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 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 WILD
Suburban 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 CHIVERS
Dapol 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 WILD
Ellis 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 WILD
Kernow’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 CHIVERS
Little 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 WILD
Minerva’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 WILD
Dapol 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 WILD
Modelling 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 CHIVERS
FIRST 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 WILD
Kernow 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 HALL
Dapol’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 NEWTON
Weathering stencils from Artool
Using these ingenious laser-cut stencil greatly simplifies the creation of random weathering patterns such as rust and flaking paintwork.
TIM SHACKLETON
IXO 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 NEWTON
Humbrol sanding pads
Recently added to the Humbrol range of tools and modelling materials are these new flexible sanding pads.
JONATHAN NEWTON
Ellis 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 CHIVERS
Heljan’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 WILD
Heljan'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 WILD
Heljan'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 WILD
FIRST 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 WILD
New 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.
‘O’ GAUGE HUOS RETURN
The sell out of Accurascale’s ‘O’ gauge HUO 24.5ton coal hoppers has prompted the manufacturer to offer a new batch of eight different numbered vehicles including the only HUO to carry BR bauxite livery.
Ellis Clark’s ‘O’ gauge Thompsons
The partnership of Ellis Clark Trains and Darstaed Finescale has delivered a brand-new collection of Thompson corridor carriages for ‘O’ gauge. MIKE WILD takes a closer look.
Ellis Clark delivers 'O' gauge Presflos
The 20ton Presflo cement wagon is Ellis Clark Trains’ first fully home-grown product for ‘O’ gauge. MIKE WILD inspects this enticing new arrival.
Point motors equipment guide
Fitting point motors can make a real difference to a model railway by offering hands free operation of turnout direction – but which are the best? MARK CHIVERS assesses the options covering both solenoid and stall motor designs.
Mr Cement
Albion Alloys’ range of modelling supplies includes this handy bottle of Mr Cement liquid plastic glue which is part of the Mr Hobby range.
MARK CHIVERS
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.