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.
BOOK REVIEW: How a Steam Locomotive Works
If you have ever wondered how a steam locomotive works, then this book should provide the necessary insight.
BOOK REVIEW: The Class 37s by Key Publishing
This recent picture volume from Key Books focuses on British Rail’s popular English Electric Type 3s in later years.
BR Blue: The North in Focus
British Rail's operations in northern Britain through the late 1970s and early 1980s are the focus of this recent book from Amberley Publishing, with plenty of BR blue diesel and electric traction on view.
BOOK REVIEW: Rail Freight: Scotland
While there has been much change to the rail freight scene in Scotland, there is still plenty to be positive about and this latest picture album from Key Books helps reflect this.
REVIEWED: Heljan's refurbished Class 31 for 'O'
The Brush built Class 31s are popular and long-lived locomotives which have carried a huge number of colour schemes. MIKE WILD inspects the all-new model of the A1A-A1A design in refurbished form for 7mm scale from Heljan.
Dapol releases Vanwides and VEAs for 'O' gauge
Dapol's long-awaited ‘O’ gauge BR 12ton Vanwide ventilated box van is finally here, adding a new wagon to the manufacturer’s portfolio.
Revolution IWAs arrive
The IWA holdall bogie vans are the latest ‘OO’ gauge ready-to-run freight wagons to dock with Revolution Trains. MIKE WILD reviews these new arrivals.
Rails’ Caley ‘812’ is here!
Pure Scottish based ready-to-run locomotives are rare, but Rails of Sheffield has bucked the trend with this magnificent ‘OO’ gauge commission from Bachmann. MIKE WILD discovers what this longstanding 0-6-0 has to offer together with video of the model in action.
Hornby LNER ‘Azuma’ Class 800/2 arrives
New liveries have been hotly anticipated on the Hornby Class 800 unit. RICHARD WATSON inspects the first LNER liveried set to arrive for 'OO' gauge.
Cavalex Models BLA for 'OO'
The BLA steel coil carriers first appeared as an exclusive limited edition with Rails of Sheffield, but now they are available widely from Cavalex retailers. MIKE WILD takes a look at this exceptionally detailed follow up to the BBA.
BOOK REVIEW: Class 442s: The Wessex Electrics
New from Key Books is this title dedicated to British Rail’s Class 442 Electric Multiple Units (EMUs).
Westhill Wagon Works 3D-printed depot accessories
Westhill Wagon Works’ range of 3D-printed scenic accessories includes an impressive range of depot and engineers’ equipment including these detailed access platforms and a drainage vacuum tank – or sludge gulper!
Gaugemaster telephone boxes and relay cabinets
Gaugemaster’s range of ‘OO’ and ‘N’ gauge 3D-printed scenic accessories is bolstered with the addition of these packs containing classic K6 telephone kiosks, lineside relay boxes and roadside telecommunications cabinets.
Modelu’s 3D-printed creamery workers
Modelu’s extensive collection of 3D-printed finescale figures now includes a selection of creamery workers in a variety of realistic poses.
Albion Hobbies 'HO' scale spruce trees
Model Scene’s range of scenic materials includes a wide range of flocks, turfs, bushes, leaves and trees, including these ‘HO’ scale spruces.
SMS tri-spike palisade security fence
Security conscious modellers of modern day scenes will find this pack of tri-spike palisade security fencing from Scale Model Scenery useful.
SMS weathered slates and tiles
Scale Model Scenery’s extensive range of laser-cut kits and accessories includes these useful packs of weathered roof slates and terracotta tiles.
Bachmann renews its Class 20
The Class 20 was one of the first main line production diesel locomotives when it entered service in 1957 and now Bachmann has gone back to the drawing board to offer a present day version of this long-standing workhorse for ‘OO’. MIKE WILD takes a closer look.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
A recent addition to the Oxford Diecast range is this 1:76 scale Jaguar Land Rover I Pace batteryelectric SUV.
3D-printed rail staff
New from Modelu are these 3D-printed railway staff, including signalmen and guards in a selection of poses.
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.
Laser-cut BRUTES
Scale Model Scenery’s (SMS) 4mm scale range of laser-cut scenic accessories now includes a pack of British Rail’s Universal Trolley Equipment (BRUTEs).
Eastern Region destination boards
Sankey Scenics has expanded its range of 4mm scale coach destination boards with a selection of more than 50 new packs for London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) and BR Eastern Region (BR) services.
Oxford Diecast Scooter
New from Oxford Diecast is this super little 1:76 scale pale blue and white scooter which is reminiscent of the full-size prototypes popular in the 1960s.
Bins and grit boxes
Gaugemaster has added a selection of new 3D-printed scenic accessories to its 4mm scale Structures and 2mm scale Kestrel ranges.