Model Rail

Model Rail magazine is the UK's biggest-selling magazine dedicated to railway modelling. Every issue is packed with the country’s finest home and club layouts, stunning photography, unbiased and in-depth product reviews, expert tips, layout plans and step-by-step articles that really show you how. In our unique ‘Workbench’ section, we tackle a wide range of modeling skills and projects. Our expert writers and model-makers will help you to get the most from your hobby and build the layout of your dreams. Model Rail is published 13 times a year, every four weeks.

Welcome

Opening the box • The latest happenings from the world of model railways

HORNBY TO LAUNCH 2025 RANGE • January 14 was the date on which Hornby publicly revealed its plans for 2025, with a number of exciting all-new projects on the cards. Although this issue hit the newsstands on January 16, subscriber copies were scheduled to go out up to five days before, meaning that we would breach Hornby’s embargo if we published the story. But do not fear, we’ll bring you the highlights of the range launch in next month’s issue and, in the meantime, check out Hornby’s website for the full lowdown of what to expect in the coming year.

NIR HUNSLET DECO SAMPLES REVEALED

EXCLUSIVE 'JONES GOODS' ARRIVES

Show & Tell • The place to share your projects with the Model Rail community.

Modeller's Bookshelf • George Dent presents a quartet of new titles to inspire and inform your modelling.

ON THE WORKBENCH • What new products have landed on George’s workbench this month?

EXHIBITION DIARY – JANUARY-MARCH 2025

Unusual scenes captured by the lens of Chris Nevard

News Real • Our full-size railways are constantly evolving, providing fresh inspiration for modelling projects. BEN JONES looks at a few of the latest developments that could soon be appearing on our layouts.

Staff Show & Tell POWER UPGRADE • Dave Lowery has been busy building a number of ‘O’ gauge HST power cars, using a recently upgraded metal kit.

Inside track with Ben Ando • Ben Ando is the founder of Revolution Trains and a regular contributor to Model Rail.

Lost without Lostwithiel • It has fascinated Rob Elliott so much that this is his third and finest rendition of Lostwithiel to date.

3 things we like

Workbench • Inspirational projects, advice and top tips that show you how

HOW TO BUILDING WHITEHALL HALT PART ONE • Chris Nevard takes us on the first leg of a journey towards recreating an impression of a rural Devonshire halt.

HOW TO BUILD A GWR PAGODA SHED • Chris Leigh tackles an ‘O’ gauge kit which creates a first-rate model of a GWR icon.

HOW TO BUILD PECO'S NEW 7MM SCALE WAGON KITS • George Dent dips his toes into 7mm scale narrow gauge modelling by assembling an exciting new range of wagon kits.

HOW TO MODEL PALLETISED GOODS • General goods are invariably transported on pallets these days, so Peter Marriott set out to see what was available to help detail the interior of his rail-served warehouse.

HOW TO KEEP YOUR RAILS CLEAN • Clean contact surfaces are vital to ensuring reliable layout operation. George Dent offers some simple tips to help keep your trains moving, and trials a new rail cleaning fluid.

HOW TO RECREATE A SNIPPET OF THE WEST HIGHLAND LINE • Peter Marriott shares one of his new projects, which aims to capture a tiny slice of this famous route.

Cheeky little number • Dave Finney decided to use as many of the leftover bits and bobs he had amassed to create a fun and portable layout, and at minimal extra cost.

3 things we like

Lionheart Trains BR '3MT' 2-6-2T

3 things we like

Factfile: BR Standard Class 3MT...