Model Railway Features
SULZER SOUNDS
The new Heljan Class 25/3 presented an opportunity to add extra functionality to the model as part of a sound installation. MIKE WILD installs a ZIMO chip into the new ‘OO’ gauge model with sound from Digitrains.
Railway Realism: Doncaster
Doncaster is synonymous with the word railway, having an extensive works and a large station, but had events taken a slightly different turn it might never have been on a main line at all, as EVAN GREEN-HUGHES found out.
Reality Check: The 4-BEP EMU
During the 1950s and 1960s the Southern Region massively extended its electrified network, and in doing so introduced a number of new classes of Electric Multiple Unit, with one of the least numerous of these being the 4-BEP which was designed to provide catering on services on the South Coast lines. EVAN GREEN-HUGHES looks into the history of this small but unusual class.
STAFF PROJECTS: EXPANSION PLAN
The opportunity to extend the ‘O’ gauge test track as the next step in its development was too good to pass up. MIKE WILD explains the changes and the next steps. Plus don't miss our Hornby Magazine Show video showing the expansion plan unfold.
Staff Projects: Narrow Escape
Earlier this year RICHARD WATSON embarked on an extension to Hornby Magazine’s ‘OO9’ narrow gauge layout. Three months later the project is complete, for now...
British Railways Mk 1 carriages
Born out of necessity and constructed in a time of skill and material shortage the BR Mk 1 coach was one of the outstanding success stories of the nationalisation era. EVAN GREEN-HUGHES looks back on its history.
VIDEO: Locoman Sounds Thompson 'Pacific' sounds
Locoman Sounds has introduced a series of new sound profiles for the Doehler & Haass sound decoder family to replicate the Thompson 'A2/2' and 'A2/3' 4-6-2s. In the latest issue we show how to install this new sound decoder in the Hornby 4-6-2 while in this video MIKE WILD demonstrates the sound functions of two of the four versions.
VIDEO: Hornby 'A2/3' sound installation guide
In the latest issue of Hornby Magazine we illustrate how to install digital sound in the new Hornby 'A2/2' 4-6-2. For our second related installation MIKE WILD demonstrates the installation process for the closely related 'A2/3' on video using the new Locoman Sounds sound project.
Hitachi IEP Class 800
Launched with a massive fanfare in 2017, the Hitachi Class 800 and its derivatives are set to become the predominant express train in use in this country. EVAN GREEN-HUGHES looks into the development of this futuristic unit.
Perfect Running
Trevor Jones has built the incredible 'OO' gauge garden railway, modeled after Flackwell Heath station. See the build, as well as some great tips here.
CHASSIS REBUILDS
A handful of model types have suffered from failure of the metal in the chassis. TIM SHACKLETON looks at the problem of so-called mazak rot and finds a quick and simple way of countering its effects to restore your models to life.
Coal yard construction
In the first of a three-part guide, DAN EVASON shows how to build a small coal yard diorama in ‘OO’ gauge using readily available laser cut kits and scenic materials.
Reality Check: The ‘Coronation Scot’
The 1930s saw remarkable advances in railway technology, which produced improved journey times and better comfort for travellers. One of the most progressive trains of this time was the London Midland & Scottish Railway’s ‘Coronation Scot’ - an initiative that war cut short, as EVAN GREEN-HUGHES explains.
THOMPSON CHOICES
Locoman Sounds has introduced a set of new sound profiles for the Hornby ‘A2/2’ and ‘A2/3’ 4-6-2s with four different versions to suit the two classes in different eras. MIKE WILD shows how to install the sound profile on a Doehler & Haass sound chip into the BR era ‘Pacifics’.
Railway Realism: Settle-Carlisle railway
Soaring high into the Pennines in spectacular scenery, the Settle & Carlisle Railway has always held a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts and modellers. However, this railway had a troubled history with threats to its existence from the very start. EVAN GREEN-HUGHES explains.
Staff Projects: Track Painting
Hornby Magazine’s ‘OO9’ narrow gauge layout expansion is fast becoming an idyllic scene. RICHARD WATSON shows us how he brought the track to life on the layout.
Derby’s Class 25/3
Perhaps one of the most recognisable diesel locomotives of the 1960s was the popular and versatile Class 25, a design that reached its best with its final version, the 25/3, which first appeared in 1965, as EVAN GREEN-HUGHES describes.
VIDEO: Bachmann Class 45 with ZIMO digital sound
In the latest issue of Hornby Magazine - HM167, May 2021 - we show how to install sound and stay alive into the popular Bachmann Class 45 1Co-Co1 for 'OO' gauge. In this video Mike Wild demonstrates the completed model on Topley Dale.
Stay alive with DCC Concepts
DCC Concepts has gone back to the drawing board to create its new range of stay alives using smaller components and a flexible system which allows for easier positioning of parts within a locomotive. Read the full story here and watch our video demonstration.
Electric Train Heat Class 37/4
The Class 37 is nearing its 60th birthday and continues in daily use on the national network. One of the most useful variants is the ‘37/4’, which was upgraded to supply Electric Train Heat in the 1980s. EVAN GREEN-HUGHES looks at the development and life of this 31 strong sub-fleet.
Britain’s Most Powerful: Gresley's ‘P2’
In the first of a series of special features highlighting the best of British railway engineering, TREVOR JONES turns his attention to the imposing Gresley ‘P2’ 2-8-2s by explaining their importance and showing their potential in model form ahead of Hornby’s new release.
HEAVY METAL PART TWO: 'N' gauge steam locomotive weathering
Less is usually more when it comes to creating effective weathering effects in the smaller scales. Having gone for broke with a battle-scarred ‘WD’, TIM SHACKLETON opts for the subtle approach with a further selection of heavy freight locomotives.
EYE IN THE SKY
A modeller's Model railways are viewed from above in most circumstances, but how much do we really think about how the landscape around the line looks? TIM SHACKLETON takes to the air to discover how railways really interact with their surroundings.
GRAND CENTRAL Mk 4 REPAINTS
Grand Central’s short-lived plan to introduce Class 90 hauled Mk 4 carriage formations on the West Coast Main Line inspired JOHN PILGRIM to repaint a rake of 1990s era Hornby models. Here he explains his process for this ‘OO’ gauge project.
The Brush Class 31
The Brush Type 2, better known as the Class 31, is iconic and long-lived. Read more to find out about this incredible locomotive.
‘Peak’ practice
The Bachmann Class 45 is a simple locomotive for a sound installation project, as MIKE WILD shows in this guide using a ZIMO sound decoder.
Dining by Rail
Dining on the rails was once an essential part of long-distance travel, but now this facility is limited to very few routes alongside special or tourist trains. EVAN GREEN-HUGHES investigates how changing times have led to the demise of the restaurant car.
Staff Projects: A Stone's throw away...
Hornby Magazine’s ‘OO9’ narrow gauge layout expansion is off to a flying start. RICHARD WATSON shows us how he tackled the first of the manmade structures on the layout.
VIDEO: Bachmann Class 20/3 sound installation
Bachmann's latest generation Class 20 model features a Plux22 decoder socket and a factory fitted 15mm x 11mm speaker. In this sound installation guide Mike Wild shows how simple it is to install a ZIMO MX645P22 sound decoder with Digitrains ZS20ASL sound file and demonstrates the performance of the factory fitted speaker.
VIDEO: Bachmann Fowler '7F' 2-8-0 sound demonstration
In the latest issue of Hornby Magazine we show how to install a ZIMO sound decoder with YouChoos sound into the Bachmann Fowler '7F' 2-8-0. Join Mike Wild in the workshop as he demonstrates the sound projects features on Topley Dale.