Model railway planning: A Fresh Look
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
Making Buildings from Scratch – part 2
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
MAKING A SCENE: How to model a scrap yard
Every town once had a scrap yard full of hidden treasures. DAN EVASON recreates a typical 1970s scheme in 4mm:1ft scale.
DAN EVASON
How to build a return loop storage yard
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
Installing Servo point motors on a model railway
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
Don’t forget Fastline
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
Hornby Magazine’s 24hr Challenge:
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
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
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.