Digital semaphores
Using readily available equipment Mike Wild shows how semaphore signals can be brought fully into the digital era in just six simple steps.
Before BR blue
The change to BR’s new corporate blue colour scheme didn’t happen overnight, and there were many variations. TIM SHACKLETON wanders into the minefield of blue liveries in the pre-TOPS era.
Creating a wagon depot
For a slightly different take on a railway depot scene, MARK CHIVERS builds Railway Laser Lines’ recently introduced 4mm scale laser-cut Wagon Repair Depot.
Industrial canal
Canals moved goods and raw materials in large quantities across the UK even after the railways were built. ANTHONY REEVES shows how to create a canal side scene next to the industry it once served.
Building your Low relief Grain Silo
Hornby Magazine and Scalescenes present a brand new 4mm scale kit for ‘OO’ gauge layouts which models a low relief grain silo. JOHN WIFFEN explains how to build this brick and concrete structure using the free kit print included with this issue.
Building LNER ‘Quad-Arts’
The LNER articulated ‘Quad-Art’ coaches stood out from the crowd – and the arrival of a new 3D printed resin kit from Isinglass Models was too tempting to resist. MIKE WILD knuckles down to build a four-coach set for ‘OO’ gauge with a handful of modifications along the way.
Resurrecting the dinosaur
In the year that marks Hornby’s centenary, TIM SHACKLETON unlocks the potential of some classic models from the last half-century.
VIDEO: EFE Rail 'J94' sound installation
EFE Rail's first 'OO' gauge locomotive is the Hunslet 'J94' 0-6-0ST. In this online exclusive video we show how to install digital sound into the compact tank engine using a ZIMO chip and Rail Exclusive speaker.
The changing face of the Class 59
TIM SHACKLETON sees a much-loved Lima model thriving under the Hornby banner – and shows how to make it even better with simple additions and weathering.
REALISTIC EMBANKMENTS
Embankments need to be planned at the initial stages of creating a model railway – and foliage on them can really help set a sense of time. ANTHONY REEVES shows how it can be done using teddy bear fur as the basis.
Scratch Building For Beginners
Are you new a scratchbuilding beginner and looking to create your own models to take your passion to the next level? Check out our page for a great guide.
INSTALLING SOUND IN THE HORNBY ’Q6'
Eight-coupled freight engines were hard working locomotives and Locoman Sounds has set out to recreate that effect with its Doehler & Haass sound file for the Raven ‘Q6’ 0-8-0. MIKE WILD shows how it can be installed in the Hornby model with extra features.
Washes & filters
The ‘S160’ class only spent a couple of years in wartime Britain, but they’ve since acquired a huge enthusiast following. TIM SHACKLETON adopts some militarymodeller weathering techniques to show how he gave one of these iconic locomotives a true ‘austerity’ finish.
Streams and brooks
Streams and brooks can make wonderful additions to model railways. ANTHONY REEVES explains how to make them as realistic as possible.
Display Models' BR Type 19 Signalbox
Most layouts need at least one signalbox – and they can really help set an era and location. RICHARD WATSON builds Display Models’ laser cut kit for the BR Type 19 design.
Made in China
Hornby has been manufacturing in China since the late 1990s, and the decision has helped secure their future. Read the full story here.
VIDEO: Bachmann Class 117 sound installation
Following the arrival of Bachmann's new Class 117 DMUs we were keen to test the models abilities with a sound decoder installed. This video guide with MIKE WILD explains how it is done using a ZIMO MX645P22 decoder.
Weathering buildings
In his latest modelling tutorial TIM SHACKLETON shows how restraint and careful observation are the key to convincing weathering.
Resignalling Twelve Trees
Hornby Magazine’s popular exhibition layout is in need of an upgrade to its signalling for future appearances. SIMON PALEY reveals how it could be resignalled with working colour lights to reflect prototype practice from the 1960s.
Building your first locomotive kit
Hardy’s Hobbies has created a range of 3D printed locomotive body kits which are ideal for beginners looking to cut their teeth on extra motive power. MIKE WILD goes through the process using a readily available chassis to power this slope-tanked Hudswell Clarke 0-6-0T.
Building a Routemex signal in 'O'
A new range of two, three and four-aspect colour light signal kits has been introduced by Routemex for 'O' gauge. MIKE WILD explores how they are built.
One step beyond
To continue our celebration of Hornby’s 100th anniversary, TIM SHACKLETON looks to push detail further using quality aftermarket components and simple, easy-to-learn skills. Here he shows what you can do with a Hornby ‘8F’ and ‘Patriot’ to improve these under-rated Hornby ‘OO’ gauge locomotives.
Spring meadows
Spring meadows small sections of meadow are a great way to cover bare baseboards. For this demonstration, a small corner of meadow is created. ANTHONY REEVES explains how.
Brush painting basics
You don’t have to possess expensive equipment to get a quality paint finish. MIKE WILD shows how simple brush painting and finishing techniques can be used to paint and detail freight stock in all scales.
NIGHT MAIL
The dark mysterious world of cross-country postal traffic is something that’s rarely modelled. TIM SHACKLETON explores the possibilities.
On the road again
Train Truckers meets Scrapheap Challenge as TIM SHACKLETON improvises a rail/road convoy out of a pile of cast-offs.
Building your first ‘O’ gauge wagon
The recent wave of new ‘O’ gauge locomotives has prompted new interest in 7mm scale modelling, but how do you start expanding your wagon fleet? MIKE WILD has the answer in Parkside Models’ simple to assemble kits.
Spring garden
With the huge range of off-the-shelf scenic products, HORNBY MAGAZINE sets out to show just how simple it can be to create an attractive miniature garden to enhance the background of a railway scene.
Model railway heritage
A new permanent model railway centre is being planned for Ashford. CLIFF PARSONS brings the story of the Ashford International Model Railway Education Centre up to date.
Heljan 'O' gauge 'Hymek' sound
In this exclusive online feature, MIKE WILD shows how a ZIMO digital sound decoder was installed into the latest version of Heljan's 'O' gauge 'Hymek' diesel-hydraulic.