Model Rail

Model Rail magazine is the UK's biggest-selling magazine dedicated to railway modelling. Every issue is packed with the country’s finest home and club layouts, stunning photography, unbiased and in-depth product reviews, expert tips, layout plans and step-by-step articles that really show you how. In our unique ‘Workbench’ section, we tackle a wide range of modeling skills and projects. Our expert writers and model-makers will help you to get the most from your hobby and build the layout of your dreams. Model Rail is published 13 times a year, every four weeks.

Welcome

THE GREATEST GATHERING: A SPECTACLE FOR THE AGES

BACHMANN'S BUMPER ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR AUTUMN

EASTERN RELEASE IN ‘OO’…

…AND IN ‘N’

OTHER ‘OO’ HIGHLIGHTS

‘N’ GAUGE REVAMPS AND RETURNS

SCENECRAFT AND THE CLUB SCENE

CAVALEX ANNOUNCES A CASCADE OF CLASS 47s

‘CROMPTONS’ ARE MAKING A COMEBACK

HORNBY BRINGS NEW ‘TT:120’ ITEMS TO THE TABLE

BIG ‘66’ APPEARS IN COLOUR

SPECIAL YELLOW FOR 45TH ANNIVERSARY

EXCLUSIVE CLASS 89 ARRIVES

KMRC IS HOSTING A SPECIAL IN-STORE EVENT

AN N-GAUGING EVENT AHEAD

FESTIVE DELIGHTS IN MANCHESTER

NEW STUFF FROM NEWMAN

EXHIBITION DIARY - AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2025

Amusing scenes captured by the lens of Chris Nevard

Staff Show & Tell Scottish wanderings • A big fan of the Sulzer Type 2s, George Dent has been tinkering with one of Model Rail's latest exclusive offerings, stirring thoughts of years gone by.

CONSORTING WITH A CLASSIC

MAGNIFYING THE ISSUE

Inside track with Ben Ando

WESTWARD BOUND • When Wayne Webb was searching for inspiration that would allow him to run both Western and Southern Region stock, a small station in North Devon proved the perfect subject.

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Workbench • Inspirational projects, advice and top tips that show you how

HOW TO BUILD A TIMBER PLATFORM KIT • Having embarked on a major new layout building project, Chris Nevard explains how he created a useful station platform and waiting shelter from two little-known suppliers.

HOW TO CHANGE THE IDENTITY OF YOUR STEAM LOCOMOTIVES • Want models of your favourite locomotives? CHRIS LEIGH changed the identity of a Hornby Bulleid ‘Pacific’ to evoke some special memories.

HOW TO MODEL AUTUMN SCENERY • Peter Marriott discusses simple ways of capturing the look of the most romantic of seasons.

HOW TO APPLY A MODERN LIVERY • Mastering the use of masking tape is key to the application of complex livery schemes. Dave Lowery shares the processes involved.

FACTFILE: Class 357 Electrostar

HOW TO GIVE YOUR VANS A WEATHERED FINISH • George Dent explains how a layered approach to weathering has given a pair of Rapido's excellent BR Fish vans a suitably lived-in appearance.

HOW TO REPLACE BROKEN WAGON BUFFERS • This is where our team of experienced modellers answer YOUR questions. Email your queries about railways – real or model – to modelrail@bauermedia.co.uk

KNOW YOUR… LIVERIES PART 27: BR Class 142-144 ‘Pacers’ • Paul Chancellor examines the colour schemes carried by the divisive DMUs during the British Rail era.

Notes from the Workshop PETER MARRIOTT'S TOP TIPS

HOW TO LAY CONCRETE HARDSTANDING

Back to Blueish • Bluish Moor last appeared in Model Rail in April 2024 but since then, Phil Mason has extended his depot‑themed layout to allow even more action and versatility.

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Accurascale LNER ‘Buckjumpers’

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Factfile: GER/LNER Class J67, J68 & J69 0-6-0Ts

Lionheart Trains GWR Collett ‘Small Prairie’

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Factfile: GWR Collett ‘Small...