Model Railways - The Latest News
Keep up to date with the latest model railway news as it happens with the Hornby Magazine team. We cover all major scales and gauges, manufacturers, product types and more. Check back regularly to see the latest stories and use the menu above to search the news for your preference of scale.
HORNBY 2021: PLAYTRAINS
In 2021 Hornby is introducing an exciting new children’s range of interactive train packs and sets – Hornby Playtrains.
2020 product release dates
Hornby has provided an update on the arrival timescales for its remaining all-new products from the 2020 range covering the Thompson 'A2s', 'W1', Class 91, BR '2MT', APT and 'Coronation' carriages for 'OO'.
Locomotion and Rails limited edition ‘V2s’
Four exclusive editions using Bachmann’s all-new model of the Gresley ‘V2’ 2-6-2 for ‘OO’ gauge have been announced by Locomotion Models and Rails of Sheffield. The limited editions are due for release in 2021 alongside Bachmann’s main batch of new ‘V2s’.
Heljan 2021 FREE catalogue PDF!
FREE SUBSCRIBER ACCESS! Heljan has released its 2021 catalogue and Hornby Magazine subscribers can view it now for free! Sign in or sign up to gain access to the Heljan 2021 catalogue here on KeyModelWorld and read our news story too.
Heljan reveals 2021 catalogue
Heljan has revealed its new catalogue for 2021 including new products for 'OO' and 'O' gauge and new liveries for previous models. Highlights include an LMS inspection saloon for 'O' gauge plus details of the Class 02 shunter for 'OO'. Read the full story here.
FIRST LOOK: Accurascale Class 37
Accurascale has received the first engineering sample for its eagerly anticipated all-new 'OO' gauge model of the English Electric Class 37. Take a closer look here at the split headcode version.
Drax Biomass hoppers for 'N'
Revolution Trains has teamed up with Rails of Sheffield for its next 'N' gauge wagon, the IIA-D biomass hopper (UIC code: Tafoos) used on traffic to and from Drax power station.
Revolution bags Gypsum containers in 'N'
Revolution Trains is planning to offer the distinctive 20ft British Gypsum containers as separate items for 'N' gauge modellers to utilise as loads for their existing bogie KFA or four-wheel PFA container flats.
Rapido Trains UK launches
Rapido Trains has officially launched its UK division – Rapido Trains UK - with a series of newly tooled British-outline models including three ‘OO’ gauge projects, an ‘N’ gauge locomotive and more 1:76 scale double-decker buses.
WIN! A Hornby Christmas Hamper worth over £440!
Hornby and Hornby Magazine are offering a chance to win one of Hornby’s new Family Fun Christmas Hampers (Cat No. R1278) in our latest exclusive competition. The closing date for entries is January 25 2021.
Accurascale 'OO' D6700 for Locomotion Models
Locomotion Models has commissioned a special limited edition 'OO' gauge model of Accurascale's forthcoming BR Class 37 Co-Co diesel for its expanding National Collection in Miniature range.
Second sample for Hornby APT
Hornby has received a second updated engineering sample of its new Class 370 Advanced Passenger Train for ‘OO’ gauge following on from the first sample shown in the Great Electric Train Show Virtual Exhibition in October.
Hornby ‘Coronation Scot’ carriages gain colour
Hornby has received complete decorated samples of its LMS ‘Coronation Scot’ carriages for ‘OO’ gauge covering the Brake Third Corridor (Cat No. R4960), Brake First Corridor (R4961), First Corridor (R4962), Kitchen Car (R4963), Restaurant First Open (R4964) and Restaurant Third Open (R4965A).
Deco samples for ‘OO’ IWA Holdall and Timber-carriers
Revolution Trains has received decorated samples of its forthcoming ‘OO’ gauge IWA bogie holdall vans and timber-carrying flat wagons. 200 were built in Germany during the 1980s, with around 40 vehicles subsequently converted to timber carriers in 2006.
First EP for Revolution ‘N’ gauge PFA
First Engineering Prototype (EP) samples of Revolution Trains’ forthcoming ‘N’ gauge PFA four-wheel container flat wagons and containers have been received for evaluation.
Green light for more Pendolinos in ‘N’
Revolution Trains' proposed second production run of its popular ‘N’ gauge Pendolino Electric Multiple Units (EMUs) is going ahead.
Cavalex opens order book for 'OO' PHA/JGA stone hoppers
Cavalex Models has opened the pre-order book for its forthcoming 'OO' gauge PHA/JGA bogie stone hopper wagons.
Locomotion and Rails reveal LNWR 'Improved Precedent'
Locomotion Models and Rails of Sheffield have revealed a brand new 'OO' gauge model of LNWR 'Improved Precedent' 2-4-0. The model is being made by Bachmann and is due for release in Summer 2021.
Dapol adds 14ton Anchor Mounted Tanks for 'O'
Dapol has unveiled plans for all-new 'O' gauge 14ton anchor-mounted tank wagons. The central anchor-mounted design was developed in the mid-1940s and featured all-steel supporting saddles.
Heljan 'O' Class 60 rerun
Heljan has announced that a new batch of its 'O' gauge BR Class 60 Co-Co diesels have been approved for production in a selection of BR Sectorisation and privatised era freight colour schemes.
'Victory' 0-6-0T for 'OO' from Planet Industrials
Planet Industrials has unveiled plans for its first 'OO' gauge ready-to-run locomotive - a Kerr Stuart 'Victory' 0-6-0T.
First sample of 'O' gauge Presflo arrives
Ellis Clark Trains has received the first Engineering Prototype (EP) sample of its forthcoming 'O' gauge Presflo wagon.
Heljan reveals Class 104 DMU for ‘OO’
Heljan has announced that it is developing a ready-to-run 'OO' gauge model of the popular BR Class 104 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU).
Accurascale unveils new 'OO' 21ton mineral wagons
Accurascale has revealed plans for two new 'OO' gauge 21ton mineral wagons as part of an expanding 'Powering Britain' range of wagons which already includes the 24.5ton HUO hopper wagon and recently-announced HYA and IIA bogie hoppers.
Gold-plated Clan Line surfaces
Hornby has shared images of its forthcoming special Centenary year limited edition 'OO' gauge model of Bulleid rebuilt 'Merchant Navy' 35028 Clan Line in BR lined green with late crests (Cat No. R3824), bearing gleaming gold-plated metal parts.
Dapol Class 122 samples for 'O'
Dapol has released images of its brand-new production Class 122 DMUs for 'O' gauge ahead of their expected release in the fourth quarter of this year. See the samples here and watch Dapol's introductory video.
Rails' 'OO' Gas Turbine gains colour
Rails of Sheffield received the first decorated pre-production sample of its forthcoming exclusive 'OO' gauge BR gas turbine locomotive, 18000, in BR green with late crests during October for evaluation.
Wickham Trolley in 'O' next for Ellis Clark Trains
Ellis Clark Trains has unveiled plans to produce the Wickham Type 27 Inspection trolley and trailer cars for its next ready-to-run 'O' gauge project.
Dapol reveals 'O' gauge streamlined railcar
Dapol has announced plans to produce the Great Western Railway (GWR) streamlined railcar for ‘O’ gauge.
Heljan GWR railcars are ready for production
The new ‘OO’ and ‘O’ gauge models of the GWR AEC railcars from Heljan have now been approved for production. On release they will be available in six liveries covering GWR chocolate and cream, BR carmine and cream and BR green.