REVIEWS
Read all the latest product reviews from the Hornby Magazine team covering 'OO', 'N' and 'O' gauge as well as a broad spectrum of model eras and product types. Plus, look out for the Video tag for feature videos included within reviews as well as the Hornby Magazine Express Video tag for our quick overview videos.
Electrics for the Railway Modeller
In this fast-paced world, little stays the same for long, it seems. This certainly applies to the seemingly complex topic of model railway electrics, which is often the very aspect of the hobby that is the most daunting and off-putting for both experienced modellers and those new to the craft.
Hornby's all-new High Speed Train
The iconic British Rail Class 43 power cars have held sway in frontline main line service for more than 45 years and Hornby has revisited the high-speed diesels with a brand-new tooling. MIKE WILD takes a closer look.
Hornby LNER ‘B12’ 4-6-0 for 'OO' gauge
The Great Eastern section has gained great momentum in ready-to-run locomotives over the past two years – and the latest arrival is Hornby’s spectacular ‘OO’ gauge model of the ‘B12/3’ 4-6-0. MIKE WILD takes an exclusive first look at the soon to be released production model.
Heljan’s all-new Class 26 and 27 for 'O' gauge
The BRCW Class 26 and 27 Bo-Bo diesel-electrics are synonymous with Scotland and now brand-new models are available for ‘O’ gauge from Heljan. MIKE WILD checks out these exciting arrivals.
Heljan's 'O' gauge Class 25/3 Bo-Bo diesel
The BR Sulzer Type 2s are popular locomotives in every scale. MIKE WILD reviews Heljan's detailed models of the Class 25/3 for 'O' gauge.
BOOK REVIEW: Along Welsh lines
Amongst the recent book releases from Pen & Sword is this substantial picture volume of the rail network taking in South Wales and the Central Wales line in the late 20th Century.
BOOK REVIEW: English Electric Class 37/4s
British Rail’s English Electric Class 37/4s have proved to be remarkably versatile locomotives, evidenced by the fact that some remain in front line service today, more than 35 years after conversion from standard class members.
BOOK REVIEW: Class 47 adventures
A recent addition to the Key Books portfolio from Key Publishing is this latest edition on Class 47s by Ian McLean. This is the third book in the series on Class 47s and covers movements from Inverness to Newquay.
BOOK REVIEW: Main Line to the South
This recent tome from Irwell Press is the second in the series focussing on the South Western Main Line between Basingstoke and Southampton.
BOOK REVIEW: Modelling British Railways Railfreight Sub-Sectors
New from Key Publishing is this latest bookazine in the Modelling British Railways series, dedicated to Railfreight sub-sectors.
BOOK REVIEW: Class 33s
New from Key Books is this picture album showcasing BR Southern Region’s popular Class 33 Bo-Bo diesels.
Hornby’s 'OO' gauge Class 87 Bo-Bo electric
AC overhead electric have become popular subjects for ready-to-run locomotives in ‘OO’ gauge. MIKE WILD casts his eye over the Hornby Class 87 for 'OO' gauge in the detailed review.
Locomotion’s ES1 electric for ‘OO’ gauge
The pioneering North Eastern Railway steeple cab electric is the subject of the latest collaboration between Locomotion Models, Rails of Sheffield and Heljan. MIKE WILD takes a detailed look at this new release ahead of its arrival in December.
Hornby Maunsell ‘S15’ in detail
The Southern Region was best known for its express locomotives, but freight was an important part of its business too. In this review MIKE WILD takes a detailed look at Hornby’s model of the Maunsell ‘S15’ – the Southern’s freight 4-6-0.
Hornby Pride Pendolino for 'OO' gauge
Hornby’s eagerly-awaited ‘OO’ gauge model of Avanti West Coast’s vivid Pride-liveried ‘Pendolino’ has arrived with retailers. MARK CHIVERS casts his eyes over this colourful new release.
Hornby’s adds new KFA container wagons for OO gauge
New from Hornby is this trio of ‘OO’ gauge KFA container flat wagons which model vehicles built in the late 1980s in Finland for use with Tiphook leasing in the UK.
Hornby's 'OO' gauge containers
Hornby has released additional packs of ‘OO’ gauge intermodal containers suitable for its KFA container flat wagons and other intermodal vehicles.
Accurascale magnetic chain couplings
Accurascale has added a pack of magnetic chain couplings to its range of ‘OO’ gauge accessories following on from the release of its Chaldron wagons.
Hornby Tri-ang Railways Remembered train pack for OO gauge
The first of Hornby’s Tri-ang Railways Remembered limited edition train sets has arrived in the form of ‘The Victorian’ which contains a GWR 4-2-2 and a pair of clerestory roof coaches. Find out more here.
Scale Model Scenery Mind the Step decals
New from Scale Model Scenery is this pack of 4mm scale ‘Mind the Step' decals designed for modern-era 4mm scale platforms.
Corgi GWR Thornycroft Nippy die-cast lorry
Corgi has added a new 1:76 scale model of its Thornycroft Nippy flatbed trailer in Great Western Railway (GWR) colours.
Hobbytrax analogue ‘stay-alive’
Hobbytrax has recently introduced a series of ‘stay-alive’ capacitors designed for ‘OO’ gauge analogue (DC) locomotives. We discover what they have to offer.
Corgi releases Ford Transit for OO gauge
Corgi’s 1:76 scale Trackside range of diecast models is bolstered with this Mk 1 Ford Transit in Express Dairy livery.
Cavalex Models HAA MGR hoppers arrive
The famous HAA hoppers are the subject of Cavalex’s latest release. MARK CHIVERS asseses how they compare to Accurascale’s recent version.
Oxford Diecast AEC 690 Concrete Mixer
New from Oxford Diecast is this 1:76 scale AEC 690 concrete mixer as a follow up to its dumper truck using the same cab and chassis style.
Bachmann adds Mainline Hunslet for 'OO9' narrow gauge
Revealed in Bachmann’s Winter announcements in November and already available in the shops, MIKE WILD checks out the latest arrival for ‘OO9’ – the Penrhyn Mainline Hunslet 0-4-0ST.
Hornby’s revitalised BR MK3s
The British Rail Mk 3 carriage is an essential part of the modern and recent railway scenes. Hornby has gone back to the drawing board to create a new collection of coaching stock, as MIKE WILD explains.
Rapido delivers SECR vans and ballast wagons
More South Eastern and Chatham Railway wagons have arrived from Rapido. MARK CHIVERS runs the rule over the latest vans and ballast wagons.
Accurascale delivers Coalfish for ‘OO’
Accurascale’s all-new ‘OO’ gauge MHA two-axle ballast/spoil wagons have arrived. MARK CHIVERS takes a closer look at these modern-era wagons.
Quarryman’s coaches from Peco
The Ffestiniog Railway’s Type 3 Quarryman’s coaches are the basis of a trio of new rolling stock releases from Peco for ‘OO9’ narrow gauge. MIKE WILD inspects the new arrivals.