Model Railways

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Featuring Hornby Magazine 

Read the full Hornby Magazine issue in PDF format or dip into our reformatted online features for KeyModelWorld at your leisure. 

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Latest news and features from model railway on Key Model World

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Building Norton Bridge signalbox

The imposing Norton Bridge signalbox is just one of the exclusive PJM-Key Publishing laser-cut kits for ‘OO’ scale available from the Key Model World Shop. MIKE WILD offers top tips for its construction and shows how to paint it and install the interior kit.

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West Hill Wagon Works Lamps

Adding those finishing touches can really make a difference to a model and these new 4mm scale 3D-printed London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) and British Railways (BR) lamps from West Hill Wagon Works (WHWW) will do just that.

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Scale Model Scenery Greenhouse

Scale Model Scenery’s (SMS) range of 4mm scale laser-cut kits and detailing accessories is bolstered with this delightful new greenhouse.

Cavalex adds first-built Class 60

Cavalex Models is to produce first-built Class 60 60001 Steadfast in as-delivered condition with custom tooling developed for its all-new ‘OO’ gauge model.

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Millsbridge in 'N' gauge

Based on a real location, this BR steam era layout recaptures the gritty atmosphere of West Yorkshire. RICHARD STOTT explains how it was built and why it has two different gauges of track with an exclusive full video tour of this stunning layout.

Cavalex reveals Adaptive Magnetic Detail

A new system from Cavalex Models promises to make fitment of buffer beam detail easier.  

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Graham Farish ‘Dance Hall’ Brake Van

New from Bachmann’s Graham Farish range is this South Eastern and Chatham Railway (SECR) ‘Dance Hall’ brake van for ‘N’ gauge.

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Rapido RCH 1907 Private Owner Wagons

These all-new ‘OO’ gauge wagons model prototypes of which many thousands were built. BEN CHURCH puts them to the test.

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Latest model railway videos

Sonic Models LNER A5 4-6-2T Review Premium

Sonic Models GCR ‘A5’ 4-6-2T debuts for OO gauge

A new name in ‘OO’ gauge ready-to-run has delivered its first ready-to-run locomotive – the Great Central Railway ‘A5’ 4-6-2T. MIKE WILD takes a closer look at this enticing new addition for Eastern Region modellers.

Hornby Triplex Bluetooth Sound introduction. Review Premium

FIRST LOOK: Hornby launches Bluetooth HM DCC and Triplex Sound

The world of digital is about to be turned on its head with the arrival of Hornby’s new HM DCC Bluetooth control system. MIKE WILD gets to grips with this new way to control your trains and assesses its value.

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Misselthwaite - the Yorkshire Dales in OO gauge

To make the most of an inaccessible space in his new home, LEWIS BUCKNELL built a ‘OO’ gauge layout set in the BR steam era in Yorkshire - to evocative effect. Read our full feature here with exclusive Key Model World only video.

VIDEO: Building a Diesel Depot - PART FOUR

Part four of our diesel depot video series is here as we take the layout another step forward with the installation of DCC Concepts ground signals, Layout 4U yard lights and full interior lighting in the main depot buildings to bring the scene to life. Join us for part four today.

VIDEO: Building a Diesel depot - PART THREE

Part 3 of our Building a Diesel Depot video series is here. In this part we continue by adding the backscenes, building up the ground cover, adding the finer details and introducing the first collection of rolling stock to adorn Natford TMD for its debut at Model Rail Scotland.

Making Track 3 March update. Feature Freemium

VIDEO: Making Tracks 3 - March Update

Peter Waterman's Making Tracks 3 ambitious project continues to make progress in preparation for its six week display starting at Chester Cathedral this summer. CHRIS CLENTON brings the story up to date with the latest update and exclusive video from the Making Tracks 3 workshop.

HM189 Double Fairlie sound demonstration Feature Premium

Installing digital sound in the Bachmann Double Fairlie

The stunning Bachmann narrow gauge Double Fairlie has been a catalyst for new ‘OO9’ layout projects. JOHN GAY explains how you can upgrade the model to feature both sound and a stay alive for uninterrupted running.

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Hornby’s ‘J36’ 0-6-0 for OO gauge

The first batch of Hornby’s highly anticipated LNER ‘J36’ 0-6-0s arrived at the end of December. MIKE WILD gives BR liveried 65311 a once over.

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Latest model railway reviews

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Bachmann Network Rail Autoballasters for OO gauge

Bachmann’s well-regarded ‘OO’ gauge JJA Mk 2 Autoballaster hopper wagons have gained a new colour scheme for their most recent appearance as an exclusive edition for Bachmann Collectors Club members. MARK CHIVERS takes a closer look.

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Accurascale 21ton re-runs for OO gauge

Accurascale has added to its series of 21ton wagons with a new batch of its popular ‘OO' gauge MDO (Cat No. ACC1087-1089) and MDV (ACC1096-1098) open wagons, plus the new addition of the air-braked MDW (ACC1111/1112) versions.

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Rapido Wisbech & Upwell Bogie Tramcars

Modellers of the Wisbech & Upwell Tramway will be pleased that Rapido Trains’ ‘OO’ gauge models of these characterful vehicles are with retailers now, the first time they have ever been modelled in ready-to-run form.

Accurascale Class 37/0 Co-Co diesels. Review Premium

Accurascale's Pilot Scheme Class 37/0s Arrive

Accurascale has expanded its new ‘OO’ Class 37 range with a collection of new original condition scheme examples to complete the first wave of releases on the English Electric Type 3.

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HobbyTrax Oil Dropper

HobbyTrax has added to its catalogue of locomotive maintenance tools with this useful oil dropper, which dispenses a small amount of oil at the end of a very fine needle, with no squeezing required.

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Mini Drill Set

New from Amtech is this extensive mini drill set, now available from Golden Valley Hobbies.

Bachmann refurbished Class 411 4-CEP for OO gauge. Review Premium

Bachmann delivers refurbished 4-CEP EMU

It’s back to the 1980s with Bachmann’s latest release. MARK CHIVERS assesses the differences in its new Southern Region EMU in words, pictures and video.

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Magnetic Dish

How often have you mislaid or lost tiny metal screws whilst dismantling a locomotive body? Well, this small magnetic parts dish from Amtec could be the answer.

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