Layout features

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Welcome to our collection of model railway layout features. Here you will find beautifully detailed model railways in 'OO' gauge, 'N' gauge, 'O' gauge, 'OO9' narrow gauge and more offering a huge variety of build designs and inspirational techniques. Plus our growing collection covers a broad spectrum of different periods in railway history as well as all four corners of the British railway network while many feature exclusive KeyModelWorld only video tours. Indulge and enjoy!

Explore the amazing model railways built by talented individuals and clubs which feature in the pages of Hornby Magazine. This section covers 'OO', 'EM', 'P4', 'N', and 'O' gauge model railways and more in all eras. Plus many now feature exclusive online video content which you can only find here on Key Model World.

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Cley-on-sea 'OO' gauge late 1960s Eastern Region layout

Norfolk in the 1960s is the setting for RUSSELL PIGOTT’S home-based layout, with lengthy runs and a wide variety of operation in ‘OO’ scale.

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Appleton Junction - East Coast Main Line in the transition years

Modelling a fictional section of the East Coast Main Line south of York, Appleton Junction recreates the spectacle of the transition years in the 1950s and 1960s, as PETER BRACKENBURY describes. Photography, Mike Wild.

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Beckwick - third-rail electrics by the seaside

BECKENHAM & WEST WICKHAM MODEL RAILWAY CLUB chose British Railways’ Southern Region for their ‘OO’ gauge exhibition layout, which evokes the feel of the transition years – with added third-rail.

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Dawlish Warren - Devon in 'N' gauge

With just a hint of sea wall, red sandstone cliffs and a four-track section of main line, CHRIS MORRIS explains how he set out to model one of Devon’s most popular holiday locations in ‘N’ gauge.

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Little Bytham - the East Coast Main Line in 'OO'

This long-lost East Coast Main Line outpost is the scene for TONY WRIGHT’S stunning 'OO' gauge layout, featuring 'Pacifics' hauling expresses at speed during steam's Indian Summer.

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Operating The Great Central Railway

The first phase of our new project layout for the Yearbook is complete. Mike Wild takes a closer look at how it will operate, its rolling stock and future plans for development. Photography, Richard Watson.

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Old Oak Bridge - the 1980-1990s in 'OO' gauge

The 1990s atmosphere around Old Oak Common Depot was the inspiration for GARY PAYNE'S ‘OO' gauge home-based layout -a scene that has changed beyond all recognition today.

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Broad Sidlinch revisited - the S&D in 'OO' gauge

The Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway is the setting for this fascinating ‘OO’ gauge layout which is now operated by the North Norfolk Model Railway Enthusiasts at Holt station on the North Norfolk Railway. PAUL GOLDSMITH takes us on a return journey to discover how this layout has been refurbished for a new lease of life.

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Rosebury Goods - 1980s Midlands freight scene

The grimy industry of the Black Country in the 1980s is the setting for NEIL WOODBINE’s latest ‘OO’ gauge layout, which demonstrates the atmosphere which can be achieved in a small space.

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Launceston Steam Railway - Cornish narrow gauge steam

The 2ft gauge Launceston Steam Railway in Cornwall was an instant choice for RICHARD HOLDER for his charming ‘OO9’ narrow gauge layout. He reveals its story and unique features.

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Gowerton Parkway - South Wales in the early 2000s

Based on the busy and varied South Wales network in the first decade of this century, MARCUS LAMBERT’s ‘OO’ gauge layout captures the colour and vibrancy of the scene to grand effect. Photography, Trevor Jones.

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Bradford-on-Tone - the hydraulic era on the Western

The lure of the hydraulic era was too much to resist for the Somerset Railway Modellers Club which took its popular ‘OO’ gauge layout Oake forward a decade for a new look. Steve Pike explains all. Photography, Trevor Jones.

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Seven Mills Sidings and Bench Road 'O' gauge layout

Originally conceived as a multi-era scene, this busy and compact ‘O’ gauge layout has led an eventful life. ANDY PETERS explains its journey from start to finish. Photography, Mike Wild.

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Humphrey Road Sidings 'OO' gauge shunting layout

What if nationalisation had never happened? That's what NORMAN AND MEG RAVEN set out to explore in their 1950s Southern Railway goods scene in ‘OO’ gauge with a distinctly chilly feel. Read the full feature with an exclusive KeyModelWorld online video tour.

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Dart Valley Junction - the Western Region 1940-1960

A holiday in Devon inspired ERIC AUSTIN to return to railway modelling – and in a small space he has captured the essence of the region beautifully in ‘OO’ gauge. Photography, Trevor Jones.