Explore the amazing model railways built by talented individuals and clubs which feature in the pages of Hornby Magazine. This section covers 'OO', 'EM', 'P4', 'N', and 'O' gauge model railways and more in all eras. Plus many now feature exclusive online video content which you can only find here on Key Model World.
Twelve Trees Junction: the trains
Hornby Magazine’s busy Southern Region junction layout hasn’t been out on show for almost two years, but there have been plenty of new additions to its roster. MIKE WILD takes a closer look at the locomotives and rolling stock which allow Twelve Trees Junction to reflect the final decade of steam on the Southern. Photography, Mike Wild.
Best layouts of all time
More than 470 layouts have graced the pages of Hornby Magazine since our first issue in March 2007. For this special feature we went back into the archives to pick an outstanding crop of 10.
Theobald’s Yard
Orpington and District Model Railway Society chose a multi-gauge scenario for its busy 7mm scale industrial layout. MARTIN COOMBS and the operating team reveal how and why it was built - and what is next for its future. Photography, Trevor Jones.
Middleton-in-Teesdale
This ‘OO’ gauge layout depicts a rural branch line in Yorkshire in the years before the Second World War. Built by the De Havilland MRS, MIKE WORSLEY explains its genesis and construction. Photography, Trevor Jones.
Pempoul
A diversion into the beautiful metre gauge railways of Britanny reveals a stunning layout created in 1:50 scale. Master model makers GORDON and MAGGIE GRAVETT explain the story of this outstanding model which is now on permanent display as part of the Ashford International Model Railway Education Centre. Photography, Trevor Jones.
Eden Road TMD
Drawing on Direct Rail Services’ often eclectic fleet, RYAN GRAY of Cupar & District MRC created this ‘OO’ gauge depot scene which offers immense variety in its operation and fleet.
HEATON LODGE JUNCTION
Billed as Britain’s Biggest Model Railway, this epic ‘O’ gauge layout of a famous junction is nearing completion. Builder SIMON GEORGE explains the creation of this 1980s scene. Photography, Mike Wild.
Ambleton Vale
The transition years of the 1960s have been captured delightfully in ‘N’ gauge by RAY TAYLOR and ANNA BASS, who reveal the inspiration for their joint creation. Photography, Mike Wild.
GORPETON BLYMEE
The Great Western Railway just before nationalisation is the setting for this atmospheric terminus layout in ‘OO’ gauge. GORDON EDGAR describes how he and Peter Wilson created it. Photography, Trevor Jones.
Cherry Orchard
It is almost 30 years since RON BAILES embarked on the creation of this impressive 7mm scale layout which combines standard and narrow gauge operation. He explains how it has tripled in length from the original design to deliver an impressive 36ft long exhibition model of an East Anglian brick works.
St Cuthbert’s
A sleepy termimus in the Scottish Borders just before the Beeching cuts is the setting for Thistle Modelmakers’ ‘OO’ gauge exhibition layout, which was designed for members of all abilities. STEVE BENJAMIN explains its creation. Photography, Mike Bisset.
Immingham Depot
The operations in and around the busy port of Immingham are the focus for this impressive ‘OO’ gauge layout at the Immingham Museum and Heritage Centre. STEPHEN RICHARDS reveals the story behind its creation. Photography, Mike Wild.
SHENSTON ROAD
Career railwayman GREG BROOKES set out to recreate the Midlands around Birmingham in the final years of the 1960s when BR green and maroon were giving way to corporate blue. Shenston Road is the result of an 18-year journey in 4mm scale modelling which continues to this day. Photography, Mike Wild.