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
Mini Roller
From Mini Roller comes this useful painting aid for your stock of modelling essentials.
BEN CHURCHPoint 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.
BEN CHURCHHobbyTrax Oil Dropper
HobbyTrax has added to its catalogue of locomotive maintenance tools with this useful oil dropper, which dispenses a small amount of oil at the end of a very fine needle, with no squeezing required.
BEN CHURCHDapol TTA tanker for 7mm scale
New for ‘O’ gauge from Dapol is the longstanding 45ton TTA four-wheel tanker. MIKE WILD checks out this new arrival for the scale.
MIKE WILDHeljan updates its O gauge Deltic
The legendary English Electric ‘Deltics’ are back for ‘O’ gauge with Heljan, featuring new tooling and an upgraded chassis. MIKE WILD takes a closer look at 55002 in BR two-tone green.
MIKE WILDRealism Redefined exclusive PCA cement tank
Realism Redefined has commissioned an exclusive ready-to-run ‘O’ gauge model of the PCA depressed centre tankers. MIKE WILD runs the rule over a cement grey version.
MIKE WILDFIRST REVIEW: Heljan’s ‘O’ gauge Class 73
For the second month in a row, Heljan has delivered a brand-new ‘O’ gauge ready-to-run locomotive, and this striking model of the Southern Region Class 73 electro-diesel could be its best yet. MIKE WILD explains why with video of a sample running on Britain's Biggest Model Railway.
MIKE WILDHeljan’s Class 58 for ‘O’ gauge
The 1983-introduced heavy freight Class 58 is the perfect follow-up to Heljan’s popular Class 56 for ‘O’ gauge. MIKE WILD takes a detailed look at Mainline blue 58021 while we catch up with Heljan's Ben Jones to see a sample in action on Britain's Biggest Model Railway.
MIKE WILDSuburban 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 CHIVERSDapol LSWR ’B4’ 0-4-0T for 'O' gauge
Southern Railway 7mm scale modellers are in for a treat with the arrival of the Adams ‘B4’ 0-4-0T from Dapol, but does it tick the right boxes? MIKE WILD finds out as we demonstrate the model in action.
MIKE WILDEllis Clark Trains Wickham Type 27 trolley for ‘O’ gauge
The Wickham trolley and trailer has become one of the smallest ready-to-run powered models to be produced for ‘O’ gauge. MIKE WILD inspects Ellis Clark Trains’ first home-grown powered model.
MIKE WILDKernow’s exclusive ‘O’ gauge CDA China Clay Hopper
New from Kernow Model Rail Centre (KMRC) is this all-new ‘O’ gauge CDA china clay hopper, produced exclusively for the retailer by Dapol.
MARK CHIVERSLittle Loco Company Class 15 for 'O' gauge
The Little Loco Company launched its 'O' gauge Class 15 in January 2017 and now it is set for a new lease of life with EFE Rail. MIKE WILD gives this impressive model of the BTH Type 1 the once over.
MIKE WILDMinerva’s second ‘Victory’
A relatively new name in ready-to-run ‘O’ gauge, Minerva Model Railways made its debut in December 2015 with the Peckett ‘E’ 0-4-0ST and its second locomotive was the utilitarian ‘Victory’ 0-6-0T. MIKE WILD takes a closer look at this 0-6-0T.
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 WILDModelling British Railways Modern Freight Locomotives
This latest title in the series of Modelling British Railways bookazines from Key Publishing focuses on modern-era freight locomotives and the various models available ‘off-the-shelf’ across ‘OO’, ‘N’ and ‘O’ gauge.
MARK CHIVERSFIRST LOOK: Hornby launches Bluetooth HM DCC and Triplex Sound
The world of digital is about to be turned on its head with the arrival of Hornby’s new HM DCC Bluetooth control system. MIKE WILD gets to grips with this new way to control your trains and assesses its value.
MIKE WILDKernow delivers ‘O’ gauge LSWR van
We inspect Kernow Model Rail Centre's 'O' gauge ready-to-run model of the LSWR Diagram 1410 box van. Read the full review here.
RICHARD HALLDapol’s anchor-mounted tanker arrives for ‘O’ gauge
First announced in November 2020, Dapol’s all-new ‘O’ gauge 14ton anchor-mounted tank wagon is now available. We check out this addition to the manufacturers growing collection of steam era goods wagons.
Modelu Class 45 crew figures
ModelU has added two sets of 4mm scale locomotive crew suitable for Heljan’s all-new ‘OO’ gauge Class 45 diesel to its range of 3D-printed figures and accessories.
JONATHAN NEWTONWeathering stencils from Artool
Using these ingenious laser-cut stencil greatly simplifies the creation of random weathering patterns such as rust and flaking paintwork.
TIM SHACKLETONIXO London Transport RT for O gauge
For ‘O’ gauge modellers looking for suitable road vehicles, the IXO Models 1:43 scale range includes this classic London Transport AEC Regent III RT double-decker bus.
JONATHAN NEWTONHumbrol sanding pads
Recently added to the Humbrol range of tools and modelling materials are these new flexible sanding pads.
JONATHAN NEWTONEllis Clark Trains ‘Teak’ Thompsons touch down!
Ellis Clark Trains has taken delivery of its exclusive faux teak ‘O’ gauge Thompson main line carriages from Darstaed. MARK CHIVERS takes a closer look at these new arrivals.
MARK CHIVERSHeljan’s all-new Class 26 and 27 for 'O' gauge
The BRCW Class 26 and 27 Bo-Bo diesel-electrics are synonymous with Scotland and now brand-new models are available for ‘O’ gauge from Heljan. MIKE WILD checks out these exciting arrivals.
MIKE WILDHeljan's 'O' gauge Class 25/3 Bo-Bo diesel
The BR Sulzer Type 2s are popular locomotives in every scale. MIKE WILD reviews Heljan's detailed models of the Class 25/3 for 'O' gauge.
MIKE WILDHeljan's centre headcode Class 37 for 'O' gauge
In this review we take a closer look at Heljan's ready-to-run ‘O’ gauge centre headcode Class 37 which first hit the shelves in 2017.
MIKE WILDFIRST REVIEW: Heljan’s Mk 1 CCT
The BR Mk 1 Covered Carriage Truck is a versatile vehicle which can suit everything from depot to main line scenes. MIKE WILD inspects this attractive new arrival for ‘O’ gauge from Heljan.
MIKE WILDNew Sankey signs for O’, ‘OO’ and ‘N’ gauge
Sankey Scenics has bolstered its extensive range of model railway signage with a new pack of contemporary trackside signage, as well as an updated pack of its earlier assorted trackside signs.
Supreme Primo Trees
PRIMO MODELS’ range of handmade trees, bushes and scenic materials continues to expand with an extensive selection of products now available for most scale uses.