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!

Another new arrival into stock is this attractive 7 plank open wagon - Huntley & Palmers, based in Reading, Berkshire, was a well-known biscuit manufacturer that used these wagons to bring coal into their factory. Famous brand names sell model wagons, so you should do well with this one.

Being new tooling you can expect a step up on detail: crisply moulded parts, thinner walls to the body, correct 9 foot wheelbase, detachable couplings and metal-tyred wheels for free running.

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

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.

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

The 16 Ton Mineral Wagon here is the basic unfitted coal wagon, so typical and common a sight on Britain's railways during the 1950s to 1980s. Now all gone with the demise of the coal industry. There would be rakes and rakes of these wagons trailing behind a locomotive throughout the UK, but most likely more so around the coalfields.

Produced from new tooling, fine moulded detail, sharp printing, free running metal-tyred wheels and removable couplers are the key features of our new models. But best of all, they represent excellent value for money when compared to the competition, and all made in the UK.

All-New Tooling Wagons

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.

The bauxite version of this wagon represents a slightly later period in the wagons life, whilst the black NCB version represents the wagons it it appeared once sold-on for internal use at various coal mine sites.

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!

All-New Tooling Wagons

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.

The bauxite version of this wagon represents a slightly later period in the wagons life, whilst the black NCB version represents the wagons it it appeared once sold-on for internal use at various coal mine sites.

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!

Built in the 1950's these 35t GLW (Gross Laden Weight) wagons served the railways for many years transporting iron ore from British iron ore mines for steel production. As that traffic ended, so the wagons found plenty of other uses especially with the BR Civil Engineers department and many lasted into the 1980's as a result. This bauxite liveried example represents the wagon in its original brake-fitted condition, as opposed to the unbraked grey livery version, although to be fair it would never have been so clean! An ideal weathering project for the modeller! 

Produced from new tooling, fine moulded detail, sharp printing, free running metal-tyred wheels and removable couplers are the key features of our new models. But best of all, they represent excellent value for money when compared to the competition, and all made in the UK.

Built in the 1950's these 35t GLW (Gross Laden Weight) wagons served the railways for many years transporting iron ore from British iron ore mines for steel production. As that traffic ended, so the wagons found plenty of other uses especially with the BR Civil Engineers department and many lasted into the 1980's as a result. This bauxite liveried example represents the wagon in its original brake-fitted condition, as opposed to the unbraked grey livery version, although to be fair it would never have been so clean! An ideal weathering project for the modeller! 

Produced from new tooling, fine moulded detail, sharp printing, free running metal-tyred wheels and removable couplers are the key features of our new models. But best of all, they represent excellent value for money when compared to the competition, and all made in the UK.

Built in the 1950's these 35t GLW (Gross Laden Weight) wagons served the railways for many years transporting iron ore from British iron ore mines for steel production. As that traffic ended, so the wagons found plenty of other uses especially with the BR Civil Engineers department and many lasted into the 1980's as a result. This bauxite liveried example represents the wagon in its original brake-fitted condition, as opposed to the unbraked grey livery version, although to be fair it would never have been so clean! An ideal weathering project for the modeller! 

Produced from new tooling, fine moulded detail, sharp printing, free running metal-tyred wheels and removable couplers are the key features of our new models. But best of all, they represent excellent value for money when compared to the competition, and all made in the UK.

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.

All-New Tooling Wagons

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.

The bauxite version of this wagon represents a slightly later period in the wagons life, whilst the black NCB version represents the wagons it it appeared once sold-on for internal use at various coal mine sites.

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!

All-New Tooling Wagons

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.

The bauxite version of this wagon represents a slightly later period in the wagons life, whilst the black NCB version represents the wagons it it appeared once sold-on for internal use at various coal mine sites.

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!

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

All-New Tooling Wagons

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.

The bauxite version of this wagon represents a slightly later period in the wagons life, whilst the black NCB version represents the wagons it it appeared once sold-on for internal use at various coal mine sites.

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!

All-New Tooling Wagons

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.

The bauxite version of this wagon represents a slightly later period in the wagons life, whilst the black NCB version represents the wagons it it appeared once sold-on for internal use at various coal mine sites.

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!

Double unit loco lift. Designed as a replacement for the old SL-43 Loco Lift, this new versatile system still has the features that made the SL-43 so popular, such as the ability to directly drive the locomotive on and off the track. But that was limited to OO/HO scale and this new system has been developed to adapt to all scales from N through to EM, including OO-9 (HOe), HOn3, TT, HOm and OO/HO. 

Single unit loco lift. Designed as a replacement for the old SL-43 Loco Lift, this new versatile system still has the features that made the SL-43 so popular, such as the ability to directly drive the locomotive on and off the track. But that was limited to OO/HO scale and this new system has been developed to adapt to all scales from N through to EM, including OO-9 (HOe), HOn3, TT, HOm and OO/HO. 

This track models the most common form of concrete sleepering in use in Britain today, with flat bottom rail. PECO Streamline O Gauge Code 143 - Concrete Flexible Track.

SL-702FB PECO Streamline O Code 143 Flexible Track & Concrete SleeperTie

Flat bottom rail, 914mm, 3ft length / Nickel silver rail

View the film here: 

In August 2023 DB Cargo retired the last of the former BR/ECC china clay CDA hoppers after a service life of 35 years. These unique and distinctive wagons will be missed by enthusiasts but thanks to PECO, modellers can keep their legacy going in model form!

Note that the CDA wagons are now fitted with metal-tyred wheels as standard.

The CDA China Clay hopper, and the HAA Coal Hopper, are closely related, sharing the same design and operational principles, with bottom hopper doors opened to empty the contents, in the case of china clay, for loading into ships at Carne Point, near Fowey in Cornwall. As china clay must be kept dry special rolling tarpaulin covers protected the load, as featured on our models.

In August 2023 DB Cargo retired the last of the former BR/ECC china clay CDA hoppers after a service life of 35 years. These unique and distinctive wagons will be missed by enthusiasts but thanks to PECO, modellers can keep their legacy going in model form!

Note that the CDA wagons are now fitted with metal-tyred wheels as standard.

The CDA China Clay hopper, and the HAA Coal Hopper, are closely related, sharing the same design and operational principles, with bottom hopper doors opened to empty the contents, in the case of china clay, for loading into ships at Carne Point, near Fowey in Cornwall. As china clay must be kept dry special rolling tarpaulin covers protected the load, as featured on our models.

The familiar Rugga V-Skip 'tipping' wagon design was introduced in the 1930s - a development of the Robert Hudson company, based in Leeds. They could be supplied to the customer's specific requirements, with a skip size ranging from 13.5 to 54 cubic feet (0.38 to 1.53 cubic metres), and in most track gauges. The design allows the skip to tip in either direction, perfect for small industrial railways that needed to move and unload materials quickly and efficiently. The company even boasted that at any one time several thousand could be supplied from stock! These are supplied in an attractive display box of three.

The familiar Rugga V-Skip 'tipping' wagon design was introduced in the 1930s - a development of the Robert Hudson company, based in Leeds. They could be supplied to the customer's specific requirements, with a skip size ranging from 13.5 to 54 cubic feet (0.38 to 1.53 cubic metres), and in most track gauges. The design allows the skip to tip in either direction, perfect for small industrial railways that needed to move and unload materials quickly and efficiently. The company even boasted that at any one time several thousand could be supplied from stock! These are supplied in an attractive display box of three.

A specially selected tool set from expert modellers here at PECO for kit building. These tools are vital to all modellers, included also is expert knowledge in the form a useful guide brought to you by the experts at Railway Modeller.

Includes:

• Sprue & plastic cutters
• Fine tweezers
• Snap-off knife with 10 spare blades
• Set of 4 needle files
• No.0 size brush
• No.4 size brush
• A4 cutting mat
• 150mm/6" steel rule
• Shows you how guide: 'Kit construction for beginners'

 

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.

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

The PECO Streamline OO Bullhead track range has shaped up to be a very comprehensive system comprising flexible track, bullhead joiners, buffer stop, large radius and medium radius turnouts , a crossing and two slips. There's enough there already for modellers to build a truly authentic steam to diesel transition period layout.

The PECO Streamline OO Bullhead track range has shaped up to be a very comprehensive system comprising flexible track, bullhead joiners, buffer stop, large radius and medium radius turnouts , a crossing and two slips. There's enough there already for modellers to build a truly authentic steam to diesel transition period layout.

Available now!

Narrow gauge ready-to-run locomotives in 1:76 scale, 9mm gauge track. DC (analogue) core-less motor fitted within loco body giving smooth and reliable running. Loco and tender electrically connected – pick ups on front loco axles and two tender axles. Inner axle of loco fitted with traction tyres. Will comfortably negotiate 9inch/229mm radius curves. Fully decorated with fine lining and small details. Separate moulding supplied for handrails, and other details. Supplied fitted with standard PECO OO-9 coupling, Arnold N gauge couplings supplied separately.

Please note: DCC operation is possible with this model but it is not currently supplied as 'DCC-Ready' and will need to be carefully retro-fitted.

Available now!

Narrow gauge ready-to-run locomotives in 1:76 scale, 9mm gauge track. DC (analogue) core-less motor fitted within loco body giving smooth and reliable running. Loco and tender electrically connected – pick ups on front loco axles and two tender axles. Inner axle of loco fitted with traction tyres. Will comfortably negotiate 9inch/229mm radius curves. Fully decorated with fine lining and small details. Separate moulding supplied for handrails, and other details. Supplied fitted with standard PECO OO-9 coupling, Arnold N gauge couplings supplied separately.

Please note: DCC operation is possible with this model but it is not currently supplied as 'DCC-Ready' and will need to be carefully retro-fitted.

Available now!

Narrow gauge ready-to-run locomotives in 1:76 scale, 9mm gauge track. DC (analogue) core-less motor fitted within loco body giving smooth and reliable running. Loco and tender electrically connected – pick ups on front loco axles and two tender axles. Inner axle of loco fitted with traction tyres. Will comfortably negotiate 9inch/229mm radius curves. Fully decorated with fine lining and small details. Separate moulding supplied for handrails, and other details. Supplied fitted with standard PECO OO-9 coupling, Arnold N gauge couplings supplied separately.

Please note: DCC operation is possible with this model but it is not currently supplied as 'DCC-Ready' and will need to be carefully retro-fitted.

Available now!

Narrow gauge ready-to-run locomotives in 1:76 scale, 9mm gauge track. DC (analogue) core-less motor fitted within loco body giving smooth and reliable running. Loco and tender electrically connected – pick ups on front loco axles and two tender axles. Inner axle of loco fitted with traction tyres. Will comfortably negotiate 9inch/229mm radius curves. Fully decorated with fine lining and small details. Separate moulding supplied for handrails, and other details. Supplied fitted with standard PECO OO-9 coupling, Arnold N gauge couplings supplied separately.

Please note: DCC operation is possible with this model but it is not currently supplied as 'DCC-Ready' and will need to be carefully retro-fitted.

Feast your eyes on the all new Ffestiniog Railway Small England 0-4-0ST+T locomotive, 'Prince', co-produced by PECO and the noted Japanese model railway manufacturer, Kato.

Finished as No.1 'Princess' and No.2 'Prince' both finished in Ffestiniog Railway heritage lined maroon livery.

Feast your eyes on the all new Ffestiniog Railway Small England 0-4-0ST+T locomotive, 'Princess', co-produced by PECO and the noted Japanese model railway manufacturer, Kato.

Finished as No.1 'Princess' and No.2 'Prince' both finished in Ffestiniog Railway heritage lined maroon livery.

NEW Wooden Laser-Cut Kits

Following on from the release of our Victorian houses, we have moved forward a century with these rather more utilitarian house kits, based on a design that first appeared in the 1960s. We have all seen these houses - they are all over the UK, forming a familiar feature in virtually every town and city.

There are 3 kits available: Low-relief Fronts & Backs, and the Full Building Kit. Easy and satisfying to build, the laser-cut detail is extremely fine, with wonderful brick and tile textures on the surface. The models also feature guttering and downpipes, a separate porch at the front and blinds in the windows, which can be positioned as desired. Once built the models can be painted to reflect the modeller's individual choice. 

You can easily imagine a row of these 1960s house backs lining up alongside the railway, or a small housing estate located close to the railway station - a perfect scene on the layout that can be enhanced with various other PECO, Ratio, Wills and Harburn Hamlet accessories.

NEW Wooden Laser-Cut Kits

Following on from the release of our Victorian houses, we have moved forward a century with these rather more utilitarian house kits, based on a design that first appeared in the 1960s. We have all seen these houses - they are all over the UK, forming a familiar feature in virtually every town and city.

There are 3 kits available: Low-relief Fronts & Backs, and the Full Building Kit. Easy and satisfying to build, the laser-cut detail is extremely fine, with wonderful brick and tile textures on the surface. The models also feature guttering and downpipes, a separate porch at the front and blinds in the windows, which can be positioned as desired. Once built the models can be painted to reflect the modeller's individual choice. 

You can easily imagine a row of these 1960s house backs lining up alongside the railway, or a small housing estate located close to the railway station - a perfect scene on the layout that can be enhanced with various other PECO, Ratio, Wills and Harburn Hamlet accessories.

NEW Wooden Laser-Cut Kits

Following on from the release of our Victorian houses, we have moved forward a century with these rather more utilitarian house kits, based on a design that first appeared in the 1960s. We have all seen these houses - they are all over the UK, forming a familiar feature in virtually every town and city.

There are 3 kits available: Low-relief Fronts & Backs, and the Full Building Kit. Easy and satisfying to build, the laser-cut detail is extremely fine, with wonderful brick and tile textures on the surface. The models also feature guttering and downpipes, a separate porch at the front and blinds in the windows, which can be positioned as desired. Once built the models can be painted to reflect the modeller's individual choice. 

You can easily imagine a row of these 1960s house backs lining up alongside the railway, or a small housing estate located close to the railway station - a perfect scene on the layout that can be enhanced with various other PECO, Ratio, Wills and Harburn Hamlet accessories.

The NEW Unifrog Conversion

The latest conversion to Unifrog is now available. This time we have updated the Streamline OO/HO scale Code 100 Small Radius "Y" turnout to conform to this new format. Produced from brand new tooling this replaced the former Insulfrog and Electrofrog SL-97 and SL-E97 (both of these are now discontinued and out of stock).

Y Turnouts are really useful track components - their main benefit being as great space-savers. By combining the Y with the short crossing you can create a tight radius double junction and using several Ys together allows you to fit more routes in a restricted space. Ideal when building small loco yards and goods sidings. It's what the real railways would have done after all! 

The Unifrog Conversion

On a Unifrog turnout the frog tip and wing rails are electrically isolated from all other rails. The turnout can be used as supplied on a DC or DCC layout without any modification, using the standard SL-10 rail joiner. If desired, the frog tip and wing rails can be powered by connecting the wire welded underneath to a changeover switch or microswitch working in unison with one of our turnout motors. Basically, as supplied the turnout operates as an Insulfrog turnout. If the frog is powered then it operates as an Electrofrog turnout. So, the best of both worlds in one unit!