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

BACHMANN ISSUES SUMMER UPDATE

EFE RAIL SUMMER UPDATE

DAPOL GIVES MORE 'PACERS' THE NOD

GRAB YOURSELF A BALLAST BUNDLE • – AND GET A FREE BOTTLE OF WEATHERING SOLUTION!

Modeller's Bookshelf • George Dent presents four new rail-themed titles to inspire and inform your modelling projects.

EXHIBITION DIARY – JUNE-JULY 2024

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 HITTING THE MARK • Dave Lowery has completed a host of 'O' gauge Mk 3 cars, for HST sets and locomotive haulage, although this is just the start of a greater odyssey!

Figures galore

Now you see it… • GEORGE DENT sat down to what he thought would be a straightforward weathering job, but things took an unexpected turn.

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

Small layout big impact • Online tutorials inspired Roger Marsh to head in a new direction and led to this surprisingly simple diesel layout.

3 things we like

STANDARD? ANYTHING BUT! • The BR Class 9F marked the pinnacle of steam locomotive design in the UK but, as NICK BRODRICK explains, the large fleet featured a couple of non-standard versions.

HOW TO UPGRADE A CROS TI '9F' • George Dent sets about improving Hornby's Franco-Crosti '9F', using a mix of off-the-shelf and homemade detailing parts.

Ore or nothing

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

BUILDINGS CULMSTOCK • Having already built a delightful rendition of Hemyock, Chris Nevard embarks on a journey to recreate another station on the former Culm Valley line.

THE BASEBOARD AND TRACK

Workbench • EXPERT MODELLERS SHOW YOU HOW

BUILDING FOWEY • The final piece in the 'jigsaw' of Peter Marriott's Cornish-themed layout is the china clay unloading shed. Here, Peter explains how he built it from scratch, with the aid of some useful materials.

HOW TO CREATE A LIFELIKE 3D SCENE • One of the highlights of last year's Warley show was a breathtaking diorama showcasing the potential of forced perspective. Paul Bambrick explains how this imaginative scene was created, while Neil Podbery describes the scenic techniques.

Revel in the detail • By keeping his layout compact, Kevin Mitchell was able to save space and focus on his favourite aspect of modelling.

3 things we like

Bachmann BR Class 25

3 things we like

Factfile: BR/Sulzer Class 25

Rails/Heljan BR/Metro-Vick Gas Turbine 18100

3 things we like

Factfile: BR/Metropolitan Vickers Gas Turbine 18100

Dapol Class 59

3 things we like

Hornby HST power cars & Mk 3 stock

3 things we like

Hornby Mk 3 HST stock

Hornby 'TT:120' LNER 'A4' 4-6-2

EFE Rail GWR...