Recent Posts

Bay Street Mk II makes its debut

ventured out for the first time at the Bristol exhibition on May 1-3. Here he reviews its debut and reveals what’s next for the layout.
It seemed like an impossible task a few days before Bay Street Mk II’s debut, but a succession of late nights meant that we made it to the show on-time and [...]

April’s scenic transformation

Scenery, buildings, backscenes, rolling stock and painting have all been part of the activity on Bay Street Mk II in the final month before its first exhibition outing. MIKE WILD updates progress just days before the layout was packed-up for its debut in Bristol.
Progress has been rapid during April. I started the month with two [...]

Bristol calling – the deadline approaches

As this issue closed for print, there were just four weeks to go until the Bristol Model Railway Exhibition and Bay Street Mk II’s debut. MIKE WILD reveals all the latest progress with the new project layout in the final update before its debut.

In September I set myself what some would call an impossible [...]

Latest News

Kernow announces ready-to-run Beattie!

Cornwall’s Kernow Model Rail Centre has announced that it will produce a ready-to-run ‘OO’ gauge model of the famous Beattie Well Tank 2-4-0WTs. Three of the class surved into BR ownership – 30585, 30586 and 30587 – and 30585 and 30587 have been preserved.
For the new model Kernow has commissioned Dapol Model Railways to produce [...]

Hornby launches Mk 3 DVT at DEMU showcase

In a surprise move Hornby has revealed that it will produced a previously un-announced model of the MK 3 Driving Van Trailer (DVT).
The DVT was officially unveiled at the 2009 DEMU Showcase held at the Bretby Conference Centre at Burton on Trent on June 6.

The Mk 3 DVT has been used on both the [...]

Bachmann’s releases new ‘3MT’ images

Bachmann has revealed the latest images of its forthcoming ‘OO’ scale BR Standard ‘3MT’ 2-6-2T locomotive, which is due to be released towards the end of the year.
The model features an opening smokebox door, detailed cab interior and different styles of lamp brackets and cab roofs with small or large opening air vents. Models will [...]

Tooling starts for Ixion’s Mk 2 ‘Manor’

Ixion Models says work has started on the tooling for its ‘N’ gauge Mk 2 ‘Manor’ 4-6-0. It follows investigations into its first version of the locomotive, whose dimensions were found to be around 8% out of scale.
Following five revisions of the CAD/CAM drawings, design work has now been signed-off and the factory has started [...]

Pendon commemorates Guy Williams

Pendon Museum in Long Wittenham, Oxfordshire (HM April/May) is holding an exhibition from August 29 in memory of the late Guy Williams who, in 1954, joined Roye England to found the legendary model railway.
For the three days of the August Bank Holiday only, Guy’s locomotives and trains will be operated, some on the museum’s new [...]

‘Contemporary Connections’ from ViTrains

Modellers of the current railway scene will be able to bring their fleets right up-to-date with a series of new versions of ViTrains’ popular Class 37 and Class 47 diesels in ‘OO’ scale available in the second quarter of the year.

Heading the list is a special twin-pack of Network Rail yellow Class 37s, numbered 97302 [...]

Maunsell and BR green for four- compartment Maunsell brake

Hornby is to produce its forthcoming Maunsell four-compartment third-class brake in four liveries following a decision to produce it in SR Maunsell green and BR green to compliment previously produced vehicles. Initially the four-compartment brake was announced for production in Bulleid green and BR carmine and cream to match this year’s new liveries.
The SR Maunsell [...]

Features

So you want to build a model railway?

Starting a new project is always the hardest part, particularly when faced with a multitude of choices. PAUL APPLETON discusses the choices that lie ahead on the road to creating a world in minature. Illustrations: John Wiffen.
Model railways are a wonderful pastime. They can take us back to a time of fond memories or allow [...]

Essential tools

Just what do you actually need in your tool box? Hornby Magazine shows what basic tools you will need to get started in railway modelling, without filling your house with excessive numbers of files, saws and pliers.
There are an awesome number of different tools that are available to assist in railway modelling projects, but with [...]

York, Leeds or King’s Cross?

The East Coast Main Line is one of the most loved in Britain, with its mix of glamorous express trains, heavy freight, and pottering local trains. ANTHONY NEW offers some suggestions for how to create authentic East Coast atmosphere at home.
With its history of Great Northern ‘Atlantics’, ‘A1’, ‘A3’ and ‘A4’ steam locomotives, Deltic diesels, [...]

Hornby Magazine – showing you how… Coaling up

Following the introduction of Hornby’s locomotive coaling stage to the Skaledale range, MIKE WILD shows how it can be simply included in a locomotive shed scene to grace any model railway.
Hornby’s range of Skaledale buildings have revolutionised railway modelling, particularly for new starters. The range continues to expand unabated and includes housing, railway structures such [...]