REVIEWS
Read all the latest product reviews from the Hornby Magazine team covering 'OO', 'N' and 'O' gauge as well as a broad spectrum of model eras and product types. Plus, look out for the Video tag for feature videos included within reviews as well as the Hornby Magazine Express Video tag for our quick overview videos.
Bogie upgrades for Heljan Mk 1s
Heljan has issued a new batch of 7mm scale Mk 1 carriages with two new designs of bogie. MIKE WILD takes a closer look at the First Corridor and Gangway Brake models.
Kato's Class 800 debut
Japanese manufacturer Kato isn’t a well known brand in British model railway circles with just one rolling stock product to its name for UK layouts. However, it has a new high-profile release for ‘N’ gauge: the Hitachi Class 800. MIKE WILD takes stock of this exciting new addition.
Revolution Trains Cemflo wagons
Revolution Trains’ latest arrival for ‘N’ gauge models the Cemflo cement wagon. MIKE WILD checks over this attractive new release.
Kernow's LSWR Road Vans
The latest exclusive product to be created by Kernow Model Rail Centre is the LSWR Road Van for ‘OO’ gauge. MARK CHIVERS inspects this new release ahead of delivery in July.
Hornby Maglight lighting system
Following the release of its illuminated four and six-wheel carriages (HM164), Hornby has now released its bespoke magnetic LED lighting system as a standalone unit.
Natural Scenics track underlay
Natural Scenics has added a new range of foam track underlay pieces to its range of ‘OO’ gauge materials and accessories. Manufactured from grey cellular foam, each part is pre-cut to match the geometry of the equivalent Hornby ‘OO’ gauge track piece.
Flat-pack Wickham
New from N Brass Locomotives is this ‘N’ gauge Wickham Type 27 permanent way trolley kit. Supplied as an etched metal fret, the pack contains all the main components to complete a detailed non-working 2mm scale example of these diminutive vehicles.
ModelU signalbox interior detailing
ModelU has added a selection of signalbox interior parts to its range of 3D printed accessories. For review, we received a selection of 4mm scale items for fitting out the interior of a traditional signalbox.
Bespoke station signage
Pacific Models is offering a new custom service to customers wishing to create their own bespoke station signage in any scale. Prototype or fictitious names can be incorporated into the design, together with a choice of regional BR colours, for the background.
North West Rail Atlas
A recent addition from Crecy is this impressively detailed Liverpool & Manchester Railway Atlas.Despite the title, this atlas actually covers more than just those two cities, with the extremities included chosen on a route basis.
LB&SCR Carriages
New from the Historical Model Railway Society (HMRS) is the fourth volume on London Brighton & South Coast Railway (LB&SCR) carriages, which focuses on bogie passenger vehicles between 1906 and 1924.
SR 0-6-0 freight engines
Freight locomotives may not have appeared as glamorous as their express passenger counterparts, yet some featured distinctive characteristics all of their own, such as the Southern Railway’s ‘Q1’ 0-6-0s.
Swindon Rail Scene
SWINDON has long held a fascination as a rail centre, especially in the years before the GWR’s famous Works closed. As this latest picture volume’s title suggests, the book aims to cover a significant period in Swindon’s railway heritage - 1971 to 1989.
Metro Matters
Remarkably, 2020 marked the 40th anniversary of the opening of the first stretch of the Tyne and Wear Metro in Newcastle. Colin Alexander is the author of this new book from Amberley about the light railway system.
1980s WR Freight
This new collection of photographs compiled by Kevin Redwood recalls the variety of freight trains on BR’s Western Region throughout the 1980s. During this period, much of the rolling stock was replaced by air-braked vehicles and a good variety of these have been captured, as well as some of the older vehicles which were on borrowed time.
Hornby models the ‘Coronation Scot'
Authentic models of the stunning blue and silver ‘Coronation Scot’ carriages have long been wanted for ‘OO’ gauge. MIKE WILD inspects Hornby’s all-new set of models for this famous train.
Wonderful Warflats
Trains4U has received its exclusive model of the PFB/KFA ‘Warflat ’ for ‘OO’ gauge. MARK CHIVERS reviews this new arrival.
Blue 'Merchant' arrives
For the first time since 2017, a new version of Hornby’s sought-after Bulleid airsmoothed ‘Merchant Navy’ has arrived. MIKE WILD takes a closer look at 35024.
Lionheart’s Mk 1s
2021 marks 70 years since introduction of the British Railways Mk 1 carriage design and Lionheart Trains has just delivered the first of its all-new ‘O’ gauge ready-to-run models. MIKE WILD finds out if these could be the definitive version for 7mm scale.
SMS TERRACE SHOP
New from Scale Model Scenery (SMS) is this 4mm scale laser-cut multifront terrace shop kit. This latest addition to the SMS range of model accessories and kits builds into a standalone terrace shop with rear porch.
Gaugemaster ballaster
Gaugemaster has launched laser-cut track ballasting tool, suitable for ‘N’ and ‘OO’ gauge use, to its range of model railway accessories. Supplied flat-packed on stout laser-cut MDF frets, the parts build up into sturdy units thanks to their slot and tab design.
SMS’ platform shelter
New from Scale Model Scenery is this 4mm scale laser-cut wooden platform shelter kit. Based on a North Eastern Region prototype at Robin Hood’s Bay in North Yorkshire, the kit is formed of laser-cut wooden components on three frets of varying thicknesses.
SMS Skate Park
New to the Scale Model Scenery (SMS) range of model railway kits and accessories is this 4mm scale skate or BMX park.
LOC cabinets and point machines for 'O'
If you are looking for a few finishing touches to a lineside scene, these new ‘O’ gauge relay cabinets and point machines from Old Duffer's Chuffers certainly fit the bill.
DMG lighting strip
DMG Electech has introduced a new interior lighting strip. It is designed for use with ‘OO’ gauge multiple units and coaching stock and this latest offering differs from many of the similar products on the market in that it is made up of individual LED Printed Circuit Boards.
DRM speedometer
If you have ever wondered how fast your model locomotives are travelling, then wonder no more as this digital speed sensor should provide the answer.
Hobby Trax CDU
New from Hobby Trax are these Tyson Capacitor Discharge Units (CDUs), suitable for use with all solenoid point motors. A CDU stores electricity on board to provide instant power when changing power demanding solenoid point motors.
Routemex ‘pick and mix’
Routemex has introduced a new modular junction signal system to its range of ‘O’ gauge signal kits. Differing slightly from previous kits, the new system revolves around a junction signal post kit to which your choice of signal head and route indicator can be added.
The Acquired Wagons of British Railways Vol. 3
This third volume in the series from OPC focuses on the wooden-bodied coal wagons built for private owners and railway companies from 1923 and absorbed by British Railways on Nationalisation.
Last Years of the Class 50s
Strathwood Publishing's latest large format landscape book provides an ideal showcase for the final chapter of British Rail’s Class 50s in regular service, looking at the last 15 years or so of main line operations between 1980 and 1994.