RAILWAY OF THE MONTH

Buckhorn Weston
Maurice Lockwood describes how he created this extensive loft-based layout in 00 gauge, which plays host to a vast array of BR Southern Region steam-hauled services of the late 1950s to mid-1960s period.

PLAN OF THE MONTH

Island steam in TT:120
With PECO announcing a trio of laser-cut kits based on structures at Ventnor West, which will complement the forthcoming Hornby models of an Isle of Wight 'Terrier' and four-wheel coaches, modelling this station in 1:120 is set to become tantalisingly straightforward ...

PLUS ALL THE LATEST NEWS & REVIEWS...

The British Railways LNER 13-ton steel hopper wagon was based on an LNER design but produced in the early British Railways era between 1949 and 1953. It marked a step forward from earlier wooden-bodied wagons by using an all-steel, welded construction, which offered improved durability and reduced maintenance needs. The design reflected the LNER’s long-standing experience with mineral wagons, but was adapted for post-war production methods in BR workshops such as those at Shildon, Faverdale, and York.

Over 2,600 of these wagons were built, and they became a common sight in the North Eastern Region. This was partly because many goods yards in the area had coal-drop staithes, making the bottom-discharge hopper design especially efficient for unloading bulk materials. While they were primarily intended for transporting coal, the hoppers proved versatile and were later used to carry stone, sand, and other aggregates.

The 13-ton steel hopper was a reliable and workmanlike vehicle that served across the UK for several decades. Its robust construction meant it could withstand heavy use, and it became a mainstay of freight traffic in the post-war period. Although newer wagon designs eventually replaced them, some examples remained in service into the early 1980s, making them one of the longer-lived mineral wagon types of the mid-20th century.

Inspired by one of Britain’s most beloved narrow-gauge railways – the Lynton & Barnstaple, these exclusive new packs feature the beautifully detailed KATO Large England locomotive “Exmoor Pony” paired with unique-liveried rolling stock – only available in these sets and not sold separately.

Each pack comes in a smart, collector-style presentation box, complete with custom packaging and a striking outer sleeve – perfect for displaying or gifting.

Inspired by one of Britain’s most beloved narrow-gauge railways – the Lynton & Barnstaple, these exclusive new packs feature the beautifully detailed KATO Large England locomotive “Exmoor Pony” paired with unique-liveried rolling stock – only available in these sets and not sold separately.

Each pack comes in a smart, collector-style presentation box, complete with custom packaging and a striking outer sleeve – perfect for displaying or gifting.

In this months issue...

RAILWAY OF THE MONTH - SAINT-BERNARD

Thomas Bossonet presents his popular French HO exhibition layout, a rural terminus in the steam era which includes many distinctive local features.

GREIFENBACHTALBRÜCKE

The late Jochen Klinger and Jens Petermann created an impressive HOe display showing what was once the highest narrow gauge railway bridge in Saxony.

PLAN OF THE MONTH - MEGSDORF

Southern Germany in the snow - Norman Raven describes his family's latest HO exhibition layout, named and presented in memory of his late wife.

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

These Modern Platform Lamps kits represent the typical kind of lamp standard found, admittedly, not just on platforms, but along any street or thoroughfare. With optional attachments included, such as CCTV cameras, loudspeakers and station signs, these are very versatile kits for modellers. The N scale pack provides parts for 10 lamps.

These Modern Platform Lamps kits represent the typical kind of lamp standard found, admittedly, not just on platforms, but along any street or thoroughfare. With optional attachments included, such as CCTV cameras, loudspeakers and station signs, these are very versatile kits for modellers in both scales. Produced mainly in plastic, with easy-to-assemble parts and clear instructions provided, the OO/HO scale kits have the added advantage of using brass tubing for the main posts, so give the option to be made operational (additional parts would need to be sourced).

RAILWAY OF THE MONTH

The Dial Hill Railway
David Stockwell recounts the childhood influences that led to him modelling the Southern Railway-operated 1' 111h" gauge Lynton & Barnstaple Railway in 16mm scale, complete with an impressive replica of the line's Chelfham Viaduct.

PLAN OF THE MONTH

Pure nostalgia!
Thomas Burnham proposes an intensive 00 gauge plan using Peco Setrack components, which seeks to rekindle the excitement of Hornby Dublo layouts from the 1950s and 1960s.

PLUS ALL THE LATEST NEWS & REVIEWS...

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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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!