Step by Step Guides

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Dig for Victory

DAN EVASON

If your 1940s layout has houses and gardens in it, the odds are it will have an Anderson shelter amongst the fruit and veg. DAN EVASON unearths a range of techniques to create this fascinating scene.

DAN EVASON
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Static Grass Tufts

Making your own static grass tufts can be a rewarding detailing exercise and offers something different to mass produced items? We show you how simple it is to make and use grass tufts.

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Weathering a GWR '64XX' 0-6-0PT

TIM SHACKLETON

TIM SHACKLETON gives the Bachmann 'OO' gauge ‘64XX’ 0-6-0PT a convincing oily rag finish that recaptures childhood memories.

TIM SHACKLETON
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Updating the Hattons KWA Warwell

TIM SHACKLETON

TIM SHACKLETON widens the scope of Hatton’s new KWA Warwell in a bid to bring it into line with 21st century military strategy.

TIM SHACKLETON
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Making Buildings from Scratch – Part Three

MALCOLM BRIGGS

Building on the techniques of his new series, MALCOLM BRIGGS shows how to build a shop in ‘OO’ gauge ready for later interior fitting.

MALCOLM BRIGGS
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Creating a unique wagon load in 'OO' gauge

TIM SHACKLETON

TIM SHACKLETON recreates a rare sight on the rails which could occasionally have been seen almost anywhere - a wagon loaded with Invacars - in ‘OO’ gauge.

TIM SHACKLETON
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MAKING A SCENE: Creating a railway cutting

DAN EVESON

Cuttings can offer an extra dimension to a layout, and provide visual variety. DAN EVASON shows how to create a simple scene in ‘OO’ gauge step by step.

DAN EVESON
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BUILDING A DIESEL DEPOT - THE BACKSCENES

MIKE WILD

In the third instalment of our diesel depot series, MIKE WILD explains how the backscenes were fitted and how the depot was detailed to create a realistic scene.

MIKE WILD
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MAKING A SCENE: Building a low relief Bus Depot

DAN EVASON

Low relief buildings are an excellent means of suggesting depth to a model railway where space is at a premium. DAN EVASON creates a unique bus depot scene in ‘OO’ gauge.

DAN EVASON
Hornby Mk 3 Maglight installation guide. Feature Premium

Installing Hornby’s Mk 3 Maglights

MIKE WILD

Hornby’s latest generation Mk 3 carriages have been designed with the manufacturer’s new magnetic switched lighting strips in mind. MIKE WILD adds a full set to a Blue Pullman HST set in ‘OO’ gauge.

MIKE WILD
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TransPennine Express Mk 5 weathering guide

TIM SHACKLETON

With the deftest of touches, TIM SHACKLETON breathes fresh life into some of the most outstanding models yet released in ’OO’ gauge.

TIM SHACKLETON
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Model railway planning: A Fresh Look

PAUL LUNN

Rather than building a new layout to replace one you're happy with, PAUL LUNN argues that changing the scene can be just as enjoyable - and much cheaper.

PAUL LUNN
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Making Buildings from Scratch – part 2

MALCOLM BRIGGS

Having established why structures are built in the way they are, MALCOLM BRIGGS puts theory into practice by scratchbuilding a weighbridge hut in 'OO' scale for the second part of our building construction series.

MALCOLM BRIGGS
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MAKING A SCENE: How to model a scrap yard

DAN EVASON

Every town once had a scrap yard full of hidden treasures. DAN EVASON recreates a typical 1970s scheme in 4mm:1ft scale.

DAN EVASON
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How to build a return loop storage yard

MIKE WILD

A storage yard isn’t always just a place to store trains off scene, and no more so than on Hornby Magazine’s latest ‘OO’ layout Grosvenor Square. Mike Wild explains how the off-scene area for this large terminus layout went from a cassette yard to something more adventurous for the benefit of its operation.

MIKE WILD
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Installing Servo point motors on a model railway

Nigel Burkin

The small size and controllability of servos makes them an attractive option for turnout control. NIGEL BURKIN experiments with a Heathcote Electronics dual servo motor board, turnouts and a hand full of servos.

Nigel Burkin
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Don’t forget Fastline

TIM SHACKLETON

It’s more than 10 years since Fastline Freight pulled out of intermodal operations, quickly followed by the loss of its coal business and other rail-led interests. But this short-lived company can still offer some exciting modelling possibilities, as TIM SHACKLETON discovers in his 10-point survey.

TIM SHACKLETON
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Hornby Magazine’s 24hr Challenge:

MIKE WILD

Every project layout we build is defined by a timescale, not least because they are built to meet our publication dates for the magazine. The 24hr challenges give us a closer limit to work with which, hopefully, controls some of ideas and allows us to create layouts that anyone could build at home.

MIKE WILD
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Modelling ploughed fields

DAN EVASON

A ploughing scene makes an ideal corner filler for a model railway. DAN EVASON explains how he built this diorama which could be added to any steam era layout.

DAN EVASON
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WORKBENCH: Class 20 weathering – Part 2

TIM SHACKLETON

With Class 20s aplenty on his workbench, TIM SHACKLETON continues in his quest to confer a series of subtle makeovers to his fleet of ‘OO’ English Electric Type 1s.

TIM SHACKLETON
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Superdetailing Snowploughs in 'OO' gauge

ANDY WILSHER

Network Rail has a fleet of snowploughs on standby for the winter. ANDY WILLSHER shows how to super detail Flangeway’s excellent ZZA model in ’OO’ gauge.

ANDY WILSHER
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Weathering and detailing a Hornby LNER 'Q6' in 'OO' gauge

TIM SHACKLETON

Operating your layout with only a limited selection of classes is entirely prototypical – but how do you make near-identical engines look different? TIM SHACKLETON shows how you can do it through weathering effects alone.

TIM SHACKLETON
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MAKING A SCENE: Modelling river crossings

DAN EVASON

A ford crossing a river or stream could make an interesting and unusual setting on a layout. DAN EVASON shows how you can build one and bring it to life.

DAN EVASON
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Detailing Lima and Hornby RailRoad Class 31s

TIM SHACKLETON

With a bit of work and a sharp eye on costs, many older models can be brought into line with more recent productions. TIM SHACKLETON shows how you can transform second-hand bargains into smooth-running, good-looking models you can be proud of.

TIM SHACKLETON
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Model railway rolling stock detailing

MIKE WILD

How do you make the most of today’s stunning ready-to-run models? MIKE WILD offers 20 ways to enhance your models with readily available products and simple steps.

MIKE WILD
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STEP BY STEP: Installing Wills point rodding

Nigel Burkin

Wills Models range of point rodding kits are a simple and affordable means of introducing detail at the lineside. In this feature NIGEL BURKIN explains how the kits can be used in conjunction with a ground frame in ‘OO’ gauge.

Nigel Burkin
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WORKBENCH: Class 20 weathering – Part 1

TIM SHACKLETON

The Class 20 offers potential for detailed weathering effects. TIM SHACKLETON brushes up on the basics of weathering with a pair of Bachmann Class 20s in 'OO' gauge.

TIM SHACKLETON
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3D printing model railway carriages

STEPHEN GRANT

As computers, software and peripherals become ever more advanced, increasing numbers of modellers are embracing the technology as a new form of digital scratchbuilding, as STEPHEN GRANT outlines.

STEPHEN GRANT
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Modifying the Hornby Grand Suspension bridge

DAN EVASON

Generations of modellers grew up seeing pictures of the Tri-ang/Hornby suspension bridge - but can this veteran model work in today’s high-fidelity world? DAN EVASON explains how he updated it to provide a signature structure.

DAN EVASON
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Upgrading Hornby’s veteran Class 90

MIKE WILD

Hornby’s ‘OO’ gauge model of the Class 90 AC electric has been around since the early 1990s and shows its age from the box. However, with a few simple upgrades MIKE WILD shows how he went about improving the appearance of uniquely liveried 90128 Vractverbinding in Belgian Railways blue and yellow.

MIKE WILD