'OO' gauge model reviews
RETURN OF THE 'RAT'
The ‘facelifted’ Class 25 is the subject of Heljan’s latest ‘OO’ gauge ready-to-run model and fills an important gap in the market for a contemporary model. MIKE WILD takes a closer look at this new addition.
BUFFER-FITTED INTERCITY HST POWER CARS
Hornby's high-fidelity Class 43 High Speed Train (HST) power cars sport conventional bufferbeams for their latest outing in BR InterCity ‘Swallow’ livery.
GBRf RailRoad Class 20
New in for 'OO' gauge from Hornby in its RailRoad Plus collection with enhanced decoration is this attractive model of Class 20 20905 – and it is also being joined by 20901 in the same livery.
Steady Aim is rock solid
Hornby’s latest steam locomotive to arrive for review is the follow-up to the Thompson ‘A2/ 2’ 4-6-2 (HM166) – the production ‘A2/3’ class locomotives. MIKE WILD runs the rule over Steady Aim.
Kernow launches IZA
Kernow Model Rail Centre has plugged another gap in the ‘OO’ gauge wagon range with the arrival of Revolution Trains’ new IZA Cargowaggon twin vans. MARK CHIVERS takes a closer look.
JSA COIL CARRIERS
The latest ‘OO’ gauge wagon release from Accurascale models the fleet of JSA covered and open steel coil carriers. MIKE WILD assesses how these super-detailed new arrivals measure up.
Heljan delivers Class 86/0
The Class 86 has been a stalwart of the West Coast Main Line from its introduction in 1965, with numerous sub classes and modifications through the years. MIKE WILD inspects this brandnew version of the AC electric which models the class in original condition.
LEGACY TRACK COMPONENTS
Legacy Models has added a selection of new 4mm scale track components to its range of accessories.
SMS Sash Windows
New to the Scale Model Scenery range of model railway kits and accessories are these 4mm scale sash windows. Ideal for adding that finishing touch to kit or scratch-built buildings and other projects.
BR Mixed Freight Kit
If you are looking to add authentic loads to empty ‘OO’ gauge wagons, then this new pack of detailing parts for the early BR mixed freight era from Geoscenics should fit the bill.
Lineside Fencing
Geoscenics’ range of kits and accessories is bolstered with this pack of 4mm scale lineside fencing.
Hornby's Thompson ‘A2/2’
Hornby has expanded its range of Eastern Region ‘Pacifics’ with the arrival of the first ever ready-to-run model of the Thompson ‘A2/2’ fleet. MIKE WILD takes a detailed look at both versions of this exciting new addition for ‘OO’ gauge.
BIG CAT SOUND
Digitrains has launched a new Class 68 Activedrive digital sound project for ZIMO decoders. Developed by John Gay, it offers an impressive audio suite from coupling and buffering up sounds to compressor, warning horns and notable engine transitions.
TRS Trains water-based smoke generators
TRS Trains is a new name in modelling and is offering a custom digital controlled smoke generator and sound installation as part of its range of services. Interestingly, this isn’t using conventional smoke generators such as the oil-filled Seuthe type – the TRS Trains products make steam with bottled water.
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.
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.
Diesel headcodes
Pacific Models has added this new pack of 4mm scale two and four-character headcodes suitable for BR diesel locomotives and DMUs.
SMS lobster pot
Scale Model Scenery (SMS) has bolstered its range of laser-cut kits and detailing accessories with this new 4mm scale pack of lobster pots/creels.
Sandstone Wall Coping
New from Scale Model Scenery is this 4mm scale pack of sandstone wall coping. Ideal for adding that finishing touch to a wall (up to 4mm thick).
Dockside developments
New to the Gaugemaster Structures range are these ‘OO’ gauge dockside warehouse and dockside crane kits.
LNER ‘A1’/‘A3’ACFI conversion kit
For those wishing to add variety to their fleet of London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) ‘A1’/‘A3’ 4-6-2s, this ACFI water feed heater conversion kit may fit the bill.
Kernow’s Bulleid diesel
The pioneering era of diesel locomotive design is being brought back to the fore with Kernow Model Rail Centre’s impressive ready-to-run model of the Bulleid 1-Co-Co-1s for ‘OO’. MIKE WILD runs the rule over this exciting release.
Kernow 1960s period Bulleid diesel
The third of Kernow’s Bulleid diesels models 10203 which has a number of differences to the first of these 1Co-Co-1s. MARK CHIVERS takes a closer look.
Sealed beam ‘Peaks’ are back!
The overhauled Class 45 ‘Peaks’ have been a missing component from the modern era ‘OO’ gauge catalogues, but Bachmann is setting that right with the arrival of its Regional Exclusive versions of the Class 45/0 with ‘sealed beam’ headlights. MIKE WILD takes a closer look at this new arrival from Bachmann which has been much requested.
Hornby’s Restaurant Buffet
Hornby's growing collection of all-new BR Mk 1 coaching stock has expanded with the arrival of the new Restaurant Buffet (RB) in original and refurbished (RBR) formats. Read our full review from HM165 here together with video and extra images.
Rails Connect DCC decoders
Rails of Sheffield has recently added a new selection of Digital Command Control (DCC) decoders to its Rails Connect range of electrical accessories.
HobbyTrax DCC Decoder Tester
Measuring 110mm x 80mm, this useful DCC tool features a PCB base with rubber grommet style supports and a series of linked components including LEDs, resistors and the relevant decoder sockets.
Stay alive with DCC Concepts
DCC Concepts has gone back to the drawing board to create its new range of stay alives using smaller components and a flexible system which allows for easier positioning of parts within a locomotive.
Flangeway ‘Salmons’
Engineering wagons have always been well-received and this new release from Flangeway delivers a missing link from the departmental fleet – the ‘Salmon’ 62ft rail carrier. MIKE WILD explains their purpose and inspects this new arrival.