In this months issue...

RAILWAY OF THE MONTH - ST0RDAL

From Hell to Dovrefjell - ModelSpoorGroep Valkenswaard introduce their Norwegian HO exhibition layout, an imaginary location chosen to include typical features.

CJ @ 13

Emmanuel Nouaillier demonstrates more of his techniques for intricately detailed structure modelling.

PLAN OF THE MONTH - SAINT-DESERT

A wayside station on a former PLM secondary line - Regis Deroussin introduces his home HO layout, which manages to include a station, a junction, and an impressive viaduct, in a reasonable space.

+PLUS!

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

In this months issue...

RAILWAY OF THE MONTH - VONECHE

On the Athus - Maas line: MSC De Kempen present their new Belgian HO exhibition layout, set in Epoch Ill-IV to allow steam and diesel traction.

BOUY-A-BEZE

A seaside town served by a metre gauge secondaire - MSC Het Spoor vzw introduce their HOm evocation of a French coastal light railway.

PLAN OF THE MONTH - KINZIGTAL

German HO in the loft - Ian David describes his layout, which has been developed in two stages.

+PLUS!

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

In this months issue...

RAILWAY OF THE MONTH - POTTENDORF

IN THE CÉVENNES - passing through the Massif Central, a set of three linked French N scenes.

BYRHH

BYRHH – part 2: Emmanuel Nouaillier crafts a scene around – and within – a product promoting a famous French brand. 

PLAN OF THE MONTH - ILLIUM

NORDERNBURG – a German N permanent layout.

+PLUS!

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

A versatile small barn/stores kit which can be assembled as a derelict or pristine building with a choice of wall finishes.

RAILWAY OF THE MONTH

Eli Wood
Eric Farragher constructed this exhibition layout, designed with a double track continuous run format, to run modern day passenger and freight workings through a rural landscape.

PLAN OF THE MONTH

A Plaster Mill
Clive Baker describes this compact EM gauge model, inspired by shunting activities at the plaster mill of J C Staton & Son, at Tutbury in Staffordshire.

PLUS ALL THE LATEST NEWS & REVIEWS...

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, medium radius turnout, a crossing, double & single slips, Y turnouts and now Small Radius Turnouts. There's enough there already for modellers to build a truly authentic steam-to-diesel transition period layout.

• PECO Streamline OO Bullhead Small Radius Turnout, Unifrog
• Shares the same geometry as the existing Streamline Code 100, 75 flat bottom tracks systems
• Compatible with existing Bullhead system
• Uses standard SL-110 Code 75 rail joiner or the SL-114 Bullhead rail joiner
• Length 185mm
• Radius 610mm
• Frog angle 12 degrees
• Unifrog
• High quality nickel silver rail for all rail parts, for optimal electrical conductivity
• An excellent track component where space restrictions prevent standard turnouts being used.

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, medium radius turnout, a crossing, double & single slips, Y turnouts and now Small Radius Turnouts. There's enough there already for modellers to build a truly authentic steam-to-diesel transition period layout.

• PECO Streamline OO Bullhead Small Radius Turnout, Unifrog
• Shares the same geometry as the existing Streamline Code 100, 75 flat bottom tracks systems
• Compatible with existing Bullhead system
• Uses standard SL-110 Code 75 rail joiner or the SL-114 Bullhead rail joiner
• Length 185mm
• Radius 610mm
• Frog angle 12 degrees
• Unifrog
• High quality nickel silver rail for all rail parts, for optimal electrical conductivity
• An excellent track component where space restrictions prevent standard turnouts being used.

RAILWAY OF THE MONTH

Barrihandle
Inspired by the late lain Rice's layout plan Gairloch, the Wirral & North Wales Model Railway Group created this fictional fishing port on the west coast of Scotland - complete with a boat that sails around the harbour. Alisdair Macdonald tells its story.

PLAN OF THE MONTH

Warmsley
Peter Johnston describes his latest N gauge exhibition layout, a Southern Region branch line terminus set in the picturesque 195Os England of Agatha Christie ...

PLUS ALL THE LATEST NEWS & REVIEWS...

RAILWAY OF THE MONTH

Splott
Paul Spencer describes how he constructed this 1980s diesel era layout, set against a Cardiff industrial backdrop and digitally operated. It will be appearing at the EM Gauge Society Spring show on 10 & 11 May.

PLAN OF THE MONTH

Competition Cameos
A selection of ideas in different scales for the PECO RAIL200 competition, with the challenge to build a layout or diorama on a baseboard of just 291h" x 12".

PLUS ALL THE LATEST NEWS & REVIEWS...

In this months issue...

RAILWAY OF THE MONTH - POTTENDORF

You cannot better a good idea: Tim Hale has revisited a favourite theme - a Bavarian branch in the Deutsche Bundesbahn period, modelled in HO.

LOCK 11

Jan van Munster presents his French HO exhibition layout, which has an unusual working feature inspired by the Vallee des Eclusiers in the Vosges.

PLAN OF THE MONTH - ILLIUM

On the Colorado 3' gauge: Mick Savage describes his fixed room-filling American Sn3 layout.

+PLUS!

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

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

RAILWAY OF THE MONTH

Annerley
In reality, the Hull to Scarborough line leaves the coast at Bridlington and heads north to Filey. But David Harrison chose to imagine how the route would have looked, had it continued along the coast to Flamborough Head.

PLAN OF THE MONTH

Leominster
This N gauge layout, being built by the Marches Model Railway Group, is due to go on public display in April, in the town whose station it depicts. Peter Dennis tells the story so far.

PLUS ALL THE LATEST NEWS & REVIEWS...