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...

In this months issue...

RAILWAY OF THE MONTH - MIRABERNINA

On the Rhatische Bahn Bernina line - Eddy de Wilde has modelled a fictional but plausible location on the Swiss metre gauge in HOm.

PETENNE - Part 2

Robert Macchi continues the detailed account of his Italian HO DCC-controlled permanent layout.

PLAN OF THE MONTH - FALLERSTADT

Dave Harris introduces his new DCC-controlled German HO exhibition layout - a busy suburban station with trains, trams, and buses.

+PLUS!

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

RAILWAY OF THE MONTH

Dallas
John Wise describes how he created this imagined portrayal of a Great North of Scotland Railway branch terminus, set in the 1950s.hard Lambert describes the background to this imagined main line station, which is set on the Oldham Loop line between Manchester Victoria and Rochdale, in former Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway territory.

PLAN OF THE MONTH

Scotland in a small space
Toby Jennings suggests two compact Scottish layout plans in 00 gauge, both suitable for the new Highland Railway 'Jones Goods' 4-6-0 from Rapido Tr

PLUS ALL THE LATEST NEWS & REVIEWS...

Supplied in a square-section tube, the three separate sheets will match perfectly together to form a continuous run of 2400mm (95in), and reaching to a height of 333mm (13in).

Supplied in a square-section tube, the three separate sheets will match perfectly together to form a continuous run of 2400mm (95in), and reaching to a height of 333mm (13in).

This track models the most common form of concrete sleepering in use in Britain today, with flat bottom rail.

The concrete sleeper detail in SL-303 is vastly improved from the previous SL-302 (now discontinued), with a more prototypical sleeper/tie profile, better representation of the Pandrol-style rail clip and even the manufacturer's name embossed on the surface. Flexible track with nickel silver rail, length 36 inches, 914mm. Supplied in cartons of 25.

N.B Compatible with the existing N scale Code 80 track system, it is also worth reminding that the Code 80 and Code 55 track systems are able to be connected together without the need to compensate for the change in rail height thanks to the clever design of the rail profile and base mouldings of the Code 55 system. The standard SL-310 and SL-311 rail joiners are used for both systems.

A new set of Tracksetta templates are now available. Essential tools for ensuring the best track laying possible with PECO Streamline flexible track, the addition of TT:120 templates now provides modellers in this 'new' scale the opportunity to ensure kink-free, realistic-looking track. Combining different radii also allow the laying of transition curves and reverse curves to best effect. As with the N/OO-9 and OO/HO scale Tracksetta templates these are made from powder-coated steel.

A new set of Tracksetta templates are now available. Essential tools for ensuring the best track laying possible with PECO Streamline flexible track, the addition of TT:120 templates now provides modellers in this 'new' scale the opportunity to ensure kink-free, realistic-looking track. Combining different radii also allow the laying of transition curves and reverse curves to best effect. As with the N/OO-9 and OO/HO scale Tracksetta templates these are made from powder-coated steel.

A new set of Tracksetta templates are now available. Essential tools for ensuring the best track laying possible with PECO Streamline flexible track, the addition of TT:120 templates now provides modellers in this 'new' scale the opportunity to ensure kink-free, realistic-looking track. Combining different radii also allow the laying of transition curves and reverse curves to best effect. As with the N/OO-9 and OO/HO scale Tracksetta templates these are made from powder-coated steel.

A new set of Tracksetta templates are now available. Essential tools for ensuring the best track laying possible with PECO Streamline flexible track, the addition of TT:120 templates now provides modellers in this 'new' scale the opportunity to ensure kink-free, realistic-looking track. Combining different radii also allow the laying of transition curves and reverse curves to best effect. As with the N/OO-9 and OO/HO scale Tracksetta templates these are made from powder-coated steel.

A new set of Tracksetta templates are now available. Essential tools for ensuring the best track laying possible with PECO Streamline flexible track, the addition of TT:120 templates now provides modellers in this 'new' scale the opportunity to ensure kink-free, realistic-looking track. Combining different radii also allow the laying of transition curves and reverse curves to best effect. As with the N/OO-9 and OO/HO scale Tracksetta templates these are made from powder-coated steel.

A new set of Tracksetta templates are now available. Essential tools for ensuring the best track laying possible with PECO Streamline flexible track, the addition of TT:120 templates now provides modellers in this 'new' scale the opportunity to ensure kink-free, realistic-looking track. Combining different radii also allow the laying of transition curves and reverse curves to best effect. As with the N/OO-9 and OO/HO scale Tracksetta templates these are made from powder-coated steel.

A new set of Tracksetta templates are now available. Essential tools for ensuring the best track laying possible with PECO Streamline flexible track, the addition of TT:120 templates now provides modellers in this 'new' scale the opportunity to ensure kink-free, realistic-looking track. Combining different radii also allow the laying of transition curves and reverse curves to best effect. As with the N/OO-9 and OO/HO scale Tracksetta templates these are made from powder-coated steel.

Railway companies all had a stock of their own vehicles for carrying goods and merchandise around their network, and also onto other companies' routes as and when required. These were integrated into British Railways at Nationalisation; some of them to be once more re liveried under sectorisation as the network was prepared to be returned to private ownership. All PECO wagons feature free running wheels in pin point axles. The ELC coupling, whilst compatible with the standard N gauge couplings, keeps a realistic distance between the vehicles and enables the PL-25 electro magnetic decoupler to be used for remote uncoupling.

Railway companies all had a stock of their own vehicles for carrying goods and merchandise around their network, and also onto other companies' routes as and when required. These were integrated into British Railways at Nationalisation; some of them to be once more re liveried under sectorisation as the network was prepared to be returned to private ownership. All PECO wagons feature free running wheels in pin point axles. The ELC coupling, whilst compatible with the standard N gauge couplings, keeps a realistic distance between the vehicles and enables the PL-25 electro magnetic decoupler to be used for remote uncoupling.

Railway companies all had a stock of their own vehicles for carrying goods and merchandise around their network, and also onto other companies' routes as and when required. These were integrated into British Railways at Nationalisation; some of them to be once more re liveried under sectorisation as the network was prepared to be returned to private ownership. All PECO wagons feature free running wheels in pin point axles. The ELC coupling, whilst compatible with the standard N gauge couplings, keeps a realistic distance between the vehicles and enables the PL-25 electro magnetic decoupler to be used for remote uncoupling.

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 and now Y turnouts. There's enough there already for modellers to build a truly authentic steam-to-diesel transition period layout.

• PECO Streamline OO Bullhead Large Radius Y 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 220mm, 8.7 inches
• Radius 1829mm, 72 inches
• Frog angle 12 degrees
• Unifrog
• High quality nickel silver rail for all rail parts, for optimal electrical conductivity
• One-piece machined point blade
• Over-centre spring to lock the point blade in place
• An excellent track component where space restrictions prevent standard turnouts being used, such as in a goods yard.

The Ffestiniog Railway operated two pairs of bogie coaches numbered 17-20 and built by Brown Marshalls & Co and Gloucester Wagon Co. They were known as ‘Bowsiders’ because of the tumblehome shape of their sides. Numbers 17 and 18, built in 1876 are shorter with one 1st class compartment. Numbers 19 and 20, built in 1879 are longer with two 1st class compartments. All four are still in service on the Ffestiniog Railway today.

The Ffestiniog Railway operated two pairs of bogie coaches numbered 17-20 and built by Brown Marshalls & Co and Gloucester Wagon Co. They were known as ‘Bowsiders’ because of the tumblehome shape of their sides. Numbers 17 and 18, built in 1876 are shorter with one 1st class compartment. Numbers 19 and 20, built in 1879 are longer with two 1st class compartments. All four are still in service on the Ffestiniog Railway today.

The Ffestiniog Railway operated two pairs of bogie coaches numbered 17-20 and built by Brown Marshalls & Co and Gloucester Wagon Co. They were known as ‘Bowsiders’ because of the tumblehome shape of their sides. Numbers 17 and 18, built in 1876 are shorter with one 1st class compartment. Numbers 19 and 20, built in 1879 are longer with two 1st class compartments. All four are still in service on the Ffestiniog Railway today.

The Ffestiniog Railway operated two pairs of bogie coaches numbered 17-20 and built by Brown Marshalls & Co and Gloucester Wagon Co. They were known as ‘Bowsiders’ because of the tumblehome shape of their sides. Numbers 17 and 18, built in 1876 are shorter with one 1st class compartment. Numbers 19 and 20, built in 1879 are longer with two 1st class compartments. All four are still in service on the Ffestiniog Railway today.

The Ffestiniog Railway operated two pairs of bogie coaches numbered 17-20 and built by Brown Marshalls & Co and Gloucester Wagon Co. They were known as ‘Bowsiders’ because of the tumblehome shape of their sides. Numbers 17 and 18, built in 1876 are shorter with one 1st class compartment. Numbers 19 and 20, built in 1879 are longer with two 1st class compartments. All four are still in service on the Ffestiniog Railway today.

The Ffestiniog Railway operated two pairs of bogie coaches numbered 17-20 and built by Brown Marshalls & Co and Gloucester Wagon Co. They were known as ‘Bowsiders’ because of the tumblehome shape of their sides. Numbers 17 and 18, built in 1876 are shorter with one 1st class compartment. Numbers 19 and 20, built in 1879 are longer with two 1st class compartments. All four are still in service on the Ffestiniog Railway today.

The Ffestiniog Railway operated two pairs of bogie coaches numbered 17-20 and built by Brown Marshalls & Co and Gloucester Wagon Co. They were known as ‘Bowsiders’ because of the tumblehome shape of their sides. Numbers 17 and 18, built in 1876 are shorter with one 1st class compartment. Numbers 19 and 20, built in 1879 are longer with two 1st class compartments. All four are still in service on the Ffestiniog Railway today.

The Ffestiniog Railway operated two pairs of bogie coaches numbered 17-20 and built by Brown Marshalls & Co and Gloucester Wagon Co. They were known as ‘Bowsiders’ because of the tumblehome shape of their sides. Numbers 17 and 18, built in 1876 are shorter with one 1st class compartment. Numbers 19 and 20, built in 1879 are longer with two 1st class compartments. All four are still in service on the Ffestiniog Railway today.

In this months issue...

RAILWAY OF THE MONTH - WOLFSTATT

Through a mountain landscape - Craig and Lewis Charity have built an impressive Austrian HO exhibition layout which has taken more than ten years.

NORDIC COAST

Something different - Jeff Mayhill has fashioned a novel 1 :220 display layout with an integral barrier.

PLAN OF THE MONTH - PETENNE

Roberto Macchi begins a series 4a on the design, construction, control, and operation of his Italian HO permanent layout.

+PLUS!

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

The British Victorian red brick townhouse emerged during Queen Victoria's reign (1837–1901), reflecting the era's industrial and architectural advances. With the advent of mass brick production and rail transport, red bricks became affordable and widely available. Victorian architecture embraced Gothic Revival, Italianate, and Queen Anne styles, characterised by ornate detailing, bay windows, gables, and decorative brickwork. Red brick houses symbolised urban prosperity, particularly in growing industrial cities. Their durability and aesthetic appeal made them iconic in suburbs and working-class areas alike. Today, these houses endure as a hallmark of Victorian design, blending function with the artistic aspirations of the era.

The British Victorian red brick townhouse emerged during Queen Victoria's reign (1837–1901), reflecting the era's industrial and architectural advances. With the advent of mass brick production and rail transport, red bricks became affordable and widely available. Victorian architecture embraced Gothic Revival, Italianate, and Queen Anne styles, characterised by ornate detailing, bay windows, gables, and decorative brickwork. Red brick houses symbolised urban prosperity, particularly in growing industrial cities. Their durability and aesthetic appeal made them iconic in suburbs and working-class areas alike. Today, these houses endure as a hallmark of Victorian design, blending function with the artistic aspirations of the era.

The British Victorian red brick townhouse emerged during Queen Victoria's reign (1837–1901), reflecting the era's industrial and architectural advances. With the advent of mass brick production and rail transport, red bricks became affordable and widely available. Victorian architecture embraced Gothic Revival, Italianate, and Queen Anne styles, characterised by ornate detailing, bay windows, gables, and decorative brickwork. Red brick houses symbolised urban prosperity, particularly in growing industrial cities. Their durability and aesthetic appeal made them iconic in suburbs and working-class areas alike. Today, these houses endure as a hallmark of Victorian design, blending function with the artistic aspirations of the era.

Around 100 of these vans were built by the LNER between 1921 and 1936 for the transportation of grain, initially from the Port of Hull. In time their use became more widespread, often finding work transporting barley from Lincolnshire to the maltings in Scotland. The remaining wagons were retired in the mid-1970s.

Our new kit really is all-new. Brand new tooling producing some very fine plastic mouldings. In addition to that the kit includes brass bearings, fine scale metal wheels and NEM pockets for the tension lock couplers included. A set of waterslide decals for both the LNER and BR periods are included. Assembly is really straight forward aided by the clear and helpful instructions. The resulting model is one that would make a fine addition to any layout, and from a retailer's point of view there is the added attraction of being able to sell multiple kits given that modellers would likely require a rake of these wagons!

• Fine plastic moulding with thinner wagon body walls for accuracy.
• Interior detail as well as a high-level of exterior detail
• Separately-fitted brake lever.
• Brake shoes in line with the wheels
• Ultra-fine printing detail
• Free-running metal-tyred wheels
• Standard (removable) TT:120 coupler compatible with other TT:120 rolling stock on the market

• Fine plastic moulding with thinner wagon body walls for accuracy.
• Interior detail as well as a high-level of exterior detail
• Separately-fitted brake lever.
• Brake shoes in line with the wheels
• Ultra-fine printing detail
• Free-running metal-tyred wheels
• Standard (removable) TT:120 coupler compatible with other TT:120 rolling stock on the market

• Fine plastic moulding with thinner wagon body walls for accuracy.
• Interior detail as well as a high-level of exterior detail
• Separately-fitted brake lever.
• Brake shoes in line with the wheels
• Ultra-fine printing detail
• Free-running metal-tyred wheels
• Standard (removable) TT:120 coupler compatible with other TT:120 rolling stock on the market

RAILWAY OF THE MONTH

Helston Reimagined
Richard Lambert describes the background to this imagined main line station, which is set on the Oldham Loop line between Manchester Victoria and Rochdale, in former Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway territory.

PLAN OF THE MONTH

Southwark Bridge
Dave Howsam planned a new version of his first layout - a fictional Great Western Railway branch line in 00, named Porth/even - which ended up resembling, somewhat more closely, the real station in Cornwall that originally inspired it.

PLUS ALL THE LATEST NEWS & REVIEWS...

In this months issue...

RAILWAY OF THE MONTH - GRAND STREET & THREE RIVERS CITY

Sir Rod Stewart has had his extensive American HO layout transferred from California to Britain, where it has been rebuilt and further expanded, with more to come.

WEATHERING WAGONS

Peter Marriott shows how he makes modern HO stock look that bit more realistic.

PLAN OF THE MONTH - KLEIN SCHMALITZ

Antony Dean designed a portable German HO layout with a twist – it can be presented in four time periods.

+PLUS!

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

RAILWAY OF THE MONTH

Lancaster
Jon Chamberlain describes how he set about building this pre-Grouping 00 gauge depiction of a classic West Coast Main Line station in his garage.

PLAN OF THE MONTH

Southwark Bridge
For his fictional London terminus station, Graham Bridge turned to a classic Cyril J Freezer track plan - Minories, first published in RAILWAY MODELLER in April 1957.

PLUS ALL THE LATEST NEWS & REVIEWS...

One of the fundamental aspects of safety on the railway was that wagons should never be overloaded. To do so would risk trains not having sufficient braking capacity to slow and stop safely. To manage loading at many industrial locations, each wagon would pass over a Weighbridge - to check their weight. Each wagon would display its tare weight, which could be deducted from the total weight, to ascertain the net weight of the load - simple mathematics! The new Ratio kit is a great representation of a typical Weighbridge, not dissimilar to the one, once located at Shildon Wagon Works in the North East. Combining a mixture of materials, the plastic parts make up the hut and laser-cut wood parts form the actual weighing scales, which fit in and around a length of ST-201 PECO Setrack track, included in the kit. 

Another useful addition to the extensive range of Ratio OO/HO scale railway structure kits.

Whilst our HO Code 83 track is perfect for modelling American mainlines, this new Code 70 track is just right for secondary lines, lightly-used branches, sidings, etc. Indeed, it will be perfect for modelling the early-to-mid 20th century railroading era when lighter rail was more commonly used. Featuring accurate rail spike detail, correctly proportioned ties (sleepers) and nickel silver rail, this new flexible track has been produced to the same high standard that modellers have come to expect from PECO and confirms to the specifications laid down by the NMRA..

Whilst our HO Code 83 track is perfect for modelling American mainlines, this new Code 70 track is just right for secondary lines, lightly-used branches, sidings, etc. Indeed, it will be perfect for modelling the early-to-mid 20th century railroading era when lighter rail was more commonly used. Featuring accurate rail spike detail, correctly proportioned ties (sleepers) and nickel silver rail, this new flexible track has been produced to the same high standard that modellers have come to expect from PECO and confirms to the specifications laid down by the NMRA..

In this months issue...

RAILWAY OF THE MONTH - WYSOKA GORZOWSKA

Tomasz Florczak describes a rural passing station in western Poland which he has modelled in HO as a tribute to his grandfather, the former stationmaster.

WEATHERING WAGONS

Peter Marriott shows how he makes modern HO stock look that bit more realistic.

PLAN OF THE MONTH - CHIRM

Stephen Foster has constructed an American HO layout in his garage, set on the rarely modelled Monon Railroad.

+PLUS!

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

Laser cut wagon kit of a 4-wheel Glyn Valley Tramway brakevan.

Laser cut wagon kit of a 4-wheel narrow Penrhyn Quarry Workmen's Coach, easily adapted for anyone's freelance railway.

Laser cut wagon kit of a 4-wheel narrow gauge V-Skip wagons found at many industrial locations.

Tipper body can be left loose to enable it to tip prototypically.

Features metal disk wheels that run freely in brass bearings.

Contains plastic tension-lock couplings and NEM pockets. Options for omitting couplings completely or fitting them integrally to the wagon chassis for prototypical close-coupling.

Pack of 3 wagons.

Laser-cut wagon kits of 4-wheel narrow gauge bolster wagons found at many industrial locations.