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
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.
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.