This issue, we review the new OO gauge Port of Par Bagnall 0-4-0 saddle tank locomotives in OO gauge from Rapido Trains UK – with the cover image of the two models set up especially to re-create the working days of these engines at Par Docks. Other new models reviewed include the GB Railfreight Class 69 diesel from Bachmann in OO; the Hornby TT:120 Branch Line Freight Train Set with the Adams B4 locomotive; the all-new Gresley V2 2-6-2 in N from Graham Farish/Bachmann; and the Class 153 diesel railcar in O gauge from Heljan.
Railway of the Month is an OO gauge model of the famous trans-Pennine Woodhead Route, which was first featured as the Plan of the Month in the December 2017 issue and is now well on the way to completion. Other layouts include Choates Lane, an N gauge model based on the High Speed 1 route just outside London; Rushwick, a compact 1960s BR Western Region branch line terminus in OO; and Jennings' Sidings, an O gauge model that evolved from an industrial shunting layout into a Great Western Railway branch terminus, but can still be operated in either form.
Constructional articles include the building of a large iron arch bridge in N gauge, mainly from card sheet; a scratch-built model based on industrial Beyer Garratt locomotive William Francis in 3mm scale; and some innovative methods by Giles Favell, who has built a 16mm scale layout on which the radio-controlled locomotives even have animated driver figures! 

RAILWAY OF THE MONTH
WIESENBERG A branch terminus in a typical Brandenburg landscape – Jörg Krause introduces his German HO exhibition layout, which was only intended to be an interim project.

PLAN OF THE MONTH
NOIRMOUT-EN-RETZ
Olivier Taniou describes his latest layout, a venture into O – a new scale and gauge for him – capturing the atmosphere of a small coastal port.

FEATURES

BRICKWORK Emmanuel Nouaillier demonstrates more of his techniques for intricately detailed structure modelling, showing how to simulate the texture of weathered bricks.

 PATIALA MONORAIL Peter Dale chartered the Patiala State Monorail Tramway preserved at the Delhi railway museum.

FUSINE – LAGHI A border station in the eastern Alps – Luca Klobas presents a diorama reproducing a now disappeared cross border railway between Italy and Jugoslavia. 

CHEYNE JUNCTION 2 Expanding a successful design – Roddy Mullin describes his new portable Z gauge layout.

CONSOLIDATED NICKEL MINES Mario Alberto Scarati and Bice Luigia Carabelli describe their unusual HO exhibition layout, an automated mine located in the south-west of the USA.

CHÂTEAU LÉMAN Yann Monbaron introduces the HO layout of Alain Manzoni, a freelance setting between Switzerland and France which features standard and metre gauge lines.

 SUGAR BEET LOAD Another consignment for making Swiss chocolate – Peter Marriott enhances a Roco HO type Eas bogie open using techniques that could be applied to other stock.  

As the Railway 200 anniversary year of 2025 draws to a close, this issue features the grand finale of the Peco RAIL200 Model Layout Competition, in which the winning, runner-up and other selected layouts were brought together at the National Festival of Railway Modelling to form over 200' of track. We also launch our annual RM Cup Competition, in which you can vote for your favourite article published during 2025, with over £600 worth of prizes to be won.
Railway of the Month in this issue is Yarslow, an extensive OO gauge network set on the Eastern Region of British Railways in the steam/diesel transition era, while other layouts featured include Shepherdswell EKR, a slightly fictionalised version of the East Kent Railway in OO gauge; Peasevern Yard, an O gauge shunting layout depicting a freight-only branch in Bristol in the 1970s; and Greenway Wagon Repair Depot, a compact N gauge model depicting the late British Rail diesel scene. 
Chris Ford continues the construction of his OO gauge Scottish Highlands layout using Peco products, while Malcolm Briggs tells how he built an O gauge canopy in under six hours, and Callum Willcox shows how to build one of the latest 2mm scale kits from Peco, depicting 1960s semi-detached houses. 
New products reviewed include TT:120 scale 'Terrier' 0-6-0Ts from Hornby, a new manufacturer – Bryngaer – with OO gauge Cambrian Railways wagons, and several new items from Peco, including TT:120 kits based on Ventnor West station on the Isle of Wight. We also bring you all the latest news from the model railway world, including the winter announcements from Bachmann with new Class 313 and 314 Electric Multiple Units in OO under its EFE Rail banner.

In this months issue...

RAILWAY OF THE MONTH - PORT DE CROZON

A seaside terminus on the French metre gauge Réseau Breton modelled in 1:50.

PLAN OF THE MONTH - HEIDE

A wayside station between Antwerp in Belgium and Roosendaal in The Netherlands modelled in HO.

+PLUS!

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

In the December edition of Railway Modeller, we announce the winners and runners-up in the Peco RAIL200 Model Layout Competition, which celebrated this year's 200th anniversary of the Stockton & Darlington Railway, and set participants the challenge of building a layout or diorama in a space of just 750mm x 305mm. The winning and runner-up layouts, together with other selected finalists, are featured in this issue and will be on display at the National Exhibition Centre for the National Festival of Railway Modelling on 22 & 23 November. Other features include the Diamond Jubilee of the London & North Eastern Railway Society, and the story of how a group of modellers re-created the Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway station of Sturminster Newton for display in that town's museum.

RAILWAY OF THE MONTH

Ryburn
A P4 model based on the Rishworth branch in Yorkshire, and set in the pre-Grouping era of the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway.

PLAN OF THE MONTH

Ryecroft Arena
A modern era N gauge urban station in just 5' 7" x 2'; Bred Albin, an OO gauge Scottish terminus modelled in winter and set in the BR steam era; and Millfield, an OO9 narrow gauge layout built on a cardboard base. A suitably seasonal article also shows how a layout was built to run around the base of a Christmas tree!

PLUS ALL THE LATEST NEWS & REVIEWS...

The wonderful creative pastime of model railways is celebrated in the 2026.

 Railway Modeller Special, produced by the publisher of Railway Modeller, the UK’s market-leading model railway title with the highest ABC audited readership., 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.

•    Journey along the Somerset & Dorset – from Bath Green Park to Bournemouth West
•    Thurlestone & Bullhouse – a celebration of pre-Grouping steam in OO
•    Railways before 1825 – the story of rail evolution before Locomotion
•    Smoke and mirrors – a model railway diorama for photographic subterfuge
•    Along Alpine lines – riding the Swiss metre-gauge Rhaetian Railway
•    Modelling tips and inspiration; manufacturer profile; and much, much more…
 

The Ffestiniog Railway, located in North Wales, is the world’s oldest surviving independent railway company, founded in 1832. Originally built to transport slate from the quarries of Blaenau Ffestiniog to the port at Porthmadog, it was engineered with a unique narrow gauge of just 1 ft 11½ in (597 mm), ideal for winding through the rugged Snowdonia landscape. Innovative features included gravity-powered slate trains running downhill and horses hauling the wagons back uphill.

In the 1860s, steam locomotives were introduced, making the Ffestiniog the first narrow-gauge railway in the world to successfully use them. After declining slate demand led to closure in 1946, dedicated volunteers began restoring the line in the 1950s. Today, it runs as a popular heritage railway, linking Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog once again, and is celebrated for its pioneering engineering, scenic beauty, and remarkable preservation story.

These latest PECO train packs celebrate that legacy with attention to authenticity and a passion for detail.

The Ffestiniog Railway, located in North Wales, is the world’s oldest surviving independent railway company, founded in 1832. Originally built to transport slate from the quarries of Blaenau Ffestiniog to the port at Porthmadog, it was engineered with a unique narrow gauge of just 1 ft 11½ in (597 mm), ideal for winding through the rugged Snowdonia landscape. Innovative features included gravity-powered slate trains running downhill and horses hauling the wagons back uphill.

In the 1860s, steam locomotives were introduced, making the Ffestiniog the first narrow-gauge railway in the world to successfully use them. After declining slate demand led to closure in 1946, dedicated volunteers began restoring the line in the 1950s. Today, it runs as a popular heritage railway, linking Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog once again, and is celebrated for its pioneering engineering, scenic beauty, and remarkable preservation story.

These latest PECO train packs celebrate that legacy with attention to authenticity and a passion for detail.

During the 1960s, British semi-detached houses reflected a period of post-war recovery and growing suburban prosperity. As Britain rebuilt from wartime damage and expanded its suburbs, demand for affordable family homes surged. Semi-detached houses became the ideal solution — cost-effective, spacious, and suited to modern lifestyles. Built mainly from brick or concrete with simple geometric designs, they often featured large windows, central heating, and private gardens. Unlike the ornate Victorian or interwar styles, 1960s semis embraced functionalism and minimal ornamentation, echoing modernist influences. Many were constructed as part of large housing estates on city outskirts, supported by improved road networks and rising car ownership. These homes symbolised optimism, mobility, and the shift toward suburban living, forming a lasting part of Britain’s mid-20th-century architectural identity.

• Laser cut wood kits with finely rendered detailing
• Each kit representing a typical 1960s style semi detached block of two houses, front elevation, rear elevation and complete building.
• Can be joined up to create a longer block, terrace.
• Front porch can be fitted as an optional extra
• Scope for further interior decoration (not provided)
• Complement our earlier releasee of Victorian Houses – kits NB306, NB307, NB308, also in N
• Additional upsell products available form the ratio range such as:
  • 300 Guttering and Downpipes
  • 307 Chimneys

During the 1960s, British semi-detached houses reflected a period of post-war recovery and growing suburban prosperity. As Britain rebuilt from wartime damage and expanded its suburbs, demand for affordable family homes surged. Semi-detached houses became the ideal solution — cost-effective, spacious, and suited to modern lifestyles. Built mainly from brick or concrete with simple geometric designs, they often featured large windows, central heating, and private gardens. Unlike the ornate Victorian or interwar styles, 1960s semis embraced functionalism and minimal ornamentation, echoing modernist influences. Many were constructed as part of large housing estates on city outskirts, supported by improved road networks and rising car ownership. These homes symbolised optimism, mobility, and the shift toward suburban living, forming a lasting part of Britain’s mid-20th-century architectural identity.

• Laser cut wood kits with finely rendered detailing
• Each kit representing a typical 1960s style semi detached block of two houses, front elevation, rear elevation and complete building.
• Can be joined up to create a longer block, terrace.
• Front porch can be fitted as an optional extra
• Scope for further interior decoration (not provided)
• Complement our earlier releasee of Victorian Houses – kits NB306, NB307, NB308, also in N
• Additional upsell products available form the ratio range such as:
  • 300 Guttering and Downpipes
  • 307 Chimneys

During the 1960s, British semi-detached houses reflected a period of post-war recovery and growing suburban prosperity. As Britain rebuilt from wartime damage and expanded its suburbs, demand for affordable family homes surged. Semi-detached houses became the ideal solution — cost-effective, spacious, and suited to modern lifestyles. Built mainly from brick or concrete with simple geometric designs, they often featured large windows, central heating, and private gardens. Unlike the ornate Victorian or interwar styles, 1960s semis embraced functionalism and minimal ornamentation, echoing modernist influences. Many were constructed as part of large housing estates on city outskirts, supported by improved road networks and rising car ownership. These homes symbolised optimism, mobility, and the shift toward suburban living, forming a lasting part of Britain’s mid-20th-century architectural identity.

• Laser cut wood kits with finely rendered detailing
• Each kit representing a typical 1960s style semi detached block of two houses, front elevation, rear elevation and complete building.
• Can be joined up to create a longer block, terrace.
• Front porch can be fitted as an optional extra
• Scope for further interior decoration (not provided)
• Complement our earlier releasee of Victorian Houses – kits NB306, NB307, NB308, also in N
• Additional upsell products available form the ratio range such as:
  • 300 Guttering and Downpipes
  • 307 Chimneys

RAILWAY OF THE MONTH

Pentworth
Mark Butler spent three decades creating this exquisite model of a Great Western branch line terminus in N gauge, much of the scenery for which was inspired by the celebrated Vale Scene at Pendon Museum in Oxfordshire. The layout is set to appear at the Rail-Ex Taunton show this October.

PLAN OF THE MONTH

Making a start in OO-9
Using a Peco 009 Setrack starter set as his starting point, James Walker created this self-contained North Wales narrow gauge scene in just 100 x 75cm.

PLUS ALL THE LATEST NEWS & REVIEWS...

• TUFTS – 100 x Daffodil Self-Adhesive Static Grass Tufts by War World Scenics
• SELF-ADHESIVE – Easy to use, just peel & stick where required
• COLOURS – Available in more than 30 different colours and styles
• LENGTHS – Available in 4mm, 6mm and 10mm lengths
• IDEAL – For representing bushes and wild or long grass on model railway layouts, miniature bases, wargame battleboards and model dioramas

• TUFTS – 100 x Daffodil Self-Adhesive Static Grass Tufts by War World Scenics
• SELF-ADHESIVE – Easy to use, just peel & stick where required
• COLOURS – Available in more than 30 different colours and styles
• LENGTHS – Available in 4mm, 6mm and 10mm lengths
• IDEAL – For representing bushes and wild or long grass on model railway layouts, miniature bases, wargame battleboards and model dioramas

• TUFTS – 100 x Heather Self-Adhesive Static Grass Tufts by War World Scenics
• SELF-ADHESIVE – Easy to use, just peel & stick where required
• COLOURS – Available in more than 30 different colours and styles
• LENGTHS – Available in 4mm, 6mm and 10mm lengths
• IDEAL – For representing bushes and wild or long grass on model railway layouts, miniature bases, wargame battleboards and model dioramas

• TUFTS – 100 x Heather Self-Adhesive Static Grass Tufts by War World Scenics
• SELF-ADHESIVE – Easy to use, just peel & stick where required
• COLOURS – Available in more than 30 different colours and styles
• LENGTHS – Available in 4mm, 6mm and 10mm lengths
• IDEAL – For representing bushes and wild or long grass on model railway layouts, miniature bases, wargame battleboards and model dioramas

• TUFTS – 100 x Poppy Self-Adhesive Static Grass Tufts by War World Scenics
• SELF-ADHESIVE – Easy to use, just peel & stick where required
• COLOURS – Available in more than 30 different colours and styles
• LENGTHS – Available in 4mm, 6mm and 10mm lengths
• IDEAL – For representing bushes and wild or long grass on model railway layouts, miniature bases, wargame battleboards and model dioramas

• TUFTS – 100 x Poppy Self-Adhesive Static Grass Tufts by War World Scenics
• SELF-ADHESIVE – Easy to use, just peel & stick where required
• COLOURS – Available in more than 30 different colours and styles
• LENGTHS – Available in 4mm, 6mm and 10mm lengths
• IDEAL – For representing bushes and wild or long grass on model railway layouts, miniature bases, wargame battleboards and model dioramas

• TUFTS – 100 x Mixed Flowers Self-Adhesive Static Grass Tufts by War World Scenics
• SELF-ADHESIVE – Easy to use, just peel & stick where required
• COLOURS – Available in more than 30 different colours and styles
• LENGTHS – Available in 4mm, 6mm and 10mm lengths
• IDEAL – For representing bushes and wild or long grass on model railway layouts, miniature bases, wargame battleboards and model dioramas

• TUFTS – 100 x Mixed Flowers Self-Adhesive Static Grass Tufts by War World Scenics
• SELF-ADHESIVE – Easy to use, just peel & stick where required
• COLOURS – Available in more than 30 different colours and styles
• LENGTHS – Available in 4mm, 6mm and 10mm lengths
• IDEAL – For representing bushes and wild or long grass on model railway layouts, miniature bases, wargame battleboards and model dioramas

• Durable Craftsmanship: Constructed from sturdy 3mm laser-cut MDF for reliable, long-lasting use.
• Customisable Drawers: 10 adjustable drawers designed to fit TT:120 and OO9 locomotives, wagons, trucks, or vehicles securely.
• Smooth Sliding System: Easy-access drawers with a smooth-sliding design make organizing and retrieving your models hassle-free.
• Label-Friendly Design: Each drawer features a front-facing label slot, offering quick identification of your collection.
• Stackable Convenience: Interlocking tabs allow multiple boxes to be securely stacked for scalable storage solutions.
• Protective Foam Inserts: Includes foam sheets to create custom inserts for extra protection, ensuring your locomotives and rolling stock remain safe.

• The definitive Pro Grass Layering System N Gauge starter kit by WWScenics.
• Contains a Pro Grass N-Gauge Micro Applicator, Basing Glue, Layering Spray, D-Baller tool and a selection of static grasses .
• Create realistic model scenery using the Pro Grass Layering System method, pioneered by WWScenics. 
• Suitable for Beginners and Experts. 
• Supplied in our own custom-made storage box, for secure and tidy storage.

• The definitive Pro Grass Layering System N Gauge starter kit by WWScenics.
• Contains a Pro Grass N-Gauge Micro Applicator, Basing Glue, Layering Spray, D-Baller tool and a selection of static grasses .
• Create realistic model scenery using the Pro Grass Layering System method, pioneered by WWScenics. 
• Suitable for Beginners and Experts. 
• Supplied in our own custom-made storage box, for secure and tidy storage.

• The definitive Pro Grass Layering System N Gauge starter kit by WWScenics.
• Contains a Pro Grass N-Gauge Micro Applicator, Basing Glue, Layering Spray, D-Baller tool and a selection of static grasses .
• Create realistic model scenery using the Pro Grass Layering System method, pioneered by WWScenics. 
• Suitable for Beginners and Experts. 
• Supplied in our own custom-made storage box, for secure and tidy storage.