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

Clark Railworks unveils WD ‘Austerity’ 2-10-0 for ‘OO’

Clark Railworks has revealed plans to produce an all-new finescale ‘OO’ gauge War Department (WD) ‘Austerity’ 2-10-0.

Heljan reveals largest ever locomotive for ‘OO’

Heljan has unveiled plans to produce the London and North Eastern Railway’s unique Beyer-Garratt ‘U1’ 2-8-0 + 0-8-2T for ‘OO’.

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Stanier's 'Turbomotive' design and development

Throughout the history of the railways experiments have aimed at improving the efficiency of the steam locomotive. One of these was Stanier’s ‘Turbomotive’, a bold initiative that used turbines instead of cylinders and valve gear for propulsion. EVAN GREEN-HUGHES looks at the history of this unusual locomotive.

Hornby LMS Turbomotive for OO gauge. Review Premium

Hornby’s LMS ‘Turbomotive’ for ‘OO’ gauge

Of all the locomotives we never thought would become a ready-to-run model, the unique LMS ‘Turbomotive’ was high on the list, but now you can add it to your ‘OO’ collection. MIKE WILD inspects this exciting new release from Hornby.

Dapol 'OO' containers for Breast Cancer awareness

Dapol has released a pair of 'OO' gauge maritime containers in Ocean Network Express pink to raise awareness of Breast Cancer.

ECC livery for Accurascale CDAS

Accurascale has revealed details of its next batch of ‘OO’ gauge CDA china clay hoppers which are set to appear in English China Clay (ECC) livery for the first time.

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Halifax and the Calder Valley in the LMS era

PHILIP WADDINGTON drew inspiration from West Yorkshire to recreate a pre-Grouping slice of nostalgia in ‘OO’ gauge, focused on the famous Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway.

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MAKING A SCENE: Modelling a Pill box

As Britain braced for invasion, pill boxes were built to defend the country. DAN EVASON builds a scene in ‘OO’ gauge which also pays homage to a famous and much loved comedy series.

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Latest model railway videos

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Stanier ’Princess’ upgrades

New to the Hornby collection in its 100th anniversary year is the latest generation model of Stanier’s first ‘Pacific’ design – the ‘Princess Royal’. MIKE WILD breaks out his tools to give 46207 a digital makeover with the addition of sound, ‘stay alive,’ working lamps and a smoke generator too.

VIDEO: Hornby 'Princess' with digital sound

In the latest issue of Hornby Magazine we show how to install digital sound, 'stay alive', working lamps and a smoke generator into Hornby's new 2020 version of the Stanier 'Princess Royal' in 'OO' gauge as part of our Hornby Centenary special issue. Watch the finished model in action here.

Railmen of Kent Feature Premium

Railmen of Kent

The Great Model Railway Challenge has taken railway modelling to television screens around the country on Channel 5. FRED GARNER from the 2019 winning team, Railmen of Kent, reveals the layouts they created and what it was like to be involved.

VIDEO: Grindley Brook

Hillingdon Railway Modeller's fabulous 7mm finescale layout is the subject of this video feature. Plus you can log in to KeyModelWorld to read the original feature from HM148.

VIDEO: The Hornby Magazine Show | August 2020

Available now is our monthly feature video from the Hornby Magazine team - the Hornby Magazine Show. This month the 50 minute programme focuses on a full tour of our 'OO' gauge Southern Region layout Twelve Trees Junction, a visit to the Statfold Barn Railway and more.

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Scratch Building For Beginners

Are you new a scratchbuilding beginner and looking to create your own models to take your passion to the next level? Check out our page for a great guide.

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REVAMPED CLASS 37/0 FOR ’O’ GAUGE

Heljan has been making the most of its back catalogue during 2020 with re-releases of its ‘Hymek’ and ‘Deltic’ which have now been followed by the original split headcode Class 37s. MIKE WILD inspects one of the five new versions arriving this summer.

VIDEO: Heljan revamped Class 37/0

Heljan has revamped its 2008 released 'O' gauge Class 37/0 for a new lease of life. Watch two of the releases in action on our 'O' gauge test track in this video feature.

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Latest model railway reviews

Dapol GWR '5101' 2-6-2T review Review Premium

Dapol delivers its ‘Large Prairie’

The Great Western is in favour at Dapol for ‘OO’ gauge with the arrival of its hotly anticipated Collett ‘5101’ and ‘61XX’ 2-6-2Ts. Mike Wild runs the rule over these enticing locomotives. Now including model demonstration video.

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Hornby's Gresley 'W1' 4-6-4

It’s here! Hornby’s brand-new model of the unique Gresley ‘W1’ 4-6-4 in original condition arrived in December, and is already in short supply. MIKE WILD inspects one of the most eagerly anticipated models from Hornby for 'OO' gauge. Read our full review and watch our video showcasing the model in action on Topley Dale.

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Tara Mines ore wagons

Irish Railway Models has taken delivery of a perfect partner to its recently released Metro-Vick A Class diesels –a new batch of Tara Mines bogie ore wagons for ‘OO’. MIKE WILD checks them out.

Westhill Wagon Works Elite magnetic couplings Review Premium

Elite buckeye magnetic couplings

WEST HILL WAGON Works continues to expand its range of magnetic Hunt Couplings which now also includes a collection of ‘dummy’ buckeye style Elite couplings.

Scale Model Scenery laser-cut rowing boats Review Premium

Laser-cut rowing boats

If you are looking to complete a lake or river scene, these 4mm scale laser cut wooden rowing boats from Scale Model Scenery will certainly look the part.

Oxford Diecast Jaguar I Pace Review Premium

Oxford Diecast Jaguar I Pace

A recent addition to the Oxford Diecast range is this 1:76 scale Jaguar Land Rover I Pace batteryelectric SUV.

Modelu 3D-printed rail staff Review Premium

3D-printed rail staff

New from Modelu are these 3D-printed railway staff, including signalmen and guards in a selection of poses.

Pacific Models bespoke station signs Review Premium

Bespoke station signs

Pacific Models has broadened its bespoke station signage service to incorporate 2mm, 3mm and 7mm scales in addition to its existing 4mm service, with your choice of name and railway company/ region, including modern era examples.

Click here to read our full collection of model railway product reviews.