The Peco 'Shows You How' series of booklets give practical, clearly laid out information and instruction on a wide range of model railway topics. This booklet uses simple, clear diagrams to show the basic concepts of layout wiring, including an explanation of the difference between Insulfrog and Electrofrog Turnouts. See also booklets Wiring the Layout Part 2 (No 5) which leads on from this publication to more advanced techniques, and Wiring the Layout Part 3 (No 21) which explains the neccesary wiring for Electrofrog 3 Way Turnouts, Crossings and Single and Double Slips.

As well as the starting point for most model railway projects, trackplans are a fascinating aspect of the hobby in their own right. For many years they have been a popular feature in Railway Modeller magazine and are presented here for the first time in one handy volume. 64 pages fully illustrated.

All PECO Publications now available as digital downloads on tablets and mobile devices through their respective App Stores. Download on the App Store or get it on Google Play.

The Peco 'Shows You How' series of booklets give practical, clearly laid out information and instruction on a wide range of model railway topics. This booklet gives easy to follow instructions and diagrams on the wiring relating to Electrofrog turnouts, including 3 way turnouts, long crossings and single and double slips. For more information on layout wiring, see our booklets Wiring the Layout Part 1 (No 4) and Part 2 (No 5).

The Peco 'Shows You How' series of booklets give practical, clearly laid out information and instruction on a wide range of model railway topics. This booklet is a companion to our booklet Wiring the Layout Part 1 (No 4), and takes the exploration of basic wiring techniques on to look at more advanced electrical projects such as Cab Control. See also booklet Wiring the Layout Part 3 (No 21) which explains the neccesary wiring for Electrofrog 3 Way Turnouts, Crossings and Single and Double Slips.

The Peco 'Shows You How' series of booklets give practical, clearly laid out information and instruction on a wide range of model railway topics. There is a wide range of options available for the remote control of Points and Signals, this booklet explores them and gives practical advice to help you choose the system that suits you and your layout operation.

The Peco 'Shows You How' series of booklets give practical, clearly laid out information and instruction on a wide range of model railway topics. Good tracklaying is vital to the satisfactory operation of a model railway, and this booklet, which is applicable to all scales and gauges, gives easy to follow instructions with accompanying photographs on how to properly lay track and ballast.

The PECO Product & Modelling Guide is out now and bigger than ever! It is not only a comprehensive guide to a huge range of PECO products and other brands, but also a modelling reference guide, to help with so many modelling techniques. The guide features all the products currently available from PECO, Ratio, Wills, Modelscene, Parkside & Tracksetta and is now bigger than ever! Explanations and helpful hints and tips on scales and gauges, rail codes, frog descriptions, standard and narrow gauge railways, baseboard building, track-laying, wiring using PECO turnout motors and Smartswitch servos, to operate turnouts and semaphore signals, kit building and painting, and scenic work are all included in this inspirational guide.

All PECO Publications now available as digital downloads on tablets and mobile devices through their respective App Stores.

Download on the App Store or get it on Google Play.

The Peco 'Shows You How' series of booklets give practical, clearly laid out information and instruction on a wide range of model railway topics. There are many considerations to take into account when planning a layout - siding, loop and headshunt lengths, clearances and many others. Most important is that your layout will enable you to operate your railway in the way that gives you pleasure, this booklet will help you ensure that you have considered all the relevant factors before starting to build.

Regularly revised and updated, the 00 and N Gauge Setrack Planbooks are an ideal introduction to the hobby. Each of the layout plans is illustrated with a suggestion of how the layout can be transformed into a realistic representation of a real railway, and a detailed list of the components required is also supplied. Plus pages of useful tips on constructing baseboards, track laying etc - in fact all you need to know to make a good start (Planbooks are included in our 00 Starter Track sets Ref ST-100 and 101, and our N Starter Track Sets Ref ST-300 and 301).

All PECO Publications now available as digital downloads on tablets and mobile devices through their respective App Stores. Download on the App Store or get it on Google Play.

Your essential guide from the experts at Railway Modeller. Covers a wide variety of topics from initial planning through to those important finishing touches. With both practical advice and step by step guides, it is essential reading for those new to the hobby and an important reference book for more experienced modellers. 122 pages fully illustrated. Features include: ‚Ģ Planning and Design ‚Ģ Baseboard and Layout Construction ‚Ģ Laying the Track ‚Ģ Creating a Backscene ‚Ģ Modelling the Landscape ‚Ģ Using Static Grass Applicators ‚Ģ Modelling with Card ‚Ģ Building Plastic Building and Wagon Kits ‚Ģ Scratchbuilding Structures ‚Ģ Control and Wiring - and Much More.

All PECO Publications now available as digital downloads on tablets and mobile devices through their respective App Stores. Download on the App Store or get it on Google Play.

This book features six layout plans with varied themes to get you started on your journey into narrow gauge modelling, ranging from simple yet satisfying projects utilising the contents of the ST-400 Peco Setrack OO-9 Starter Track Set, through to more elaborate designs that combine components from both the Peco Setrack and Streamline track systems. The plans in this book have been skilfully designed and illustrated by James Hilton, an experienced modeller and narrow gauge enthusiast. 16 fully illustrated pages including complete parts lists and modelling techniques.

The Peco 'Shows You How' series of booklets give practical, clearly laid out information and instruction on a wide range of model railway topics. This booklet looks at the concepts, possibilites and equipment available for DCC operation. For more information on Digital Command Control (DCC), see our booklets DCC Decoder Installation (No 20) and Introducing DCC Sound (No 25).

Regularly revised and updated, the 00 and N Gauge Setrack Planbooks are an ideal introduction to the hobby. Each of the layout plans is illustrated with a suggestion of how the layout can be transformed into a realistic representation of a real railway, and a detailed list of the components required is also supplied. Plus pages of useful tips on constructing baseboards, track laying etc - in fact all you need to know to make a good start. (Planbooks are included in our 00 Starter Track sets Ref ST-100 and 101, and our N Starter Track Set Ref ST-300).

All PECO Publications now available as digital downloads on tablets and mobile devices through their respective App Stores. Download on the App Store or get it on Google Play.

The Peco 'Shows You How' series of booklets give practical, clearly laid out information and instruction on a wide range of model railway topics. This booklet looks at the methodology behind semaphore signalling, and gives practical advice on the placing and operation of signals.

From choosing a suitable location for your 00 Gauge layout, and the type of control methods to use, this book is packed with advise and inspiration for new railway modellers and returnees to the hobby alike. There is also a look back at the history of 00 gauge, and a wealth of practical projects, many of which will be simple evenings' tasks that will enhance your models and hone new skills. Additionally, maintenance advice is given to keep your layout in tip top condition, plus a selection of track plans to help you get started. 122 pages fully illustrated.

All PECO Publications now available as digital downloads on tablets and mobile devices through their respective App Stores. Download on the App Store or get it on Google Play.

The Peco 'Shows You How' series of booklets give practical, clearly laid out information and instruction on a wide range of model railway topics. This booklet looks at the different types of baseboard construction, and how to build a firm, reliable baseboard for your layout illustrated by helpful photographs and drawings.

METHOD OF ENTRY:

The first step in entering our exciting and new RAIL200 Competition is the purchase of the dedicated RAIL200 Competition Baseboard. Our bespoke baseboard is designed for both the Modular Competition (OO Scale) and Standalone Competition (Any Scale). For the Modular Competition, the supplied track MUST be used and placed as instructed. Other gauge track can be used elsewhere on the board, but must not interfere with the mainline of track, as this will be used to operate if the entry makes it to the finals. For the Standalone Competition, the supplied track MAY be used, and wherever on the board, if desired. No specific tools will be required to assemble the baseboard, but a PVA glue will be required.

Upon purchase of this baseboard, you'll be contacted automatically via email with a useful video guide, showing you how to assemble your baseboard, as well as details on how to submit your entry for judging, to be in with a chance of making the finals and hopefully winning!

A printed hard copy of these instructions, as well as printed entry form will also be included with the baseboard that is sent to you.

Enjoy your build and good luck!

For more information or enquiries please e-mail: rail200competition@peco.co

The competition entry page can be found here.

ABOUT THE RAIL200 COMPETITION

The RAIL200 Competition aims to celebrate two centuries of railway heritage by engaging both seasoned and novice modellers and of all ages. Participants do not need prior experience in railway modelling, making this an inclusive opportunity for anyone that would like to take part of try their hand in modelling. The competition features two distinct categories, allowing entrants to choose based on their interests and skills.

These are:

1. The Modular Competition: Participants are tasked with creating a layout using a OO gauge piece of track provided by PECO. Strict guidelines ensure compatibility among entries, enabling the finalists’ layouts to be linked-together into a larger, cohesive exhibition at a special venue, to be announced. Finalists will have their layouts assembled by PECO technicians and showcased to the public, with features in Railway Modeller magazine and prizes for winners and runners-up.

2.The Standalone Competition: This category allows modellers to craft a scenic display in any scale or gauge, focusing solely on scenic creativity and imaginative design. Dioramas are standalone pieces and are not required to be connected operationally with other layouts. Finalists will have their work displayed publicly and featured in Railway Modeller magazine, with prizes awarded to winners and runners-up.

To enter the RAIL200 Competition, participants are required to purchase a specially designed RAIL200 baseboard, which grants automatic entry into the competition, and will be posted to them along with instructions on how to assemble their baseboard, as well as how to register their entry online, or if preferred by submitting in the post . Entrants are required to send high-quality photographs of their completed layouts or dioramas by the submission deadline, in order to be considered for the final. An independent panel of judges will evaluate the entries, selecting finalists for exhibition and publication opportunities.

POSTAGE & PACKING

UK (Scotland, England, Wales, N.Ireland) - £6.00
UK (Highlands & Islands) - £30.00

Please note: We apologise for any higher than expected delivery charges but these are the exact and direct costs from the courier that we cannot change.

KEY DATES

Competition Opens: Monday 7th April 2025
Submission Deadline: Tuesday 30th September 2025

Please note: This competition is a UK-based competition only

Your essential guide to O Gauge modelling from the experts at Railway Modeller. Covers a wide variety of topics from initial planning through to those important finishing touches. With both practical advice and step by step guides, it is essential reading for those modelling in O gauge or anyone contemplating discovering O gauge modelling. 124 pages fully illustrated. Features include: ‚Ģ Getting started in O. Step-by-step modelling features. Inspirational layouts. Track plans you can build. Using digital control. Larger scale outdoors - and Much More.

All PECO Publications now available as digital downloads on tablets and mobile devices through their respective App Stores. Download on the App Store or get it on Google Play

The Peco 'Shows You How' series of booklets give practical, clearly laid out information and instruction on a wide range of model railway topics. Providing a convincing landscape for your layout will provide an authentic setting for your trains; this booklet looks at the principles behind putting together what is on the other side of the railway fence. For more information on scenic detailling, see our booklets Modelling Water (No 12), Detailing the Landscape (No 1), Adding the Background (No 15), and Creating the Backscene (No 16).

The Peco 'Shows You How' series of booklets give practical, clearly laid out information and instruction on a wide range of model railway topics. This booklet gives an overview of N Gauge modelling and explores the potentials of this small scale; see our 'Guide to N Gauge Modelling' (Ref PM-204) for an in depth, practical guide to building a layout in this scale. For details of 00 Gauge Modelling, see our booklet Making a Start in 00 (No 6), or the 'Guide to 00 Gauge Modelling' (Ref PM-206).

Discover the exciting possibilities of modelling heritage railways in this latest addition to the Peco Modeller's Library. This guide includes:

Modelling the preservation era in the popular scales

Inspirational layouts

Step-by-step modelling features

Track plans you can build

Standard and narrow gauge examples

History of railway preservation

All PECO Publications now available as digital downloads on tablets and mobile devices through their respective App Stores. Download on the App Store or get it on Google Play.

The Peco 'Shows You How' series of booklets give practical, clearly laid out information and instruction on a wide range of model railway topics. The details you include in your layout can make it into an accurate depiction of real life, and this booklet gives advice and ideas of how to accomplish this transformation. For more information on scenic detailling, see our booklets Modelling Water (No 12), Modelling the Landscape (No 13), Adding the Background (No 15), and Creating the Backscene (No 16).

The Peco 'Shows You How' series of booklets give practical, clearly laid out information and instruction on a wide range of model railway topics. This booklet looks at the methodology behind colour light signalling, and gives practical advice on the placing and operation of signals.

The Peco 'Shows You How' series of booklets give practical, clearly laid out information and instruction on a wide range of model railway topics. This booklet show you how to provide a realistic setting for your model trains by providing an authentic background. For more information on scenic detailling, see our booklets Modelling Water (No 12), Modelling the Landscape (No 13), Detailing the Landscape (No 14), and Creating the Backscene (No 16).

The Peco 'Shows You How' series of booklets give practical, clearly laid out information and instruction on a wide range of model railway topics. This booklet explores the possibilities of how you can add depth and perspective to your layout by providing an appropriate backscene. For more information on scenic detailling, see our booklets Modelling Water (No 12), Modelling the Landscape (No 13), Detailing the Landscape (No 14), and Adding the Background (No 15).

This handy guide to narrow gauge modelling includes an overview of British narrow gauge history. It explains the basics of the 009 scale and includes 5 layout plans based on prototype locations, an overview of the ready to run items currently available and some helpful hints on kit building locomotive and rolling stock kits.

The Peco 'Shows You How' series of booklets give practical, clearly laid out information and instruction on a wide range of model railway topics.

The Peco 'Shows You How' series of booklets give practical, clearly laid out information and instruction on a wide range of model railway topics. This booklet looks at the concept of DCC Sound, and the options available for installing a sound chip in a locomotive. For more information on Digital Command Control (DCC) , see our booklets Introducing DCC (No 17) and DCC Decoder Installation (No 20).

The Peco 'Shows You How' series of booklets give practical, clearly laid out information and instruction on a wide range of model railway topics. This booklet gives an overview of 00 Gauge modelling and explores the potentials of the most popular modelling scale; see our 'Guide to 00 Gauge Modelling' (Ref PM-206) for an in depth, practical guide to building a layout in this scale. For details of N Gauge Modelling, see our booklet Making a Start in N (No 7), or the 'Guide to N Gauge Modelling (Ref PM-204).

Swiss railways have a special attraction for many enthusiasts, even if they do not model continental railways. The intense network of lines, volume of traffic, and seemingly endless variety of companies and liveries complements the incredibly attractive Alpine scenery so often associated with the railways of this land-locked country.

Comprising 124 perfect-bound pages, this softback book has a wide selection of articles, featuring layouts, modelling articles and prototype inspiration. Metre gauge railways are a well known feature of this country, so the articles on the routes of the MIB, Furka Oberalp and Rhatische Bahn will come as no surprise!

The Peco 'Shows You How' series of booklets give practical, clearly laid out information and instruction on a wide range of model railway topics. Whether it be in the sea, a canal, river or tiny stream, water and its effects appear everywhere in the landscape, and this booklet shows how to model it convincingly. For more information on scenic detailling, see our booklets Detailing the Landscape (No 14), Modelling the Landscape (No 13), Adding the Background (No 15), and Creating the Backscene (No 16).

New, from the experts at RAILWAY MODELLER!

HIT TV SHOW SPECIAL, A COLLECTORS ITEM AND THE COMPANION TO SERIES 2 OF THE POPULAR CHANNEL 5 SHOW!

The Peco 'Shows You How' series of booklets give practical, clearly laid out information and instruction on a wide range of model railway topics. This booklet looks at the construction of the Wills Craftsman range of building kits, and the flexibility of design and construction offered by this range.

 

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Enter the wonderful world of railway modelling and explore this charming and worthwhile hobby, with modelling enthusiast Chris Ford.

Railway modelling is a lifestyle hobby enjoyed by millions of people from all walks of life, including famous stars like Sir Rod Stewart, Jools Holland, Pete Waterman and even Hollywood A-listers such as Tom Hanks. As a mainstream leisure activity, it encompasses a huge array of artistic, creative and technical aptitudes. It is incredibly rewarding and fulfilling, a great way to learn lots of new skills, and can be enjoyed equally at home or by participating in a local club or group. But knowing where to begin and how to navigate one’s way through the myriad of wondrous things the hobby offers can often be overwhelming to both newcomers and experienced modellers alike.

Hence, this brand new publication which takes a candid and sometimes humorous look at the hobby today, guiding the reader through the multitude of options and choices with which he or she is faced. From what size of models to choose? Where to house a layout in the home? What controllers do I use? Where to get more advice? Should I join a club? In fact, all the information one needs to integrate this ever-fascinating hobby into one’s busy life and including examples of many inspirational model railways built by hobbyists of all persuasions.

The author, Chris Ford, is a lifelong enthusiast who has built layouts in various scales and gauges and is a frequent contributor to Railway Modeller.

 

Enter the wonderful world of railway modelling and explore this charming and worthwhile hobby, with modelling enthusiast Chris Ford.

Railway modelling is a lifestyle hobby enjoyed by millions of people from all walks of life, including famous stars like Sir Rod Stewart, Jools Holland, Pete Waterman and even Hollywood A-listers such as Tom Hanks. As a mainstream leisure activity, it encompasses a huge array of artistic, creative and technical aptitudes. It is incredibly rewarding and fulfilling, a great way to learn lots of new skills, and can be enjoyed equally at home or by participating in a local club or group. But knowing where to begin and how to navigate one’s way through the myriad of wondrous things the hobby offers can often be overwhelming to both newcomers and experienced modellers alike.

Hence, this brand new publication which takes a candid and sometimes humorous look at the hobby today, guiding the reader through the multitude of options and choices with which he or she is faced. From what size of models to choose? Where to house a layout in the home? What controllers do I use? Where to get more advice? Should I join a club? In fact, all the information one needs to integrate this ever-fascinating hobby into one’s busy life and including examples of many inspirational model railways built by hobbyists of all persuasions.

The author, Chris Ford, is a lifelong enthusiast who has built layouts in various scales and gauges and is a frequent contributor to Railway Modeller.

The first railway opened in Germany in 1835, between Nurnberg and Furth. From this small beginning railways quickly spread, assisting economic development. Originally built by private enterprise, then separate state concerns, the railways were nationalised in the mid-1920s. The variety was considerable from local light railways to heavy duty main lines, and eventually a dedicated high speed network with the now iconic ICE trains.

German toy manufacturers soon recognised the appeal of railways and now German companies are world leaders, offering a wide range of models in scales from Z to G; those modelling German railways arguably enjoy the most support of any national scene. This book explores the current state of modelling German railways, with examples of high quality layouts in different scales to illustrate the variety, and ideas for modelling and construction techniques. 111 pages fully illustrated.

All PECO Publications now available as digital downloads on tablets and mobile devices through their respective App Stores. Download on the App Store or get it on Google Play.

France is a land of rail contrasts; the popular image of a local train ambling through the countryside has long since given way to the smart, speedy TVG.

In places the landscape required impressive feats of civil engineering, even on the secondary routes, which meandered cross-country between the busy mainlines.

Nowadays unique tourist railways add to the appeal.

Here is just a small selection to inform and inspire.

The Peco 'Shows You How' series of booklets give practical, clearly laid out information and instruction on a wide range of model railway topics. This booklet looks at the installation of the Peco 00 Overhead Catenary system; it is included in the Catenary Mast pack (Ref LC-100) as the Instruction and Installation Manual.

Brought to you by the experts at Continental Modeller magazine, this new publication is packed with inspiring layouts and informative articles about modelling the wide variety of railways found in the Netherlands.

The Peco 'Shows You How' series of booklets give practical, clearly laid out information and instruction on a wide range of model railway topics. With a number of well-illustrated step-by-step articles, backed up with helpful text, this booklet explains how to upgrade a modeller's favourite engine. Subjects covered include renaming & renumbering, upgrading moulded details, adding crew figures, and detail painting and weathering.

The sheer variety of railroads in North America makes them a subject with enormous potential for enthusiasts everywhere. This invaluable guide is aimed at everyone who wishes to start modelling or enjoys this perennially fascinating subject. 130 pages fully illustrated.

All PECO Publications now available as digital downloads on tablets and mobile devices through their respective App Stores. Download on the App Store or get it on Google Play.

An inspirational 122 page book looking at the railways of Europe, includes some first class modelling of interesting places; also ideas for modelling and construction techniques.

All PECO Publications now available as digital downloads on tablets and mobile devices through their respective App Stores. Download on the App Store or get it on Google Play.

The Peco 'Shows You How' series of booklets give practical, clearly laid out information and instruction on a wide range of model railway topics. This booklet looks at the construction of a larger scale (0 Gauge and larger) layout in the great outdoors, giving practical advice on planning and building a railway outdoors. See our booklet Railway Modelling Outdoors in the Smaller Scales (No 18) for outdoor railways in scales up to 0 Gauge.

The Peco 'Shows You How' series of booklets give practical, clearly laid out information and instruction on a wide range of model railway topics. This booklet looks at the construction of a smaller scale (0 Gauge or smaller) layout in the great outdoors, giving practical advice on planning and building a railway outdoors. See our booklet Railway Modelling Outdoors in the Larger Scales (No 19) for outdoor railways in scales larger than 0 Gauge.

RAILWAY OF THE MONTH
Journey from Old London Town
Join us for a tour around the OO gauge layout of music legend Jools Holland in this extended feature showcasing his rendition of UK and continental railways, and the urban landscapes through which they run – with many recognisable structures modelled. The part of the layout representing overseas cities is in the January 2019 issue of our sister title Continental Modeller.

PLAN OF THE MONTH
Low Dale and Calver
A slew of influences led Alan Austin to design this room-filling P4 project, inspired by the Midland main line through the Derbyshire peaks.

SCALE DRAWINGS
Hull & Barnsley goods wagons
Typical freight vehicles from this noted Yorkshire concern, with a particular construction quirk on open wagons, as Tim Rayner describes.

The PECO Product & Modelling Guide is out now and bigger than ever!
Updated and expanded to 240 pages (last one was 224 pages) - that's an extra 16 pages-  full of essential information. It is not only a comprehensive guide to a huge range of PECO products and other brands, but also a modelling reference guide, to help with so many modelling techniques.
Covering the PECO, Ratio, Wills, Parkside and Modelscene ranges, as well as the publications and Tracksetta templates. Products from the new TT:120 scale are included, as is the expanding Pecoscene Static Grass range and N gauge wagon range.

 Explanations and helpful hints and tips on scales and gauges, rail codes, frog descriptions, standard and narrow gauge railways, baseboard building, track-laying, wiring using PECO turnout motors and Smartswitch servos, to operate turnouts and semaphore signals, kit building and painting, and scenic work are all included in this inspirational guide.

70th Anniversary Supplement
We mark the 70th anniversary of being the UK's best-selling model railway magazine with a free 16-page extra publication, checking up on some noted modellers from our history, and a glimpse into the future.

Chirk
A station on the Great Western main line in the Welsh Marches in OO, with the Glyn Valley Tramway as a bonus, as Stephen Weatherley reveals.

PLAN OF THE MONTH
The merits of club membership
Ryan Gray praises the assistance that fellow members of the Cupar & District MRC gave him in the construction of an OO diesel depot, Eden Road TMD.

SCALE DRAWINGS
Maldon East station
Still extant at the time of writing, but no longer in railway use, this elegant Great Eastern constituent structure was surveyed by Christopher Palmer in the 1970s. He presents the plans, to 2mm scale, in this issue.

Blair Atholl to Druimuachdar
Known to generations of Highland Railway enginemen simply as ‘The Hill’, this OO gauge recreation of Blair Atholl and environs was modelled by Howard Geddes and set in pre-Grouping and LMS days.

PLAN OF THE MONTH
Bournemouth Central
The Dorset resort was the hub in diesel and electric days of the Southern’s push-pull operations on Weymouth trains, as Ian Stock explains; the layout suggestion is designed for N gauge.

SCALE DRAWINGS
The locos of Crioch
Peter Fletcher assembles his roster of 4mm models representing 14 different Highland Railway classes, including the Drummond-designed Small Ben 4-4-0s, drawings of which are from our Ian Beattie archive.

RAILWAY OF THE MONTH
James Street
This hugely popular N gauge layout packs a lot of operational interest into its 20' x 11' size, as co-builders Steve Wright and Dave Cooper reveal.

PLAN OF THE MONTH
Conley West branch terminus
David Tennant chronicles the final development of his Evenlode & Lyndene room-filling OO layout; it now boasts three stations on two levels with much traffic potential.

SCALE DRAWINGS
MSWJR 2-4-0
Three D?ºbs-built 2-4-0s served the Midland & South Western Junction Railway and its successors for many years; drawn by Brian Meredith, described by Tim Rayner.

FREE BOOKLET WITH THIS ISSUE!
An Introduction to OO9 Modelling
The latest in our series of Shows You How A5 booklets provides an overview of 4mm scale narrow gauge modelling, with plans to inspire and constructional features to get you started!