Model Rail

Model Rail magazine is the UK's biggest-selling magazine dedicated to railway modelling. Every issue is packed with the country’s finest home and club layouts, stunning photography, unbiased and in-depth product reviews, expert tips, layout plans and step-by-step articles that really show you how. In our unique ‘Workbench’ section, we tackle a wide range of modeling skills and projects. Our expert writers and model-makers will help you to get the most from your hobby and build the layout of your dreams. Model Rail is published 13 times a year, every four weeks.

Welcome

Opening the box • The latest happenings from the world of model railways

BUSY TIMES AT GAUGEMASTER

NRM GOLDEN JUBILEE ‘ELECTRA’

AGGREGATE WAGONS GET CLOSER

MODERN ‘37s’ IN STOCK

DAPOL UPDATES

RTC ’69’ FOR COLLECTORS

‘TURBOSTARS’ AND PEPPERCORN ‘PACIFICS’

REVAMPED FARISH ‘CHOPPERS’ PROMISE NEW OPTIONS

POPULAR WAGONS RETURN

TITFIELD THUNDERBOLT RESTORED!

SHOW DISASTER MADE INTO PLAY

In Brief

DESIGN YOUR OWN WAGON

FENCING IT ALL IN

ANIMAL MAGIC

ON THE WORKBENCH • What new items have appeared in George’s workshop this month?

EXHIBITION DIARY - JUNE 6-JULY 25 2026

Unusual scenes captured by the lens of Chris Nevard

News Real • Our full-size railways are constantly evolving, providing fresh inspiration for modelling projects. BEN JONES looks at a few of the latest developments that could soon be appearing on our layouts.

Staff Show & Tell ON THE STRAIGHT AND NARROW • George Dent passed a few enjoyable evenings building a recently re-released ‘NG7’ kit from PECO.

A PEEK BEHIND THE SCENES

Inside track with Ben Ando

DANGER – HIGH VOLTAGE! • Personal memories from the last week of the Woodhead route eventually spurred Brian Tucker to recreate an urban slice of the late lamented 1,500V DC powered railway.

3 things we like

Workbench • Inspirational projects, advice and top tips that show you how

HOW TO BUILDING WHIMSY PIT PART 2 • As Chris Nevard’s Wonderful ‘cut-and-shut’ project continues, it’s time to create a curved backscene and revised scenic contours to - quite literally - set the scene.

HOW TO MODEL A COUNTRY HOUSE AND GARDEN IN HIGH SUMMER • Peter Marriott brings the outside in as he takes a simple card kit and gives it the full Gardeners’ World treatment.

HOW TO CUSTOMISE STEAM-ERA COACHES • Having a short rake of Suburban stock to titivate, George Dent explains how he populated the interiors and gave the Hornby models a suitably lived-in appearance.

HOW TO BRUSH UP A HELJAN TYPE 4 • Heljan’s models have been the subject of much conversation recently, prompting George Dent to finish off a project involving a Class 47 destined for the Scottish Region.

HOW TO BUILD A PAIR OF WORKERS’ COTTAGES • Whether rail, road or canal side, a row of semi-detached workers’ cottages add interest and depth to many a layout, as Chris Nevard explains…

WESTERN RETREAT • Having to self-isolate during Covid, Wayne Sharrocks didn't bother baking bread or learning a foreign language; instead he built ‘Roscoath’, a great little GWR branch line.

3 things we like

Reviews • In-depth and unbiased reviews of the latest products

EFE Rail LSWR Class T3 4-4-0

3 things we like

Dapol GWR 517 Class 0-4-2T

3 things we like

Heljan BR/Sulzer Class 24

3 things we like

Rapido Trains UK LNWR four-plank opens

Rapido Trains UK GNR 8ton vans

Irish Railway Models CIÉ Bulleid 12t Pallet Van

Sparmax AC-501X airbrush compressor

Backscene • Perhaps making bespoke buildings is the best part of...