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.
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.
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.
BEGINNER’S GUIDE: Top track laying tips
If you want to start running trains, we need to talk about track. We present essential tips for reliable and smooth-running track.
BEGINNERS GUIDE: Creating a model railway landscape
Scenery brings a model railway to life. We offer a whistle stop tour through the basics in this modelling guide to get you started.
Creating a sixties street scene
A street scene is a great addition to a layout. DAN EVASON shows you how he created this superb 1960s shopping parade from scratch.
How to model Consett iron ore trains
The famous iron ore trains which ran from Tyne Dock to Consett until the 1970s are recreated by TREVOR JONES in ‘OO’ scale using the recently released KR Models wagons as the basis.
Scalescenes Terrace shop - A step by step guide
Hornby Magazine and Scalescenes present a brand new 4mm scale kit for ‘OO’ gauge layouts which models a low relief terrace shop which can be used as part of the backdrop on almost any town-based model railway. JOHN WIFFEN explains how to build this brick structure using the free kit included with this issue.
Big Green Machine - breathing further life into the Accurascale ‘Deltic’
Working with what is already a superb model, TIM SHACKLETON breathes further life into the all-new Accurascale ‘OO’ gauge ‘Deltic’.
Landslip embankment scene - Step by step
The elements have combined to cause a landslip on this embankment scene. DAN EVASON explains how and why he created this novel diorama and the techniques employed.
Bridge Building - a step by step guide
A bridge offers a useful scenic focal point on a model railway. DAN EVASON shows how he built a unique structure for a ’OO9’ gauge layout.
LASER-CUT ENGINE SHED BUILD
Some layouts require a signature structure, and DAN EVASON created just that by combining four Scale Model Scenery ‘OO’ gauge engine shed kits to create a very large facility.
LOCOMAN CLASS 37 SOUND DEMONSTRATION
The English Electric Class 37 is one of the most popular diesel locomotives and this distinctive class is Locoman Sounds’ first digital audio project for a diesel. With one eye on spending, MIKE WILD installs a D&H decoder into an older generation 8-pin Bachmann model.
Prestwin mix & match
Want to break away from the limitations of ready-to-run rolling stock and create something original? TIM SHACKLETON uses simple cross-kitting to create bespoke models of a distinctive prototype.
Dibnah Diorama
Fred Dibnah was a legendary steeplejack and passionate about steam power. DAN EVASON pays tribute to him with a 4mm scale diorama based on a chimney scene.
Platinum purple bulleid
The repaint of ‘West Country’ 34027 into a special Platinum Jubilee purple livery has generated huge interest. RICHARD HALL shows how you can recreate the look on a super-detailed Hornby Bulleid ‘Pacific’.
Building Swithland signalbox
When you want to model a specific railway structure, in many cases the only way is to scratch build. PAUL CHAPMAN explains how he built Swithland Signalbox for the Great Central Railway layout.
Swithland Sidings Under construction
In the 2021 Hornby Magazine Yearbook, we started our new project to build a replica of the Great Central Railway in just 16ft x 8ft and this year we are completing the second phase with a model of Swithland Sidings. MIKE WILD explains its construction.
Modelling a Stanier ‘Jubilee’ in early post- Nationalisation condition
Combining extensive prototype research with creative flair, TIM SHACKLETON models a Stanier ‘Jubilee’ in early post- Nationalisation condition, still carrying pre-war LMS livery.
Building a low-relief Warehouse
A warehouse is the perfect way to add detail to a layout’s backdrop. DAN EVASON shows how to build a laser-cut low relief structure in ‘OO’.
Locoman ‘W1' sound installation guide
New sound projects for the Gresley ‘W1’ 4-6-4 are available from Locoman Sounds to suit both the original high pressure and later rebuilt versions of this unique steam engine. MIKE WILD shows how to install Doehler & Haass decoders into Hornby’s ‘OO’ models with exclusive KeyModelWorld sound demonstration video.
Killer ‘20s’ renumbered, weathered and sound fitted
The Direct Rail Services-operated Class 20/3s offer an attractive and different locomotive for the modern railway scene. For his latest rolling stock project MIKE WILD decided to renumber, weather and sound fit a pair of the recent Bachmann ‘OO’ gauge models.
BUILDING POINTS FROM FINETRAX KITS
Building your own points doesn’t have to be a complicated and time consuming process, as TIM SHACKLETON demonstrates whilst assembling one of the impressive quick-build plastic turnout kits from Finetrax.
Weathering EFE Rail's SEA and SPA Wagons
Looking to add EFE Rail’s recently released ‘OO’ gauge SEA and SPA wagons to his fleet, DAVID DOLMAN took to the workbench to improve their outof-the-box appearance with a realistic, weathered in-service makeover.
How to build a cement terminal
Industrial activities are a brilliant corner filler for a model railway. DAN EVASON picks up a Gaugemaster kit with European heritage and shows how it can be built for a British scene.
Building Parkend North | Part two
With the foundations of this Western Region layout complete, DAN EVASON reveals how he brought the scenery to life in the second of our two features illustrating the construction of Parkend North in 'OO' gauge.
WE SHOW YOU HOW: Mixed-media modelling
Always looking for ways of expanding his horizons, TIM SHACKLETON follows the American approach of creating your own kits from a customised pick ‘n’ mix of available parts.
Modelling Bewdley station with 3D printing
Having selected a suitable subject, TRISTRAM NEAL outlines how he used modern printing techniques to create a bespoke station building, based on a well-known Severn Valley Railway prototype at Bewdley in this detailed step by step modelling guide.
WORKING DESTINATION SCREENS
Modern electronics are opening up new possibilities for miniature displays. MIKE LOMAX explains how he installed a working LED matrix screen into a ‘OO’ scale double-decker bus.
Parkend North: Part One
With a brief to create a layout set in the dying days of steam in the Forest of Dean in ‘OO’ gauge, DAN EVASON explores how a workable track plan was created – and how the permanent way was laid in the first of a two part series on this layouts construction.