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

ACCURASCALE'S FIRST ‘O’ LOCO TO BE R&H 88DS

CAVALEX UPDATES

GWR KITS FROM BRASSMASTERS

In Brief

MR'S EXCLUSIVE CLASS ‘31’ DELAYED…

In Brief

STEAM-ERA FILLING STATION

Modeller's Bookshelf • Four new titles that will appeal to modellers and general enthusiasts alike.

ON THE WORKBENCH • What new items have appeared in George's workshop this month?

…and finally

EXHIBITION DIARY – OCTOBER–NOVEMBER 2023

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 Another ‘69’ hits the rails • Dave Lowery has completed another Class 69 conversion, but this time it was a little easier.

TALES FROM THE TALYLLYN • Peter Marriott's narrow gauge travels took him to another of the Great Little Trains of Wales.

TURBOT-CHARGED • George Dent's BR engineers’ wagon fleet has been expanding, with the addition of several ‘Dutch’ ballast carriers.

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

Salvage with heritage • A repurposed baseboard got Doug Johnson on track with a layout reflecting his Dean Forest Railway preservation experience.

3 things we like

Last of its kind • BR had high hopes for what would be its final diesel locomotive type but, as Ben Jones recounts, early design flaws, privatisation and the decline of heavy industry prevented these imposing freight machines from reaching their full potential.

HOW TO CUSTOMISE A CLASS 60 • George Dent models a pair of EWS-era ‘Tugs’, each featuring unusual livery quirks that are simple to recreate with the help of decals and a lick of paint.

HOW TO CREATE A STONE RETAINING WALL • George Dent builds a bespoke retaining wall for his layout, using textured plastic sheet, foamboard and a little imagination…

HOW TO CREATE A ROCKY RIVER SCENE • Peter Marriott models a fast-flowing river for a friend's layout, located over 100 miles away, leading to a few challenges.

HOW TO SCRATCHBUILD A STEAM LOCOMOTIVE IN ‘O’ GAUGE PART THERE • With assembly of the Fowler ‘Compound’ 4-4-0 locomotive completed last month, Jim Smith turns his attention to the tender.

Testing Times • It's often said that modern train testing facilities resemble giant model railways. Ben Jones thinks this makes them the perfect inspiration for a layout where you can always keep up to date with the latest developments in rolling stock.

LINESIDE FEATURES

Increased timetable • Serial layout builder Steve Fay turned around this Southern region diorama in double-quick time, and it's already gone to its new owner.

Heljan Class 55 ‘Deltic’ (later version) • ◆ GAUGE ‘O’ ◆ MODEL Heljan 5531 BR Class 55 ‘Deltic’ 55019 Royal Highland Fusilier, BR blue (preserved) ◆ PRICE £729.00 ◆ AVAILABILITY Heljan stockists Web www.heljan.co.uk

Hornby ‘Tyne Dock’ BR Class 9F 2-10-0 • ◆ GAUGE ‘OO’ ◆ MODEL...