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

A CLASS 1 COLLABORATION

In Brief

FARISH LIFTS ‘HEAVYWEIGHT' CLASS 37

BACHMANN'S NEW ROLLING STOCK

REVOLUTION ‘66' - TAKE THREE!

NEW VANS MOTORING ALONG

A BRAKE FOR WAR AND PEACE TIME

MORE RAPIDO PROJECTS ADVANCE

A REGAL ‘SCOT’ AND MORE FROM HORNBY

MUSEUM SPECIAL TUBE TRAIN

RETURN OF THE ‘SILVER BULLETS’

GET READY FOR TINGS

HEAD TO STAFFS FOR A TOP SHOW

BRUNEL SHED PLAYS HOST TO WYCRAIL

CUPAR SHOW A SUCCESS

PLATFORM FOR SUCCESS

Modeller’s Bookshelf • Richard Gunn presents a quartet of new titles that will inspire and inform your modelling.

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

EXHIBITION - AUGUST 27-SEPTEMBER 27 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.

LITTER PICKERS • Replicating as many aspects of real life as possible - the good and the bad - can be an interesting challenge for layout builders. Peter Marriott recently added some litter to one of his scenes, with the help of a handy kit.

PLATFORM ALTERATION

BUILT LIKE A TANK

Inside track with Ben Ando

DOUBLE DUTCH • Ian Driver's ‘Red Post Lane' depot was built as a low-cost project over winter - and, on the show circuit, has the ability to transform into a Netherlands-based layout with a few simple tweaks.

3 things we like

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

HOW TO GET YOUR PANNIER TANKS LOOKING TIP-TOP • There’s nothing quite like the sight of a pannier tank pootling up and down a Western Region branch line, with a set of tools hanging off the rear. George Dent set about enhancing a member of Accurascales's excellent ‘57XX’ family.

PART 2 HOW TO WEATHER STEEL-BODIED MINERAL WAGONS • Chris Nevard shows what can be done with older - and cheaper - mineral wagons, using acrylic paints and a bit of creativity.

HOW TO SCULPT A ROCKY EMBANKMENT • Peter Marriott releases his arty side as he uses sculpting materials to create a rockface on a railside embankment.

HOW TO BUILD A 3D-PRINTED BUS SHELTER • George Dent creates a typical roadside scene, providing a useful test bed for a new adhesive formulated especially for 3D-printed components.

WHOLE IN ONE • When Scottish modellers Arran Aird and Duncan Stewart wanted to create a locally based layout, they drew inspiration from the ‘Home of Golf', St Andrews - and devised a novel way to shorten distances.

3 things we like

Reader SHOW & TELL • The place to share your projects with the Model Rail community.

SUGAR BEET AND GARLIC BREAD! • Adrian Walby and Robin Coulthard explain why they have never regretted taking the plunge into the world of ‘O’ gauge with their delightful light railway creation.

3 things we like

Reviews • In-depth and unbiased...