ISSUE DATE - MARCH 2023

RAILWAY OF THE MONTH

HAVELBURG VORSTADT

Schmalspurig durchs Reichesbahnland - by narrow gauge through East Germany: Dieter West snd Volker Seidel introduces HOe narrow gauge layout of the Modelleisenbahnclub 01 Münchberger Eisenbahnfreunder e.V. - a time machine going back to the 1960s.

PLAN OF THE MONTH

RED HOUSE YARD

David Ellis introduces his first American HO layout, and his first use of digital control.

PLUS

LATEST REVIEWS
BOOK and VIDEO REVIEWS
NEWS

RAILWAY OF THE MONTH
York
Peter Kirmond reveals how he modelled the instantly recognisable train shed at York, in a 2mm finescale layout which is due to make its exhibition debut at the Easter York show.

PLAN OF THE MONTH
The Harland Light Railway
Carol Flavin, who took part in The Great Model Railway Challenge on Channel 5, reveals the plans for her next layout - this time in OO9, and named in memory of her late father who introduced her to the hobby. 

 

 

 

 

  

 

Scale Drawings
Axminster station footbridge 
Craig Tiley describes the new footbridge at the former LSWR station, with 2mm scale drawings produced by the Peco studio.

ISSUE DATE - November 2022

KURSEONG

A town station on the famous Indian hill railway - John Crane describes the Darjeeling Himalayan OO9 layout he inherited unfinished and developed. 

PLAN OF THE MONTH

WESTERN SUB

Maurice Kleverwal presents his new Norwegian HO layout, inspired by holiday memories and a childhood dream. 

PLUS

LATEST REVIEWS
BOOK and VIDEO REVIEWS
NEWS

RAILWAY OF THE MONTH
Lockerbie 
James Cochrane describes the OO gauge West Coast Main Line layout that he built with the assistance of Andrew Campbell and other members of the Glasgow & Wesr of Scotland Model Railway Club.

PLAN OF THE MONTH
Mailingpark West
A third-rail OO gauge layout set in Kent during the closing years of the Network SouthEast era, which is being built by Craig Porteous and the 57 Study Group.

 

 

 

 

  

 

Scale Drawings
Monkton Combe Station
Craig Tiley describes the station building on the Camerton branch in Somerset, famous for its appearance in The Titfield Thunderbolt, with 1:120 scale drawings by Max Brayne. 

The first batch of our all-new N Scale 7-plank open wagons are now available. The models have been brought right up to date, which will please N scale modellers everywhere. These initial five new releases are just the beginning. We have a number of private owner liveries to introduce over the coming months. But to start we have the core models representing wagons belonging to the "Big Four" railway companies, plus of course good old British Railways.

The first batch of our all-new N Scale 7-plank open wagons are now available. The models have been brought right up to date, which will please N scale modellers everywhere. These initial five new releases are just the beginning. We have a number of private owner liveries to introduce over the coming months. But to start we have the core models representing wagons belonging to the "Big Four" railway companies, plus of course good old British Railways.

The first batch of our all-new N Scale 7-plank open wagons are now available. The models have been brought right up to date, which will please N scale modellers everywhere. These initial five new releases are just the beginning. We have a number of private owner liveries to introduce over the coming months. But to start we have the core models representing wagons belonging to the "Big Four" railway companies, plus of course good old British Railways.

The first batch of our all-new N Scale 7-plank open wagons are now available. The models have been brought right up to date, which will please N scale modellers everywhere. These initial five new releases are just the beginning. We have a number of private owner liveries to introduce over the coming months. But to start we have the core models representing wagons belonging to the "Big Four" railway companies, plus of course good old British Railways.

The first batch of our all-new N Scale 7-plank open wagons are now available. The models have been brought right up to date, which will please N scale modellers everywhere. These initial five new releases are just the beginning. We have a number of private owner liveries to introduce over the coming months. But to start we have the core models representing wagons belonging to the "Big Four" railway companies, plus of course good old British Railways.

The first batch of our all-new N Scale 7-plank open wagons are now available. The models have been brought right up to date, which will please N scale modellers everywhere. These initial five new releases are just the beginning. We have a number of private owner liveries to introduce over the coming months. But to start we have the core models representing wagons belonging to the "Big Four" railway companies, plus of course good old British Railways.

ISSUE DATE - November 2022

DOLORES

John Teasdale explains how he came to model in Sn3 a classic Colorado location on the Rio Grande Southern.

PLAN OF THE MONTH

UMLAD

Ian Milroy describes his new Swiss N layout, built in his shed during lockdown. Two gauges are represented - but only one used. 

PLUS

LATEST REVIEWS
BOOK and VIDEO REVIEWS
NEWS

RAILWAY OF THE MONTH
Newton Heath Works 
Mike Baker describes how he and Martin Finney created this 7mm scale exhibition layout, inspired by the narrow gauge railways that once served the extensive ball clay industry on the Ilse of Purbeck. 

PLAN OF THE MONTH
A continuous run  - 1970s style
Following our booklet on modelling Britain's railways in 1970s, Kevin Russell suggests a continuous run layout for the period, in an 8' x 5' space and double-sided with a central backscene. 

 

 

 

 

  

 

Scale Drawings
Holden Class S56 0-6-0T (LNER Class J69)
A classic Great Eastern Railway tank engine stalwarts of the famous 'Jazz' suburban services, described by Toby Jennings, with scale drawings by Ian Beattie. 

ISSUE DATE - November 2022

QUITTANCOURT

Somewhere between the Somme and Scarpe rivers - Eric Fresné introduces a scene set in the R égions Libérées following the First World War, modelled in OO9.

PLAN OF THE MONTH

ROTTERSHAUSEN

Jim Trotman describes a series of German HO layouts built with and for his friend Norman Dickinson.

PLUS

LATEST REVIEWS
BOOK and VIDEO REVIEWS
NEWS

ISSUE DATE - November 2022

FILISUR

A dream come true - Michael Rumsey presents his Rh ätische Bahn HOm layout, under development for some years and now effectively complete thanks to the collaboration with Jerry Clifford. 

PLAN OF THE MONTH

ORIGNY CFTV

A location worth modelling - Rhys Own introduces an interesting French industrial line also now hosting trains of the Chemin de Fer Touristique du Vermandois. 

PLUS

LATEST REVIEWS
BOOK and VIDEO REVIEWS
NEWS

RAILWAY OF THE MONTH
My Life with Trains
Pete Waterman's chart-topping successes actually came long after the roots of his railway interests were laid down, as he reveals in this exclusive interview with Senior Editor Steve Flint.

PLAN OF THE MONTH
Nantymoel
Joshua Williams looks to the valleys of South Wales and suggests that they potentially offer more scope than the usual West Country Great Western branch terminus. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scale Drawings
BR Standard Class 3MT 2-6-2T
The BR Standard Class 3MT was rendered extinct in 1968, yet a new-build example is due to appear at the Warley show. Toby Jennings describes the Class, alongside scale drawings by Ian Beattie.

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.

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.

From 1867 the Ffestiniog Railway used dedicated carriages to carry workmen to and from the slate quarries around Blaenau Ffestiniog. From 1885 to 1887, eighteen of what are now referred to as the ‘Type 3’ Quarrymen’s carriage were built featuring sprung axle boxes, one central door on each side and droplight windows. More of the same design were made to replace the older carriages and there were a total of thirty-six in the 1900s. Archive images show a significant number of these coaches being used to transport workers to the quarry site.

 

From 1867 the Ffestiniog Railway used dedicated carriages to carry workmen to and from the slate quarries around Blaenau Ffestiniog. From 1885 to 1887, eighteen of what are now referred to as the ‘Type 3’ Quarrymen’s carriage were built featuring sprung axle boxes, one central door on each side and droplight windows. More of the same design were made to replace the older carriages and there were a total of thirty-six in the 1900s. Archive images show a significant number of these coaches being used to transport workers to the quarry site.

 

From 1867 the Ffestiniog Railway used dedicated carriages to carry workmen to and from the slate quarries around Blaenau Ffestiniog. From 1885 to 1887, eighteen of what are now referred to as the ‘Type 3’ Quarrymen’s carriage were built featuring sprung axle boxes, one central door on each side and droplight windows. More of the same design were made to replace the older carriages and there were a total of thirty-six in the 1900s. Archive images show a significant number of these coaches being used to transport workers to the quarry site.

 

ISSUE DATE - 20th October 2022

DÉPÓT NORD

Designed for display yet suitable for operation – John Davis created a compact dépôt layout to house his collection of French HO locomotives.

PLAN OF THE MONTH

HOW SMALL CAN IT BE?

An approach to the cameo concept – Stein Pünther describes his compact Norwegian branch terminus in HO.

PLUS

LATEST REVIEWS
BOOK and VIDEO REVIEWS
NEWS

RAILWAY OF THE MONTH

TURTLE BAY

Rob Rossington describes his imaginative island layout, a fictional colonial railway modelled in OO9. 

PLAN OF THE MONTH

MUKILTEO

Passenger and freight on Puget Sound - Scott Fitzgerald suggests a location worth modelling in Washington State. 

PLUS

LATEST REVIEWS
BOOK and VIDEO REVIEWS
NEWS

RAILWAY OF THE MONTH
Barton Road
Memories of Journeys to the West Country provided the inspiration for Benn Pollard to create this pre-TOPSera urban scene in an unorthodox T-shape footprint. 

PLAN OF THE MONTH
21st Century Penrith
Steve Flint considers this West Coast Main Line station in Cumbria as the setting for an N gauge layout project depicting the post-Privatisation era.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scale Drawings
LMS Class 2P 4-4-0
Toby Jennings describes these characterful Midland Railway-derived four-coupled tender locomotives, with accompanying 4mm drawings by the late Ian Beattie. 

RAILWAY OF THE MONTH

BREGENBACH

A hilltop station on the Bregtalbahn: Les Richardson Presents his new German N exhibition layout, set on an imaginary but plausible line through the Black Forest.

PLAN OF THE MONTH

UNDERPASS

An unusual restricted setting: Rob Strachan introduces his new compact American HO switching layout. 

PLUS

LATEST REVIEWS
BOOK and VIDEO REVIEWS
NEWS

RAILWAY OF THE MONTH
Monksbury
Tony Conlay describes this magnificent London & South Western Railway terminus, which has been constructed in 7mm scale by the Cornwall O Gauge Group as an extension to an existing layout. 

PLAN OF THE MONTH
Constructing a cathedral in 7mm scale
Robert Kosmider was first inspired to build a model of Chichester Cathedral in early 1990s, but nearly 30 years elapsed until he finally made a start. 

 

 

 

 

Scale Drawings
Modelling LMS 42' parcels vans in 4mm
Ian Nuttal couldn't resist the challenge of upgrading a Lima OO gauge ready-to-run model. This constructional account is accompanied by scale drawings prepared by Steve Croucher from originals by Arthur Whitehead. 

Peco Setrack Bullhead 0 Gauge track makes it possible have somewhere to run trains without having to build or find room for a fixed layout. With Setrack you can lay out your trackwork indoors on the floor or out on the patio in any configuration you choose and pack it away again afterwards. Compatible with and made to the same high standard of detail and realism as the Bullhead Streamline range, it can also be incorporated into a Streamline layout without problems. Made with solid nickel silver rail to the classic bullhead section and check rail are also machined from solid rail. The SL-713 0 Gauge Bullhead to Flat Bottom Transition Track makes it easy to also incorporate the Setrack range into a layout using Flat Bottom track.

PECO Setrack Bullhead O Gauge track makes it possible have somewhere to run trains without having to build or find room for a fixed layout. With Setrack you can lay out your trackwork indoors on the floor or out on the patio in any configuration you choose and pack it away again afterwards. Compatible with and made to the same high standard of detail and realism as the Bullhead Streamline range, it can also be incorporated into a Streamline layout without problems. Made with solid nickel silver rail to the classic bullhead section and check rail are also machined from solid rail. The SL-713 O Gauge Bullhead to Flat Bottom Transition Track makes it easy to also incorporate the Setrack range into a layout using Flat Bottom track.

The Snailbeach District Railways system was located in Shropshire and was built to carry lead ore over a narrow gauge route with a gauge of 2ft 4 inches. The mines were located at Stiperstones and they transferred their ore to a connection with the Great Western Railway at Pontesbury.  A fleet of various hopper wagons was used to transport the ore and it is one of those wagons that is the subject of our new model. Opened in 1877 the railway was finally closed in 1959, latterly using tractors to move the hoppers after the end of steam.

The Snailbeach District Railways system was located in Shropshire and was built to carry lead ore over a narrow gauge route with a gauge of 2ft 4 inches. The mines were located at Stiperstones and they transferred their ore to a connection with the Great Western Railway at Pontesbury.  A fleet of various hopper wagons was used to transport the ore and it is one of those wagons that is the subject of our new model. Opened in 1877 the railway was finally closed in 1959, latterly using tractors to move the hoppers after the end of steam.

The Snailbeach District Railways system was located in Shropshire and was built to carry lead ore over a narrow gauge route with a gauge of 2ft 4 inches. The mines were located at Stiperstones and they transferred their ore to a connection with the Great Western Railway at Pontesbury.  A fleet of various hopper wagons was used to transport the ore and it is one of those wagons that is the subject of our new model. Opened in 1877 the railway was finally closed in 1959, latterly using tractors to move the hoppers after the end of steam.

Bullhead track has been in use on the railways since the earliest times, and is still very much in evidence today. These superb turnouts give an authentic 00 scale look to your layout, and feature metal check rails and prototypical machined turnout blades.

Another feature of these turnouts is that both routes remain electrically live, making them ideal for DCC operation. They are constructed to our new versatile Unifrog design which can be operated, powered and switched like an Electrofrog or left unpowered if preferred.

Peco Streamline Code 75 track meets the standards of enthusiasts who prefer to run trains on scale height rail. Today most manufacturers' wheels are suitable for use on Code 75 track but some vintage models may have flanges which are too deep to clear the rail fixings. Code 75 can be easily combined with code 100 track by using the SL-113 Transition Track.

Bullhead track has been in use on the railways since the earliest times, and is still very much in evidence today. These superb turnouts give an authentic 00 scale look to your layout, and feature metal check rails and prototypical machined turnout blades.

Another feature of these turnouts is that both routes remain electrically live, making them ideal for DCC operation. They are constructed to our new versatile Unifrog design which can be operated, powered and switched like an Electrofrog or left unpowered if preferred.

Peco Streamline Code 75 track meets the standards of enthusiasts who prefer to run trains on scale height rail. Today most manufacturers' wheels are suitable for use on Code 75 track but some vintage models may have flanges which are too deep to clear the rail fixings. Code 75 can be easily combined with code 100 track by using the SL-113 Transition Track.

Bullhead track has been in use on the railways since the earliest times, and is still very much in evidence today. These superb turnouts give an authentic 00 scale look to your layout, and feature metal check rails and prototypical machined turnout blades.

Another feature of these turnouts is that both routes remain electrically live, making them ideal for DCC operation. They are constructed to our new versatile Unifrog design which can be operated, powered and switched like an Electrofrog or left unpowered if preferred.

Peco Streamline Code 75 track meets the standards of enthusiasts who prefer to run trains on scale height rail. Today most manufacturers' wheels are suitable for use on Code 75 track but some vintage models may have flanges which are too deep to clear the rail fixings. Code 75 can be easily combined with code 100 track by using the SL-113 Transition Track.

These sheets are invaluable for scratchbuilding, saving many hours of repetitive work creating the various surface patterns and textures. They are the same as those used in the Craftsman kits to make extension work easier. Each pack contains 4 sheets 130mm x 75mm of injection moulded styrene approximately 2mm thick, making them rigid enough to be self supporting.

RAILWAY OF THE MONTH

FRANKLIN

A small branch terminua in On2: Bob Harper explains how he came to model a Maine two-footer location 

PLAN OF THE MONTH

7th STREET YARD

Nick Dibben describes his compact American N layout with plenty of operational interest, representing an interurban station some time in the 1950s. 

PLUS

LATEST REVIEWS
BOOK and VIDEO REVIEWS
NEWS

RAILWAY OF THE MONTH
North West steam in the garden
Having dreamt for many years of one day recreating his childhood memories in O gauge. Peter Holland built this large twin-level system with outdoor running. 

PLAN OF THE MONTH
Summerseat
Chris Ford outlines the history of this passing station on the former East Lancashire Railway route north of Manchester.

 

 

 

 

Scale Drawings
The Lancashire & Yorkshire 'Dreadnought' 4-6-0s
This month we present one of the company's most imposing locomotive designs, drawn and described by the late Ian Beattie. 

RAILWAY OF THE MONTH

ISHINAKA

Norman Raven reveals the latest exhibition layout by Raven Miniatures - another foray into Japanese N, depicting the branch terminus at rural spa town. 

PLAN OF THE MONTH

SIMPLE BUT SATISFYING

Paul de Groot shows how he was inspired by an article to construct a Dutch HO layout to a budget (almost!) to encourage starters - and re-starters.

PLUS

LATEST REVIEWS
BOOK and VIDEO REVIEWS
NEWS

RAILWAY OF THE MONTH
Lisworth Bay
Seasoned N gauge modeller John Spence describes his latest layout, a modular Southern Region branch terminus for exhibition and home use.

PLAN OF THE MONTH
Making a start in 1:120
Two layout plans utilising Peco's new range of TT:120 items - including a new take on the classic GWR branch line terminus of Ashburton.   

 

 

 

 

Scale Drawings
GWR 2251 class 0-6-0
C B Collett's versatile replacement for the 'Dean Goods' is drawn in 1:120 scale, while Toby Jennings researches the history of the class. 

A craft knife, files and liquid poly cement are required to for assembly

Use with LK-12103 and LK-12104 platform edging and LK-12105 and LK-12106 platform ramp edges.

The TT:120 platform system comprises a variety of styles of platform edging, ramp edges and surfaces that can be used to create platforms of any size and shape. Platform edging designed for use alongside PECO TT:120 track and considers the height of the sleepers, resulting in an accurate platform 3 scale feet from the railhead. The platform surface sheets can also be used for scratch building structures and buildings.

Technical Specifications

5 sheets 133m x 76mm, nominally 1mm thick.

A craft knife, files and liquid poly cement are required to for assembly

Use with LK-12103 and LK-12104 platform edging and LK-12105 and LK-12106 platform ramp edges.

The TT:120 platform system comprises a variety of styles of platform edging, ramp edges and surfaces that can be used to create platforms of any size and shape. Platform edging designed for use alongside PECO TT:120 track and considers the height of the sleepers, resulting in an accurate platform 3 scale feet from the railhead. The platform surface sheets can also be used for scratch building structures and buildings.

Technical Specifications

5 sheets 133m x 76mm, nominally 1mm thick.

A craft knife, files and liquid poly cement are required to for assembly

Use with LK-12104 Stone platform edges and LK-12107 Brick paviours or LK-12108 concrete surface.

The TT:120 platform system comprises a variety of styles of platform edging, ramp edges and surfaces that can be used to create platforms of any size and shape. Platform edging designed for use alongside PECO TT:120 track and considers the height of the sleepers, resulting in an accurate platform 3 scale feet from the railhead.

Technical Specifications

2 handed pairs, each ramp 75mm long

A craft knife, files and liquid poly cement are required to for assembly

Use with LK-12103 Brick platform edges and LK-12107 Brick paviours or LK-12108 concrete surface.

The TT:120 platform system comprises a variety of styles of platform edging, ramp edges and surfaces that can be used to create platforms of any size and shape. Platform edging designed for use alongside PECO TT:120 track and considers the height of the sleepers, resulting in an accurate platform 3 scale feet from the railhead.

Technical Specifications

2 handed pairs, each ramp 75mm long

A craft knife, files and liquid poly cement are required to for assembly

Use with LK-12106 Stone ramps and LK-12107 Brick paviours or LK-12108 concrete surface.

The TT:120 platform system comprises a variety of styles of platform edging, ramp edges and surfaces that can be used to create platforms of any size and shape. Platform edging designed for use alongside PECO TT:120 track and considers the height of the sleepers, resulting in an accurate platform 3 scale feet from the railhead.

Technical Specifications

6 pieces, each 133mm long

A craft knife, files and liquid poly cement are required to for assembly

Use with LK-12103 Brick platform edges and LK-12107 Brick paviours or LK-12108 concrete surface.

The TT:120 platform system comprises a variety of styles of platform edging, ramp edges and surfaces that can be used to create platforms of any size and shape. Platform edging designed for use alongside PECO TT:120 track and considers the height of the sleepers, resulting in an accurate platform 3 scale feet from the railhead.

Technical Specifications

2 handed pairs, each ramp 75mm long

Laser cut wooden kit with plastic chimney pot detail and glazing sheet.

A craft knife, needle files, glue (impact adhesive or PVA work well. Superglue can also be used apart from the glazing) and paints are required.

Designed to fit over PECO TT:120 track (not included).

Small goods shed with siding running through it, based on Bovey in South Devon. The doors can be fixed in either open or closed position and the interior features detailed stonework, roof rafters, loading platform and goods office.

Technical Specifications

Length 100mm

Width 110mm

Laser cut wooden kit with plastic chimney pot detail and glazing sheet.

A craft knife, needle files, glue (impact adhesive or PVA work well. Superglue can also be used apart from the glazing) and paints are required.

Stone-built country station building with canopy on the platform side. Based on West Bay in Dorset, originally built by the Bridport Railway and later absorbed by the Great Western Railway.

Technical Specifications

Length 115mm

Width 47mm Canopy projects 17mm

Laser cut wooden kit with plastic chimney pot detail and glazing sheet.

A craft knife, needle files, glue (impact adhesive or PVA work well. Superglue can also be used apart from the glazing) and paints are required.

A signalbox suitable for a small country station, based on Highley on the Severn Valley Railway (with thanks to the SVR for allowing access to measure it).

Technical Specifications

Length 65mm (including steps)

Width 32mm

Use SL-310 metal joiners and SL-1208 joining sleepers. Use SL-311 insulating joiners to create isolated track sections (if using DCC control these are not required).

One of the great advantages of TT:120 is that the 12mm gauge track correctly scales out as standard (4' 8.5") gauge, as used all over Britain's railway network. The ingenious rail section of PECO code 55 combines strength and durability with a highly realistic appearance – In TT:120 the visible height of the rail correctly represents 113lb flat bottom rail. The flexible sleeper base is detailed with fine wood grain and spikes through British Railways’ BR1 baseplates under the rails, a combination that continues to be widely used on Britain’s railways.

Code 55