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.
Metro Matters
Remarkably, 2020 marked the 40th anniversary of the opening of the first stretch of the Tyne and Wear Metro in Newcastle. Colin Alexander is the author of this new book from Amberley about the light railway system.
1980s WR Freight
This new collection of photographs compiled by Kevin Redwood recalls the variety of freight trains on BR’s Western Region throughout the 1980s. During this period, much of the rolling stock was replaced by air-braked vehicles and a good variety of these have been captured, as well as some of the older vehicles which were on borrowed time.
Hornby models the ‘Coronation Scot'
Authentic models of the stunning blue and silver ‘Coronation Scot’ carriages have long been wanted for ‘OO’ gauge. MIKE WILD inspects Hornby’s all-new set of models for this famous train.
Wonderful Warflats
Trains4U has received its exclusive model of the PFB/KFA ‘Warflat ’ for ‘OO’ gauge. MARK CHIVERS reviews this new arrival.
Blue 'Merchant' arrives
For the first time since 2017, a new version of Hornby’s sought-after Bulleid airsmoothed ‘Merchant Navy’ has arrived. MIKE WILD takes a closer look at 35024.
Lionheart’s Mk 1s
2021 marks 70 years since introduction of the British Railways Mk 1 carriage design and Lionheart Trains has just delivered the first of its all-new ‘O’ gauge ready-to-run models. MIKE WILD finds out if these could be the definitive version for 7mm scale.
SMS TERRACE SHOP
New from Scale Model Scenery (SMS) is this 4mm scale laser-cut multifront terrace shop kit. This latest addition to the SMS range of model accessories and kits builds into a standalone terrace shop with rear porch.
Gaugemaster ballaster
Gaugemaster has launched laser-cut track ballasting tool, suitable for ‘N’ and ‘OO’ gauge use, to its range of model railway accessories. Supplied flat-packed on stout laser-cut MDF frets, the parts build up into sturdy units thanks to their slot and tab design.
SMS’ platform shelter
New from Scale Model Scenery is this 4mm scale laser-cut wooden platform shelter kit. Based on a North Eastern Region prototype at Robin Hood’s Bay in North Yorkshire, the kit is formed of laser-cut wooden components on three frets of varying thicknesses.
SMS Skate Park
New to the Scale Model Scenery (SMS) range of model railway kits and accessories is this 4mm scale skate or BMX park.
LOC cabinets and point machines for 'O'
If you are looking for a few finishing touches to a lineside scene, these new ‘O’ gauge relay cabinets and point machines from Old Duffer's Chuffers certainly fit the bill.
DMG lighting strip
DMG Electech has introduced a new interior lighting strip. It is designed for use with ‘OO’ gauge multiple units and coaching stock and this latest offering differs from many of the similar products on the market in that it is made up of individual LED Printed Circuit Boards.
DRM speedometer
If you have ever wondered how fast your model locomotives are travelling, then wonder no more as this digital speed sensor should provide the answer.
Hobby Trax CDU
New from Hobby Trax are these Tyson Capacitor Discharge Units (CDUs), suitable for use with all solenoid point motors. A CDU stores electricity on board to provide instant power when changing power demanding solenoid point motors.
Routemex ‘pick and mix’
Routemex has introduced a new modular junction signal system to its range of ‘O’ gauge signal kits. Differing slightly from previous kits, the new system revolves around a junction signal post kit to which your choice of signal head and route indicator can be added.
The Acquired Wagons of British Railways Vol. 3
This third volume in the series from OPC focuses on the wooden-bodied coal wagons built for private owners and railway companies from 1923 and absorbed by British Railways on Nationalisation.
Last Years of the Class 50s
Strathwood Publishing's latest large format landscape book provides an ideal showcase for the final chapter of British Rail’s Class 50s in regular service, looking at the last 15 years or so of main line operations between 1980 and 1994.
Hornby Dublo Technical Manual
Researched and compiled by David B. Neale, a founding member of the Hornby Railway Collectors Association of Australia, the manual aims to offer a complete technical guide for the servicing and maintenance of Hornby-Dublo models.
South Yorkshire Railways
This recent picture volume from Amberley Books presents a nostalgic look at rail operations in and around South Yorkshire, primarily during the 1980s. Since then, the railway has changed with some of the scenes no longer possible as collieries, depots and even routes have closed.
Steam’s Lament: Bulleid’s locomotives
New from Strathwood Publishing, this latest edition in the series covers O.V.S. Bulleid’s ‘Merchant Navy’ 4-6-2s, ‘Q1’ 0-6-0s, ‘Leader’ 0-6-6-0Ts, plus diesel and electric designs.
Modelling British Railways Wagonload Formations
This latest bookazine in the Modelling British Railways series from Key Publishing focuses on diesel and electric era wagonload freight formations. Coverage for this second volume of the modeller’s guide is focused mainly on wagonload freight.
RETURN OF THE 'RAT'
The ‘facelifted’ Class 25 is the subject of Heljan’s latest ‘OO’ gauge ready-to-run model and fills an important gap in the market for a contemporary model. MIKE WILD takes a closer look at this new addition.
BUFFER-FITTED INTERCITY HST POWER CARS
Hornby's high-fidelity Class 43 High Speed Train (HST) power cars sport conventional bufferbeams for their latest outing in BR InterCity ‘Swallow’ livery.
GBRf RailRoad Class 20
New in for 'OO' gauge from Hornby in its RailRoad Plus collection with enhanced decoration is this attractive model of Class 20 20905 – and it is also being joined by 20901 in the same livery.
Steady Aim is rock solid
Hornby’s latest steam locomotive to arrive for review is the follow-up to the Thompson ‘A2/ 2’ 4-6-2 (HM166) – the production ‘A2/3’ class locomotives. MIKE WILD runs the rule over Steady Aim.
Kernow launches IZA
Kernow Model Rail Centre has plugged another gap in the ‘OO’ gauge wagon range with the arrival of Revolution Trains’ new IZA Cargowaggon twin vans. MARK CHIVERS takes a closer look.
JSA COIL CARRIERS
The latest ‘OO’ gauge wagon release from Accurascale models the fleet of JSA covered and open steel coil carriers. MIKE WILD assesses how these super-detailed new arrivals measure up.
Heljan delivers Class 86/0
The Class 86 has been a stalwart of the West Coast Main Line from its introduction in 1965, with numerous sub classes and modifications through the years. MIKE WILD inspects this brandnew version of the AC electric which models the class in original condition.
LEGACY TRACK COMPONENTS
Legacy Models has added a selection of new 4mm scale track components to its range of accessories.
SMS Sash Windows
New to the Scale Model Scenery range of model railway kits and accessories are these 4mm scale sash windows. Ideal for adding that finishing touch to kit or scratch-built buildings and other projects.