A specially selected tool from expert modellers here at PECO for kit building. Smooth off sharp edges on plastic kit and cut rail ends.

A specially selected tool from expert modellers here at PECO for kit building. Use with the PECO Tools Pin Vice PT-508

A specially selected tool from expert modellers here at PECO for kit building. For achieving perfect right angles when constructing building kits.

A specially selected tool from expert modellers here at PECO for kit building. Protect the table with this essential 'self-healing' modelling mat.

A specially selected tool from expert modellers here at PECO for kit building. An essential set of screwdrivers for many modelling applications, including locomotive maintenance.

A specially selected tool from expert modellers here at PECO for kit building. A comfortable knife for handling a multitude of cutting jobs in the hobby room.

A specially selected tool from expert modellers here at PECO for kit building. A scalpel handle with disposable scalpel blades. For cutting plastic components.

A specially selected tool from expert modellers here at PECO for kit building. A scalpel handle with disposable scalpel blades. For cutting plastic components.

A specially selected tool from expert modellers here at PECO for kit building. A general-purpose modelling knife with 10 x snap-off blade tips for when they go blunt.

A specially selected tool from expert modellers here at PECO for kit building. Use these tools to help drill small holes into the track base before pinning to the baseboard, and for model-making tasks generally.

A specially selected tool from expert modellers here at PECO for kit building. Use these tools to help drill small holes into the track base before pinning to the baseboard, and for model-making tasks generally.

A specially selected tool from expert modellers here at PECO for kit building. This tool is a solid and durable steel rule, perfect for the hobby room.

A specially selected tool from expert modellers here at PECO for kit building. This tool is vital to all modellers and designed specifically to handle small and delicate parts.

A specially selected tool from expert modellers here at PECO for kit building. This tool are vital to all modellers and designed specifically for removing parts from the plastic sprue, with ease and accuracy.

The wonderful creative pastime of model railways is celebrated in the 2025 Railway Modeller Special, produced by the publisher of Railway Modeller, the UK’s market-leading model railway title with the highest ABC audited readership.

Having recently marked the title’s 75th year of publication, Railway Modeller remains unique in British model railway publishing, as it is part of a company that is long-associated with the industry, namely the world famous PECO model railway brand.

In this special publication, we journey along the East Coast Main Line from King’s Cross to Edinburgh Waverley – in model form! Another rail route profiled is the narrow gauge Ffestiniog Railway in North Wales, including an overview of this line’s remarkable history and suggestions for how it can be re-created in miniature. We also step back in time to the Edwardian era and make a return visit to the London South Western Railway station of Semley, a stunning layout created by Martin Finney.

We also meet the team at Ellis Clark Trains and find out about the future plans for this enterprising model railway business; take a tour around Cockshute – a 1970s diesel and electric depot in OO; look at a selection of models based on steam locomotive designs that never left the drawing board; and much more besides – enjoy!

A specially selected tool from expert modellers here at PECO for kit building. This tool are vital to all modellers and designed specifically for cutting rail, using a vertical cut, side to side.

A specially selected tool from expert modellers here at PECO for kit building. This tool are vital to all modellers and designed specifically for cutting rail, using a horizontal cut, side to side.

RAILWAY OF THE MONTH

Templecombe Lower
In the first half of a two-part feature, Tim Chapman describes how he recreated one of the Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway's most important locations in 00 gauge, complete with its unusual operational practices.

PLAN OF THE MONTH

Heavy Metal!
Ian Cairns revived memories of 1960s Tyne Dock Consett iron ore trains by modelling this 9F-hauled formation in N gauge.

PLUS ALL THE LATEST NEWS & REVIEWS...

For newcomers to modelling who are interested in making a diorama but do not know exactly where to start, this is a lovely introductory set to allow you to model something yourself and create your own small-scale model.  It contains all the necessary materials for creating the diorama layout, and also an illustrated story book that children can enjoy reading at bedtime.

These little diorama kits also allow more experienced modellers to try building their own unique scene, and can be joined together to make a working and functional group of mini dioramas that can be used to make a working circuit. This can be great for modelling clubs, associations or schools, and can bring modellers together in group projects - to help focus on the dexterous skills and create something all by themselves.

As well as a a beautifully illustrated book, these kits include all the materials and scenery required, as well as a set of FREE stickers!

• Time required to complete: about 2 ~ 3 hours (excluding drying time)
• Suggested age: 8 yrs+ (Supervision recommended)
  

For newcomers to modelling who are interested in making a diorama but do not know exactly where to start, this is a lovely introductory set to allow you to model something yourself and create your own small-scale model.  It contains all the necessary materials for creating the diorama layout, and also an illustrated story book that children can enjoy reading at bedtime.

These little diorama kits also allow more experienced modellers to try building their own unique scene, and can be joined together to make a working and functional group of mini dioramas that can be used to make a working circuit. This can be great for modelling clubs, associations or schools, and can bring modellers together in group projects - to help focus on the dexterous skills and create something all by themselves.

As well as a a beautifully illustrated book, these kits include all the materials and scenery required, as well as a set of FREE stickers!

• Time required to complete: about 2 ~ 3 hours (excluding drying time)
• Suggested age: 8 yrs+ (Supervision recommended)
  

All-New Tooling Wagons

PECO is pleased to announce the release of five new N Gauge Wagon liveries, to bring some added character to customers' layouts. Once common on the post-war British Railway network, these 4-wheel vans carried a wide variety of goods throughout the system. No longer in service they remain an iconic wagon type so typical of the railway scene from the 1950s to the 1980s and modellers will find a home for several on their layouts.

All of the new-tooling ready-to-run wagons from PECO feature some very fine moulding detail, sharp and precise application of the liveries, detachable couplers and metal-tyred running wheels. Best of all, they are the best value on the market compared to the alternatives available!

These colourful liveries have been staples of the PECO range for years and remain some of the most popular models in the whole range.

All-New Tooling Wagons

PECO is pleased to announce the release of five new N Gauge Wagon liveries, to bring some added character to customers' layouts. Once common on the post-war British Railway network, these 4-wheel vans carried a wide variety of goods throughout the system. No longer in service they remain an iconic wagon type so typical of the railway scene from the 1950s to the 1980s and modellers will find a home for several on their layouts.

All of the new-tooling ready-to-run wagons from PECO feature some very fine moulding detail, sharp and precise application of the liveries, detachable couplers and metal-tyred running wheels. Best of all, they are the best value on the market compared to the alternatives available!

These colourful liveries have been staples of the PECO range for years and remain some of the most popular models in the whole range.

All-New Tooling Wagons

PECO is pleased to announce the release of five new N Gauge Wagon liveries, to bring some added character to customers' layouts. Once common on the post-war British Railway network, these 4-wheel vans carried a wide variety of goods throughout the system. No longer in service they remain an iconic wagon type so typical of the railway scene from the 1950s to the 1980s and modellers will find a home for several on their layouts.

All of the new-tooling ready-to-run wagons from PECO feature some very fine moulding detail, sharp and precise application of the liveries, detachable couplers and metal-tyred running wheels. Best of all, they are the best value on the market compared to the alternatives available!

These colourful liveries have been staples of the PECO range for years and remain some of the most popular models in the whole range.

All-New Tooling Wagons

PECO is pleased to announce the release of five new N Gauge Wagon liveries, to bring some added character to customers' layouts. Once common on the post-war British Railway network, these 4-wheel vans carried a wide variety of goods throughout the system. No longer in service they remain an iconic wagon type so typical of the railway scene from the 1950s to the 1980s and modellers will find a home for several on their layouts.

All of the new-tooling ready-to-run wagons from PECO feature some very fine moulding detail, sharp and precise application of the liveries, detachable couplers and metal-tyred running wheels. Best of all, they are the best value on the market compared to the alternatives available!

These colourful liveries have been staples of the PECO range for years and remain some of the most popular models in the whole range.

All-New Tooling Wagons

PECO is pleased to announce the release of five new N Gauge Wagon liveries, to bring some added character to customers' layouts. Once common on the post-war British Railway network, these 4-wheel vans carried a wide variety of goods throughout the system. No longer in service they remain an iconic wagon type so typical of the railway scene from the 1950s to the 1980s and modellers will find a home for several on their layouts.

All of the new-tooling ready-to-run wagons from PECO feature some very fine moulding detail, sharp and precise application of the liveries, detachable couplers and metal-tyred running wheels. Best of all, they are the best value on the market compared to the alternatives available!

These colourful liveries have been staples of the PECO range for years and remain some of the most popular models in the whole range.

In this months issue...

RAILWAY OF THE MONTH - FRIEDRICHSTRABE

Inspired by the station in Berlin - the expansive East German HO layout of the Liphook & District MRC captures the atmosphere of the city centre location.

BLUMENFELD

A small portable layout in N - Jim Trotman captures the charm of a country branch in southern Germany.

PLAN OF THE MONTH - BOIDON-CUNCOU

Narrow gauge serving a wire factory - the Escadrille Saint Michel have a new O-14 layout.

+PLUS!

All the latest news, reviews and layouts from around the world!

The NEW Laser-Cut West Bay OO Station Building

PECO is happy to present one of its new laser-cut station buildings, along with detailed interior that can be removed and re-inserted, to add lighting and other detail. This is a typical stone-built branch line station building, in this case based in West Bay in Dorset. The prototype was opened in 1984 as the new terminus of the extended Bridport railway, operated initially by the Great Western Railway and from 1948, British Railways Western region. It closed in 1962, but the building has been renovated and is now in use as a lounge bar and waiting room for a restaurant on adjoining carriages, called the Station Kitchen.

This kit comes with some plastic components to complete the model and includes a full interior detail, which can be removed to add LED lighting should this be required.

RAILWAY OF THE MONTH

Rowington for Shrewley
As a lifelong aficionado for the Great Western Railway, Dick Hewins created this circular double-track system as a showcase for his extensive collection of 4mm scale locomotives and stock.

PLAN OF THE MONTH

Macclesfield Hibel Road
CThis compact but busy joint station in Cheshire was suggested as a layout plan as long ago as 1955; Jules Attard has turned it into reality in N gauge.

PLUS ALL THE LATEST NEWS & REVIEWS...

Based on the familiar style of the Great Western Railway, these non-working plastic kits include pre-painted semaphore arms, an etched metal ladder and separate coloured spectacles for the signal arms themselves. Home/starter variants can be created from the LK12141, or both a home and distant signal on the one post. The fine mouldings, once assembled and painted, create a lovely, characterful model of these iconic signals.

Based on the familiar style of the Great Western Railway, these non-working plastic kits include pre-painted semaphore arms, an etched metal ladder and separate coloured spectacles for the signal arms themselves. Home/starter variants can be created from the LK12141, or both a home and distant signal on the one post. The fine mouldings, once assembled and painted, create a lovely, characterful model of these iconic signals.

Based on the familiar style of the Great Western Railway, these non-working plastic kits include pre-painted semaphore arms, an etched metal ladder and separate coloured spectacles for the signal arms themselves. Home/starter variants can be created from the LK12141, or both a home and distant signal on the one post. The fine mouldings, once assembled and painted, create a lovely, characterful model of these iconic signals.

As with the PECO Streamline track system we use the unique double-foot Code 55 rail for robustness, and also for the finer appearance of the track. This means that both Setrack and Streamline can be connected together. We have started with just the one radius, no. 2, at 310mm/12.2in., and the length of the medium radius Streamline turnout (SLU1295 and SLU1296) is the same as one standard and one small straight section. That will allow a siding to be inserted into a loop of the Setrack using the Streamline turnout without upsetting the geometry. Modellers should use the PL82 Pecolectrics Power Feed Joiners to connect power to the track: the joiners at one end of two pieces of track can easily be pulled off to allow the Power Feed Joiners to connect up. All Setrack products are supplied in hanging packs containing either 4 or 8 pieces and sold to you in singles.

Technical Specifications:

Length TBC
Radius TBC
Frog angle TBC

As with the PECO Streamline track system we use the unique double-foot Code 55 rail for robustness, and also for the finer appearance of the track. This means that both Setrack and Streamline can be connected together. We have started with just the one radius, no. 2, at 310mm/12.2in., and the length of the medium radius Streamline turnout (SLU1295 and SLU1296) is the same as one standard and one small straight section. That will allow a siding to be inserted into a loop of the Setrack using the Streamline turnout without upsetting the geometry. Modellers should use the PL82 Pecolectrics Power Feed Joiners to connect power to the track: the joiners at one end of two pieces of track can easily be pulled off to allow the Power Feed Joiners to connect up. All Setrack products are supplied in hanging packs containing either 4 or 8 pieces and sold to you in singles.

Technical Specifications:

Length TBC
Radius TBC
Frog angle TBC

As with the PECO Streamline track system we use the unique double-foot Code 55 rail for robustness, and also for the finer appearance of the track. This means that both Setrack and Streamline can be connected together. We have started with just the one radius, no. 2, at 310mm/12.2in., and the length of the medium radius Streamline turnout (SLU1295 and SLU1296) is the same as one standard and one small straight section. That will allow a siding to be inserted into a loop of the Setrack using the Streamline turnout without upsetting the geometry. Modellers should use the PL82 Pecolectrics Power Feed Joiners to connect power to the track: the joiners at one end of two pieces of track can easily be pulled off to allow the Power Feed Joiners to connect up. All Setrack products are supplied in hanging packs containing either 4 or 8 pieces and sold to you in singles.

Technical Specifications:

Length TBC
Radius TBC
Frog angle TBC

As with the PECO Streamline track system we use the unique double-foot Code 55 rail for robustness, and also for the finer appearance of the track. This means that both Setrack and Streamline can be connected together. We have started with just the one radius, no. 2, at 310mm/12.2in., and the length of the medium radius Streamline turnout (SLU1295 and SLU1296) is the same as one standard and one small straight section. That will allow a siding to be inserted into a loop of the Setrack using the Streamline turnout without upsetting the geometry. Modellers should use the PL82 Pecolectrics Power Feed Joiners to connect power to the track: the joiners at one end of two pieces of track can easily be pulled off to allow the Power Feed Joiners to connect up. All Setrack products are supplied in hanging packs containing either 4 or 8 pieces and sold to you in singles.

Technical Specifications:

Length TBC
Radius TBC
Frog angle TBC

As with the PECO Streamline track system we use the unique double-foot Code 55 rail for robustness, and also for the finer appearance of the track. This means that both Setrack and Streamline can be connected together. We have started with just the one radius, no. 2, at 310mm/12.2in., and the length of the medium radius Streamline turnout (SLU1295 and SLU1296) is the same as one standard and one small straight section. That will allow a siding to be inserted into a loop of the Setrack using the Streamline turnout without upsetting the geometry. Modellers should use the PL82 Pecolectrics Power Feed Joiners to connect power to the track: the joiners at one end of two pieces of track can easily be pulled off to allow the Power Feed Joiners to connect up. All Setrack products are supplied in hanging packs containing either 4 or 8 pieces and sold to you in singles.

Technical Specifications:

Length TBC
Radius TBC
Frog angle TBC

In this months issue...

RAILWAY OF THE MONTH - NORDLANDSBANEN

A Norwegian layout featuring Hell station and the Arctic Circle monument authentically modelled in HO by Hans Peters.

HOHE BERGAHORNE

Stephen Cranford introduces his permanent home layout, an alpine scene which may be the longest Z in the UK..

PLAN OF THE MONTH - BANGOR AND PORTLAND

Ian Wilson tells the story of his extensive HO layout, depicting a rural branch of the Erie Lackawanna Railroad.

+PLUS!

All the latest news, reviews and layouts from around the world!

Turnout, Medium Radius, Right Hand

Turnout, Medium Radius, Right Hand

RAILWAY OF THE MONTH

Bournemouth West
This near-to-scale 4mm model of the former Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway terminus was recently acquired by Kevin Babey, Chairman of the Salisbury & South Wilts Railway Society.

PLAN OF THE MONTH

Cwm Bach
Chris Morris recalls the background to this N gauge shelf layout, which is being made portable in order to appear at the Warley at Statfold exhibition in October.

PLUS ALL THE LATEST NEWS & REVIEWS...

Based on the buildings at the Ffestiniog Railway Boston Lodge base in Porthmadog, North Wales, these two new kits perfectly complement our OO-9 scale rolling stock, and of course, the Small and Large Engine locomotives. Produced from fine plywood sheets the kits feature some very exquisite texture detailing replicating either the stone or corrugated iron  finish. Both kits include some interior detail such as roof bracing.

The corrugated iron building, LK220, which at Boston Lodge sits alongside the older stone building, is a simpler single-track structure but again can also be built single or double-ended and with or without the chimneys. Footprint 167 x 64mm.

Based on the buildings at the Ffestiniog Railway Boston Lodge base in Porthmadog, North Wales, these two new kits perfectly complement our OO-9 scale rolling stock, and of course, the Small and Large Engine locomotives. Produced from fine plywood sheets the kits feature some very exquisite texture detailing replicating either the stone or corrugated iron  finish. Both kits include some interior detail such as roof bracing.

The stone engine shed kit LK219 has two alternative roofs, depending on whether the modeller wishes to use the chimneys and roof vents, and this kit also includes a separate and authentic FR disc signal. The shed can also be built single or double-ended. Footprint 167 x 97mm.

TT:120 Medium Radius Turnout, Left & Right

TT:120 Long Crossing

TT:120 Small Radius Turnout, Left & Right

It is important to note that the PECO Tools PT30 is specially formulated to be applied to dry ballast, and requires a particular technique for application to ensure successful results.

Once the track has been laid, the ballast is firmed around the sleepers, ensuring that it neatly settles in and does not interfere with any moving parts. Once the desired effect has been achieved the modeller then applies the glue, using a glue applicator such as a pipette or syringe, along the centre line of the track, between the rails. Further applications of the glue are then made outside of the rails, and along the shoulder, but in all instances what you don't need to do is to saturate the track and ballast, as is often the case with other types of glue.  It's more of a case of "Precision Gluing"! It is a thicker glue than the watered-down PVA often used, so will first sit on top of the ballast. But over time it will disperse within the ballast particles and reach outwards towards the ballast shoulder. After a minimum period of 24 hours the glue will have dried and hardened, fixing the ballast firmly in place, although it is possible that some small areas may need further glue application where necessary. 

The attraction of this glue is that it is ready-made, not needing to be mixed, watered-down, or have additional additives put in such as washing up liquid. It comes in a convenient and handy 500ml bottle with a screw top, supplied in singles and available now from stock.