Reviews

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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.

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Peco’s Small England for 'OO9' gauge

Peco’s hugely anticipated Small England ‘OO9’ gauge locomotive arrives -but does this little engine live up to big expectations? RICHARD WATSON takes a closer look at this exciting new narrow gauge model.

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Edwardian Steam

CONSIDERED by many to be the golden age of steam, the Edwardian era witnessed much change on the railways, especially in terms of the motive power as new more powerful locomotives were developed.

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Rapido’s SECR Open Wagons for 'OO'

Rapido Trains UK has rapidly followed up its debut wagon releases with newly-tooled ‘OO’ gauge South Eastern & Chatham Railway five and seven-plank open wagons. MARK CHIVERS takes a closer look.

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SHUNTERS - The Hornby Class 08 diesel

The Hornby Class 08 diesel shunter is a must-have for any layout set after 1952. MIKE WILD inspects two new arrivals offering eye-catching modern liveries on this popular part of the Hornby ‘OO’ gauge range.

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Accurascale’s 'OO' gauge ‘Deltic' debut

The legendary Class 55 ‘Deltic’ is Accurascale’s first ready-to-run powered model for ‘OO’ gauge – and what a model it is. MIKE WILD brings you the full story on what could be the definitive ‘Deltic’.

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NCE Powercab caddy

New from Hobbytrax is this 3D printed controller caddy designed for the NCE Powercab system.

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BR Mk 1 and Mk 2 coaching stock

HUGH Longworth’s previously outof-print reference work on British Rail Mk 1 and Mk 2 coaching stock makes a welcome return to the Crecy portfolio, with this fully revised edition.

Hornby Sentinel 0-6-0DH for OO gauge Review Premium

Hornby’s new Sentinel 0-6-0DH sails in

Despite only being announced in January, Hornby’s newly-tooled ‘OO’ gauge Sentinel 0-6-0DH has arrived with retailers. MARK CHIVERS casts a glance over this latest addition to the range.

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20T Coke Hopper

TIM SHACKLETON

Hornby has filled a prominent gap in the market with its new ‘OO’ gauge wagons. TIM SHACKLETON checks over the fine detail.

TIM SHACKLETON
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Hornby K-Type Pullmans gain new numbers

MARK CHIVERS

Hornby’s ‘OO’ gauge all-steel K-Type Pullman cars (HM98) receive new identities for their latest release which includes Pullman Parlour Second No. 83, Pullman Brake Second No. 80 and Pullman Parlour First

MARK CHIVERS
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Gloss finish for the nation’s ‘A3’

MARK CHIVERS

There is no doubt the main-line return of the National Railway Museum’s (NRM) Gresley ‘A3’ 60103 in 2016 was a highlight of the year.

MARK CHIVERS
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Mr Cement

MARK CHIVERS

Albion Alloys’ range of modelling supplies includes this handy bottle of Mr Cement liquid plastic glue which is part of the Mr Hobby range.

MARK CHIVERS
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Heljan’s heavy weight ‘Grid’ Class 56 for 'O' gauge

The 3,300hp Class 56s brought new power to Britain’s freight traffic and a distinctive engine note with their turbo charged Ruston Paxman engine. MIKE WILD inspects Heljan’s eagerly awaited first ready-to-run model of the Type 5 for ‘O’ gauge.

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Hornby revises its Gresley ‘A3’

The Gresley ‘A1’/‘A3’ 4-6-2s are a longstanding part of the Hornby range, but this year they have been upgraded with newly tooled components and firebox flicker. MIKE WILD checks out the first two arrivals.

Dapol Class 121 for O gauge Review Premium

Dapol’s 'Bubble' expands with 'O' gauge Class 121

The single-car Class 121 DMU is one of the most colourful and long-lived first generation multiple units to run on the railway network. MIKE WILD inspects Dapol’s brand-new offering for ‘O’ gauge.

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KMS'S EXCLUSIVE EWS STEEL WAGONS

KMS Railtech has commissioned a series of exclusive EWS era Cavalex steel wagons for ‘OO’ gauge. MIKE WILD takes a closer look at these modern era BBA and BLA wagons.

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Rapido debuts its Gunpowder van for 'OO' gauge

The first ready-to-run ‘OO’ gauge freight wagon from Rapido Trains UK has arrived – the RCH gunpowder van. MIKE WILD inspects this new release.

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Oxford Rail’s Great Eastern box vans

Oxford Rail has completed its newly-tooled ‘OO’ gauge Great Eastern Railway 10ton covered van. MARK CHIVERS checks out this latest release.

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Oxford Rail ‘Pilchard’ debuts

Oxford Rail’s eagerly-awaited ‘OO’ gauge ‘Pilchard’ engineers’ wagon has arrived. MARK CHIVERS examines this new addition to the range.

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ACCURASCALE’S MGR HOPPERS ARRIVE

The BR HAA merry-go-round hopper is an icon of the freight scene as much as the HST is for passenger trains. MIKE WILD inspects the first of Accurascale’s all-new ‘OO’ gauge models of these longlived coal wagons.

Hornby rebuilt W1 4-6-4 Review Premium

Hornby’s rebuilt ‘W1’ 4-6-4s

We’ve seen the original condition model of Gresley’s unique 4-6-4 and now Hornby has delivered its enticing version of the rebuilt locomotive. MIKE WILD inspects the ‘W1’ with ‘A4’ style streamlined casing with video of the first models in action on our test track.

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Revolution's 'OO' gauge IWA timber wagons

Having recently reviewed Revolution Trains’ newly-tooled ‘OO’ gauge IWA Sfins2 holdall ferry vans (HM177), the later IWA Rfnoos timber carrier conversions are also now available.

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Revolution IWAs

‘N’ gauge modellers are in for a treat with Revolution Trains’ new IWA wagons. MARK CHIVERS inspects these latest arrivals.

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West Hill Wagon Works magnetic APT couplings

West Hill Wagon Works has worked its magic with a new range of magnetic couplings to suit the recently released Hornby ‘OO’ gauge model of the Class 370 Advanced Passenger Train.

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West Hill Wagon Works 3D printed railings

West Hill Wagon Works has added a set of 4mm scale 3D-printed contemporary key clamp safety railings to its expanding range of model details and accessories.

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Oxford Diecast Scania S Series Highline

New from Oxford Diecast is this 1:76 scale new generation Scania S Series Highline with refrigerated trailer.

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Modelu3D depot detail accessories

Modelu’s extensive range of 3D-printed finescale figures and accessories is bolstered with the addition of a new 1:76 scale fitter’s cupboard and workbench.

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Modelu Double Fairlie crew

With the popularity of Bachmann’s recentlyreleased ‘OO9’ Double Fairlie 0-4-4-0T, Modelu has added four new packs of 4mm scale footplate crew designed specifically for the locomotive.

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Minerva’s diesel debut: the Class 14 'Teddy Bear'

Specialist ‘O’ gauge manufacturer Minerva Model Railways has produced its first ever ready-to-run diesel locomotive modelling the characterful but short-lived Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’. MIKE WILD finds out what this diesel-hydraulic has to offer.

Accurascale HYA wagons Review Premium

ACCURASCALE'S SUPER-DETAILED HYA HOPPERS

Coal, biomass and aggregates hoppers from the HYA and IIA wagons fleets are arriving from Accurascale offering a new choice of modern freight wagon. MIKE WILD explores their value with brand-new video and exclusive online only images.