionally popular in model form. MIKE WILD reviews Heljan’s all-new and eagerly awaited Class 17 for ‘O’ gauge.
Hatton's Gresley coaches debut
2021 looks set to be the year of the carriage for ‘O’ gauge with new collections due to cover LNER and BR designs from three different manufacturers. Hattons Model Railways has set the ball rolling with its trio of Gresley 61ft 6in corridor coaches. MIKE WILD takes a closer look.
DMG Electech DCC Decoder
DMG Electech has introduced a new range of digital accessories including 8-pin and 21-pin Digital Command Control (DCC) decoders.
HELJAN'S GWR RAILCAR
The Great Western Railway was amongst the first in the world to introduce self-contained diesel railcars for passenger services. Now the classic ‘Razor Edge’is available for ‘O’ gauge with the arrival of this brand-new model from Heljan – MIKE WILD investigates.
BR wagon tarpaulins
New from Geoscenics are these wagon tarpaulin sheets suitable for ‘OO’ and ‘O’ gauge. Our review samples included 7mm and 4mm scale BR wagon tarpaulins intended for use on standard wooden-bodied open and longer ‘Tube’ wagons.
Dapol's 'O' gauge GWR '57XX'
Dapol’s growing collection of ‘O’ gauge motive power was joined by this stunning model of the GWR ‘57XX’ 0-6-0PT in 2018. MIKE WILD takes a first and detailed look at this attractive product.
Legacy Power-Points
New from DCC Concepts’ sister company, Legacy Models, are Legacy PowerPoints. Similar in appearance to the parent company’s original baseboard alignment dowels (HM128), these clever PowerPoint examples incorporate electrical connections.
Brimal universal connections aid wiring
Brimal Components has added a useful universal wire termination board to its range of electrical components and modelling aids.
HobbyTrax magnetic corner clamps
HobbyTrax has added magnetic corner clamps to its range of modelling tools. These 3D printed clamps are ideal for building models of all shapes and sizes from a range of materials.
Deluxe Materials carbon fibre
Deluxe Materials’ extensive range of adhesives and modelling materials includes these useful packs of carbon fibre mat and carbon fibre tissue.
Legacy detector
DCC Concepts has launched the first in a series of new products under the Legacy Models banner. This intelligent little device is a detector which is simple to install on layouts.
Gaugemaster spray can trigger grip
New to the Gaugemaster collection of modelling tools is this spray can trigger grip which is designed to assist with the use of aerosol paint cans.
Hattons launches laser cut baseboards
Hatton's has released the first of its new Precision Baseboards range of products, offering 4ft x 2ft baseboard kits in MDF and plywood as well as legs to support the boards. The boards have been designed to be as near as possible tool-free for assembly.
Woodland Scenics board fencing
We have been excited to see the new range of ready painted fencing products arrive from Woodland Scenics since their announcement at the beginning of 2020. The new range comprises log, board, chain link, picket, privacy and barbed wire designs with our samples covering board fencing in ‘HO’ scale.
ModelU locomotive crew packs
Modelu’s range of 3D printed finescale figures has been expanded with a new selection of locomotive crew packs for ‘N’, ‘OO’ and ‘O’. These new packs are available for Western, Southern, Midland and Eastern Region motive power.
Dapol’s ’O’ gauge ‘Turbots’
Modern image ‘O’ gauge is being served with the arrival of Dapol’s eagerly awaited 7mm scale ‘Turbot’ bogie spoil wagons.
REVAMPED CLASS 37/0 FOR ’O’ GAUGE
Heljan has been making the most of its back catalogue during 2020 with re-releases of its ‘Hymek’ and ‘Deltic’ which have now been followed by the original split headcode Class 37s. MIKE WILD inspects one of the five new versions arriving this summer.
Hattons 'O' gauge Gresley 'A4'
The streamlined casing of the Gresley ‘A4’ took the world by storm when the first of the new breed rolled out of Doncaster Works in 1935. Can Hattons brand-new ‘O’ gauge model of the high-speed ‘Pacifics’ do the same for 7mm scale? MIKE WILD puts this new arrival through its paces.
Locoman Creates new ‘A3’ sound profile
THE FAMOUS three-cylinder beat of the sole surviving Gresley ‘A3’ 4-6-2 has been recreated for the ESU LokSound 5 platform by Locoman Sounds. This brand new sound scheme introduces new functions and versatility which take advantage of the latest generation decoder from ESU.
Bulk crew packs
3D printing specialist Hardy’s Hobbies has introduced a range of special figures packs to offer a bulk purchase discount.
Dapol ’O’ gauge 8 ton Banana vans
Immediately following the reopening of Dapol’s warehouse in mid-April, it released the first batch of its new ready-to-run ‘O’ gauge banana vans to the shops.