Latest news and features from model railway on Key Model World
FIRST REVIEW: Heljan’s ‘O’ gauge Class 73
For the second month in a row, Heljan has delivered a brand-new ‘O’ gauge ready-to-run locomotive, and this striking model of the Southern Region Class 73 electro-diesel could be its best yet. MIKE WILD explains why with video of a sample running on Britain's Biggest Model Railway.
BR’s Class 73 electro-diesel
Despite its considerable third-rail electrified system the Southern Region had a needed a unique and special type of locomotive. EVAN GREEN-HUGHES looks back at the history of the Class 73.
Hornby 4-VEP gains colour
Hornby has received decorated samples of its upgraded ‘OO’ gauge BR Southern Region Class 423 4-VEP Electric Multiple Units (EMUs) for inspection.
Exclusive ‘Buckjumper’ for Accurascale
Accurascale has revealed an additional exclusive model of its forthcoming all-new ‘OO’ gauge LNER ‘J68’ 0-6-0T finished as ‘Buckjumper’ 7027 in LNER black.
‘O’ gauge ‘Deltics’ due soon
Production of Heljan’s new batch of ‘O’ gauge Class 55 ‘Deltic’ Co-Co diesels is nearing completion, with the manufacturer sharing images of the forthcoming models in early October.
WIN! A Hornby ‘OO’ gauge BR Class 08 diesel shunter, worth £185.99.
Hornby Magazine is offering the chance to win one of Hornby’s ‘OO’ gauge BR Class 08 diesel shunter worth £185. The closing date for entries is 5pm GMT on November 25 2023.
Exclusive laser-cut viaduct kits launch for ‘OO’ & ‘TT:120’
The latest additions to the Key Model World Shop are highly-detailed laser-cut viaduct kits for ‘OO’ and ‘TT:120’ scales.
Rapido’s Lion
In our first look at Rapido’s all-new model of Liverpool and Manchester Railway 0-4-2 Lion, MIKE WILD discovers what it has to offer.
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Latest model railway videos
VIDEO: Static grass for beginners
Static grass can enhance the scenery on any model railway. In this exclusive online video we showcase the methods used by the Hornby Magazine team to create its exhibition layouts.
Miniature garden construction
In the latest issue of Hornby Magazine, HM155 - May 2020, we illustrate how you can build a garden scene in 'OO' scale using readily available products. Here we present a full step by step guide together with a timelapse video of the diorama's construction.
VIDEO: Airbrushing for beginners
An airbrush is a brilliant tool for painting and weathering. In this video we explain the basics to get you started.
VIDEO: Ballasting for Beginners
In this exclusive online video feature we show you how to ballast your model railway for realism and detail using Woodland Scenics ballasts and simple techniques.
VIDEO: 'OO' gauge running session | Scottish Traction
Join us for a quiet morning running session at Topley Dale station as we change from the usual Midland Region steam traction to 1980s Scottish diesels on a mixture of passenger and freight workings.
VIDEO: Evening Star with ZIMO digital sound in ‘OO’
In the latest edition of Hornby Magazine HM154, Mike Wild looks at the Bachmann BR '9F' 2-10-0 and shows us how a twin speaker setup can be added together with stay alive and firebox flicker. Watch our video of the finished model here.
VIDEO: Hornby Port of London Peckett ‘W4’ for ‘OO’ gauge
Hornby have released another charming addition to the ever growing Peckett range with this Port of London Authority Peckett.
VIDEO: Dapol GWR parcels railcar for ‘OO’
We put the latest release from Dapol, a GWR parcels railcar through its paces on the Hornby Magazine test layout Topley Dale in this video.
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Latest model railway reviews
Swindon: The Complete Works
This new hefty volume is an enlarged reworking of the author’s two previous books on Swindon Works and now covers the impact of the transition from steam to diesel, the carriage and wagon works, as well as the operation of the stores department. A few myths have also been addressed.
Sonic debuts Collett ‘56XX’
Newcomer to the ready-to-run market Sonic Models has released its first powered model – the GWR ‘56XX’ 0-6-2T for ‘N’ gauge. MIKE WILD takes a closer look at this new addition which fills an important gap in the ready-to-run roster.
Minerva expands wagon fleet
Steam era goods trains are set for a boost in ‘O’ gauge with the arrival of Minerva Model Railways’ all-new model of the Great Western Railway Wooden Mink four-wheel box van.
Bachmann renews its ‘V2’ for 'OO' gauge
The Gresley ‘V2’ has been a longstanding part of the Bachmann range, but it was in need of fresh attention and that is exactly what has happened. MIKE WILD inspects the all-new LNER 2-6-2 for ‘OO’.
Hornby's Dublo ‘Merchant Navy’
Hornby has bolstered its new Hornby Dublo range of locomotives with the arrival of the die-cast metal bodied Bulleid air-smoothed ‘Merchant Navy’ 4-6-2. MARK CHIVERS casts a glance at this delightful new limited edition.
Dapol O&K JHA HOPPERS
Dapol's eagerly-awaited ‘OO’ gauge Orenstein & Koppel (O&K) 102tonne JHA bogie hopper wagons have landed following a protracted journey by sea.
DAPOL ‘BUBBLE’ GOES 'O'
The characterful Class 122 single-car DMU is finally here for 7mm scale. MIKE WILD reviews this new arrival and assesses if it has been worth the wait.
Super-size GBRf ‘Hoovers’
The English Electric Type 4s or Class 50s have long had a loyal following. When Heljan launched its ‘O’ gauge model back in 2019 it swiftly sold out and a second batch was soon in the pipeline.
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