'OO' gauge model reviews
Revised Hornby 4-VEP arrives
With a preserved example recently raising the profile of these important EMUs, BEN CHURCH assesses Hornby’s latest version of the 4-VEP in ‘OO’.
BEN CHURCH‘Big Four’ Fowler ‘4P’
With the first half of Hornby’s ‘Big Four’ collection having already arrived (HM200), commemorating the centenary of the formation of the ‘Big Four’, the latest representative in the quartet of models is now available in the form of the London, Midland & Scottish Railway (LMS) Fowler ‘4P’ 2-6-4T.
BEN CHURCHFlangeway updates ‘Salmons’
Following the initial release of its ‘Salmon’ bogie rail carrier wagons in 2022 (HM183), Flangeway Models has released a new contemporary-era version of the popular ‘OO’ gauge vehicles.
BEN CHURCHAccurascale’s Class 66 Revival
The Class 66 is a locomotive virtually no modern layout can be without. Accurascale has taken on and re-worked the Hattons Originals product for ‘OO’ gauge – MIKE WILD takes an exclusive look at the first production samples.
MIKE WILDCommonwealth of Australia
In recent months Hornby has released a significant number of Gresley ‘A4’ 4-6-2s,primarily in its Hornby Dublo range as part of the Great Gathering 10th anniversary collection. This new ‘OO’ gauge ‘A4’ arrival is from the main range, but no less exciting as it represents one of the five Commonwealth-named ‘A4s’ in original condition, finished as 4491 Commonwealth of Australia.
BEN CHURCHKernow GWR Steam Railmotor
A decade after its announcement, BEN CHURCH reviews this distinctive GWR train and asks whether the wait has been worthwhile.
BEN CHURCHRannoch Station
Modellers of the picturesque West Highland line will be pleased to see two new kits from Peco, bolstering its range of laser-cut wood kits (HM195) and providing new options for modellers of this scenic route.
BEN CHURCHMini Roller
From Mini Roller comes this useful painting aid for your stock of modelling essentials.
BEN CHURCH3D Printed Armco Safety Barrier
New from West Hill Wagon Works are these ‘OO’ gauge 3D printed packs of Armco style safety barriers.
BEN CHURCHNew Peco Wagon Load Kits
Peco has issued six useful kits to help detail ‘OO’ and ‘N’ gauge wagons with loads, suitable for wagons of all sizes.
BEN CHURCHRusty Rails Trackside details
Rusty Rails has expanded its catalogue of 4mm scale trackside details with the addition of new Rawie fixed buffer stops and lineside telephones and signage poles.
BEN CHURCH1:76 scale Sultan
Trains4U has expanded its scope of British military 1:76 scale kits with a model of a FV105 Sultan army control and command vehicle.
BEN CHURCHEWS exclusive Class 37/4
The Bachmann Collectors Club range features this fine model of EWS liveried Class 37/4 37422 Cardiff Canton. MIKE WILD checks out the finer details.
MIKE WILDRailRoad Plus ‘Deltic’ with sound
New to Hornby’s RailRoad Plus range is this ‘OO’ gauge Class 55 ‘Deltic’, factory-fitted with Hornby’s innovative HM7000 Bluetooth and Digital Command Control (DCC) Triplex Sound (TXS) system.
BEN CHURCHUpgrade for RailRoad Class 110
Hornby’s venerable ‘OO’ gauge Class 110 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) makes a welcome return to the RailRoad Plus range with enhanced decoration and improvements to the mechanical specification.
MARK CHIVERSHornby's Ruston 88DS 4wDM shunter lands
This delightful-looking ‘OO’ gauge model is now available. MARK CHIVERS finds out whether its performance matches its appearance.
MARK CHIVERSEFE Rail’s Southern Electric ‘Boosters’
The 1940s Southern Railway ‘Booster’ electric locomotives are the subject of an all-new tooling from EFE Rail for ‘OO’ gauge. MIKE WILD inspects this new arrival.
MIKE WILDGreat Gathering anniversary collection – Part two
Last issue (HM200) we looked at the first half of the new Hornby Dublo Great Gathering tenth anniversary collection, and now the three remaining Gresley ‘A4s’ - 60007 (Cat No. R30266), 60008 (R30265) and 60009 (R30263) in BR condition are here.
BEN CHURCHFIRST REVIEW: Cavalex Models Class 56 for OO gauge
Cavalex Models’ debut powered model arrived at the end of January. MIKE WILD takes an exclusive look at the first production versions of this highly-anticipated ‘OO’ gauge locomotive.
MIKE WILDBeattie Well Tank Crew
MODELU has further expanded its range of engine crew designed for specific classes with this new pack for the diminutive LSWR ’0298’2-4-0WT in ‘OO’ gauge.
MARK CHIVERSCarriage Siding Platform Kit
New from West Hill Wagon Works is this ‘OO' gauge carriage siding platform kit.
BEN CHURCHPigs and Farmer
Adding to the range of farm-based figures and accessories offered by Osborn’s Models is this set of four pigs and a farmer in ‘OO’ gauge.
MARK CHIVERSBluetooth TXS for Hornby ‘9F’
Hornby’s recently retooled ‘OO’ gauge BR Standard ‘9F’ 2-10-0 (HM185) gains a new outing finished as 92002 in BR black with early crests – and the addition of the manufacturer’s new Bluetooth Triplex Sound (TXS).
MARK CHIVERSTerrific TTA Tankers
The ubiquitous TTA ‘monobloc’ tank wagon has been a common sight for ‘OO’ gauge modellers for a long time. Half a century since first appearing in the Hornby range in 1973, the manufacturer has retooled this classic BR wagon for its 2023 range and the first examples are now available.
BEN CHURCHThe Great Gathering Returns
2013 witnessed the reuniting of all six surviving Gresley ‘A4’ 4-6-2s including two based in North America. A decade ago, Hornby released limited edition models to commemorate the reunion and now they are being re-released – this time in limited edition Hornby Dublo form – to mark ten years since that landmark and unlikely-to-be-repeated event.
BEN CHURCHHRA Bogie Hopper Wagons
Bachmann’s recently announced HRA bogie aggregate hopper wagons have arrived, with newly-tooled models in ‘OO’ and ‘N’ gauge debuting together.
BEN CHURCHHornby ‘Big Four‘ Collection: LNER ‘A1’ 4478 Hermit
Hornby’s ‘Big Four’ Collection commemorates 100 years of these famous railways, with Gresley ‘A1’ 4478 Hermit flying the flag for the London North Eastern Railway (LNER).
BEN CHURCHOutstanding ‘OO’ OAA opens from Rapido Trains
Rapido Trains UK’s all-new ‘OO’ gauge BR OAA open wagons touched down in the Hornby Magazine office in early December.
BEN CHURCHHeljan’s ‘OO’ gauge Class 57 returns
Heljan’s popular ‘OO’ gauge Class 57 Co-Co diesel returns in a selection of new identities and colour schemes. MARK CHIVERS takes a closer look.
MARK CHIVERSRailRoad Royal Class 67 67005 from Hornby
DB Cargo’s Class 67 67005 Queen’s Messenger has the distinction of being one of two locomotives designated to pull the Royal Train. Hornby has recreated this prestigious locomotive in its most recent guise as part of its 2023 range.
BEN CHURCH