Modelling ploughed fields
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
WORKBENCH: Class 20 weathering – Part 2
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
Superdetailing Snowploughs in 'OO' gauge
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
Weathering and detailing a Hornby LNER 'Q6' in 'OO' gauge
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
MAKING A SCENE: Modelling river crossings
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
Detailing Lima and Hornby RailRoad Class 31s
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
Model railway rolling stock detailing
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
STEP BY STEP: Installing Wills point rodding
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
Making buildings from scratch
Creating bespoke buildings for your layout may sound daunting, but as MALCOLM BRIGGS shows in the start of a new series, it is far easier than you might think.
MALCOLM BRIGGS
WORKBENCH: Class 20 weathering – Part 1
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
3D printing model railway carriages
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
Modifying the Hornby Grand Suspension bridge
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
Upgrading Hornby’s veteran Class 90
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
How to create a 1930s roadworks scene
Like railways, roads always need maintaining. DAN EVASON shows how to recreate a typical 1930s roadworks scene.
DAN EVASON
Modelling Tyne Dock Class 24s in 'OO' gauge
TIM SHACKLETON goes for a high-fidelity weathering treatment that squares with the level of detail on a matched pair of Sulzer Type 2s.
TIM SHACKLETON
BEGINNERS GUIDE: Choosing a model railway scale
Choosing a gauge to model can present a challenge. However, as RICHARD HALL explores, the ever-increasing ranges across multiple scales each provide their own strengths and benefits.
RICHARD HALL
BEGINNERS GUIDE: Developing the grand plan
Developing your layout’s design is a highly rewarding part of the process. MARK CHIVERS offers a few hints and tips to help create that master track plan.
MARK CHIVERS
BEGINNERS GUIDE: Top tips for a better layout
Some simple steps can maximise your enjoyment of your model railway. JONATHAN NEWTON offers 20 top tips to aid construction and reliable operation of your new layout.
JONATHAN NEWTON
BEGINNERS GUIDE: Transform your layout
Details can make a very real difference to a layout, transforming it from a train set to a model railway. JONATHAN NEWTON examines the options.
JONATHAN NEWTON
Weathering Diesel Brake Tenders in 'OO' gauge
With a new selection of Key Publishing’s exclusive ‘OO’ gauge diesel brake tender now available, TIM COOPER shows how some gentle weathering can really bring this model to life.
TIM COOPER
Construction: Topley Dale station renovation
Platforms looking empty, tired signage or just needing a little maintenance. MIKE WILD offers 10 top tips to breath new life into any station scene no matter how big or small.
Construction: Scratch-building in styrene
TIM SHACKLETON demonstrates the basics of wagon building using plastic sheet and strip – what’s involved, what to use, how to go about it. Using ordinary hand tools and equally simple techniques, it may be easier than you might think.
TIM SHACKLETON
Workbench: Quickfix canopy
Using a combination of kits, components and scratchbuilding, Mike Wild developed a canopy and building frontage to fill a void on Hornby Magazine's 'OO' gauge terminus layout Grosvenor Square.
MIKE WILD
Construction: Building roads
Using Woodland Scenics Road System products and a Wills Modern level crossing, MIKE WILD shows how we added a realistic road scene to West Coast Cement.
BEGINNER’S GUIDE: Choosing a location
Designing your layout requires more than simply building the baseboards and adding track. Hornby Magazine starts at the beginning and explains how to find the perfect location to build your dream railway in your own home.
MIKE WILD
BEGINNER'S GUIDE: Building model railway baseboards
A baseboard provides a solid foundation onto which a reliable and enjoyable model railway can be built. Hornby Magazine explains its simple method for home-made solid top boards in simple steps.
MIKE WILD
BEGINNER'S GUIDE: Model railway scales and gauges
There were once only two primary choices for the ready-to-run layout builder, today we have five to choose from with the recent announcement of ‘O-16.5’ narrow gauge models. HORNBY MAGAZINE looks into the options offering advice and guidance for the budding modeller.
MIKE WILD
BEGINNER'S GUIDE Model railway layout designs
There are many different styles of model railway you can build ranging from circuits to terminus and through stations with different levels of operation. Hornby Magazine explores the main options.
MIKE WILD
BEGINNER’S GUIDE: Ballasting your model railway
Careful ballasting of your track will add realism to any model railway in any scale. We explains the basics step by step.
MIKE WILD
BEGINNER’S GUIDE: Connecting power to the track
Making your first connection from the controller to your track is the most important. Hornby Magazine explains the basics and how you can connect wires to your track neatly.
MIKE WILD