Latest news and features from model railway on Key Model World
Deluxe Class 30 from Bachmann
The all-new Bachmann ‘OO’ gauge Class 30/31 is due to arrive with retailers this summer. MIKE WILD takes a detailed look at the Sound Fitted Deluxe version with all the latest features including DCC controlled uncoupling.
Heljan reveals all-new Class 153 and ‘155’ for ‘OO’
Heljan has revealed plans for all-new 'OO' gauge models of British Rail's Class 153 single car and 155 two-car second generation Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs).
A Question of Degree
Creating a varied appearance on a fleet of identical vehicles is quick, easy and realistic. TIM SHACKLETON shows how to mix it up and create real variety on some Bachmann tank wagons.
Accurascale Class 66 raises £10,000 for Samaritans UK
Accurascale has donated £10,000 to Samaritans UK following the sell-out success of its recent 'OO' gauge Freightliner Class 66 locomotive - 66415 You Are Never Alone.
VIDEO: Cavalex Models Class 60 sound recording
Cavalex Models took a big step forward with recording of the sound file for its new 'OO' gauge Class 60 at Toton TMD with ESU. We joined Cavalex Models and ESU at Toton to find out more about the process and to see one of the few remaining active DB Cargo Class 60s powered up at the depot. Find out more with exclusive images from our visit for Key Model World subscribers.
TrainTrax reveals Hex-TRAK modular system
TrainTrax has unveiled a new ‘N’ gauge modular railway system called Hex-TRAK intended for use with KATO unitrack.
Rails of Sheffield exclusive Met-Vic 18100 Gas Turbine
Earlier in the year, Rails of Sheffield received its all-new ‘OO’ gauge model of Metropolitan-Vickers prototype gas turbine 18100. MARK CHIVERS takes a closer look at this recent release.
Sonic confirms GCR ‘A5’ 4-6-2T in ‘N’
Sonic Models is to produce an ‘N’ gauge model of the Great Central Railway (GCR) ‘A5’ 4-6-2T for release towards the end of 2025. The announcement follows the news of a second production run of its ‘OO’ gauge version.
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Latest model railway videos
Hornby's Ruston 88DS 4wDM shunter lands
This delightful-looking ‘OO’ gauge model is now available. MARK CHIVERS finds out whether its performance matches its appearance.
PROJECT UPDATE: Making Tracks for Model World LIVE
Making Tracks: The Final Frontier is progressing towards its debut at Model World LIVE on April 27/28 2024 when this giant 208ft long layout will be presented with its new extensions for the first time. Watch the latest video update here.
EFE Rail’s Southern Electric ‘Boosters’
The 1940s Southern Railway ‘Booster’ electric locomotives are the subject of an all-new tooling from EFE Rail for ‘OO’ gauge. MIKE WILD inspects this new arrival.
Redbridge Wharf
Winchester Railway Modellers took on the challenge to build Redbridge Wharf - a layout based on the expansive sleeper works at Redbridge, Southampton, nestled alongside a busy main line railway. RICH SULZMANN tells the story.
Bachmann Spring 2024 British Railway Announcements
Bachmann Europe has revealed its Spring 2024 British Railway Announcements, including full details of the new Class 30 and 31 for 'OO' gauge and much more. Join us to watch the video from Bachmann and read the full story here.
EXCLUSIVE FIRST LOOK: Bachmann all-new 'OO' Class 30 and 31
Join us as we reveal the first samples of Bachmann's next 'OO' gauge model which forms part of the new British Railway Announcements going live on February 7 2024.
FIRST REVIEW: Cavalex Models Class 56 for OO gauge
Cavalex Models’ debut powered model arrived at the end of January. MIKE WILD takes an exclusive look at the first production versions of this highly-anticipated ‘OO’ gauge locomotive.
Speaker upgrade for the Accurascale ‘Manor’
Accurascale’s GWR ‘Manor’ 4-6-0 is a superb model, but it left room for improvement in the speaker setup. MIKE WILD shows how he fitted Locoman Sounds’ latest profile for these two-cylinder locomotives together with a speaker upgrade.
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Latest model railway reviews
‘N15’ completes ‘Big Four’ Centenary collection
The final component of Hornby’s ‘Big Four’ collection, celebrating 100 years since the 1923 Grouping, arrived in early April with the release of its ‘OO’ gauge Southern Railway (SR) ‘N15’ 4-6-0 741 Joyous Gard (Cat No. R30273).
3D-Printed Cable Trunking
Expanding on its impressive roster of line-side detailing items comes a comprehensive suite of 4mm scale cable trunking from West Hill Wagon Works.
MGR Coal Trains
Amberley Publishing’s roster of railway books is bolstered by the addition of MGR Coal Trains, a retrospective photographic reminder of these important coal trains.
Rapido GWR ‘Mink A’ van
A year after the better known Great Western Railway (GWR) ‘Iron Mink’ vans arrived, Rapido Trains UK has developed its wooden-bodied ‘Mink A’ cousins in ‘OO’ gauge.
Railways Remembered: North East England
First in a new series called ‘Railways Remembered’, this new publication from Crecy is a well-produced and high-quality look back at the railways in North East England from the 1950s to 1970s. The book covers steam, diesel and electric traction on main lines and the region’s many industrial railways.
Class 59 Revolution
The General Motors Class 59 Co-Co diesels were a revolution in freight haulage on the British railway network on arrival, but can Revolution Trains do the same for ‘N’ gauge with its all-new model of the design? MIKE WILD finds out.
Class 68s in Profile
Another recent addition from Key Publishing is this in-depth look at Direct Rail Services’ (DRS) Class 68s. The company ordered an initial 15 in 2012 to complete the replacement of its elderly Class 20s, but the Stadler-built locomotives have proved far more versatile.
Peco Expands ‘O’ Track Range
Peco has added ‘O’ gauge code 143 flat bottom rail concrete sleeper flexible track to its range.
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