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
RAILS REVEAL NORTH BRITISH ‘GLEN’ 4-4-0
CALEDONIAN ‘812’ MAKES A COMEBACK
EFE 4-4-0 GOES GREEN
MANNING, WARDLE DUO ADDED TO RANGE
OPEN WEEKEND AT HORNBY & ONE:ONE COLLECTION
CALEDONIAN No. 123 SIGHTED FOR THE FIRST TIME
MORE CLASS 50S AND Mk 2S ON THE WAY
CLARK RAILWORKS FOR THE PRESTWIN
ACCURASCALE IN LARGE SCALE
RAPIDO’S READY-SALTED VANS
REVOLUTION UPDATES
TMC GOES FOR ‘BZ’
THE LATEST ARRIVALS
AIMREC GETS BACK ON TRACK
COMING SOON! SPECIAL RAIL 200 BOOKAZINE
SMALL RADIUS BULLHEAD TURNOUTS
Modeller’s Bookshelf • George Dent, Chris Leigh and Peter Marriott present four new titles that will inspire and inform your modelling.
ON THE WORKBENCH • What new items have appeared in George’s workshop this month?
SHOP-TASTIC KIT
‘TUG’ CREWS
SOUTHERN FIXTURES
EXHIBITION DIARY - AUGUST 2025
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 Networking opportunity • After tinkering with a Network SouthEast-liveried Class 50 in last month’s issue, George Dent has been trying to find time to create some matching rolling stock.
THE JOY OF SHUNTING
Inside track with Ben Ando
WELSH WONDERS • With a large room to fill, Cliff Thomas created a wonderful tribute to the preserved narrow gauge railways of Wales, as well as the dramatic scenery in which they operate.
Workbench • Inspirational projects, advice and top tips that show you how
HOW TO MAKE A VINTAGE ROADWORKS SCENE • A chance buy inspired Chris Nevard to create a little-modelled cameo that you can re-create with some simple weathering and scratchbuilding.
HOW TO MODEL WEST HIGHLAND TRACK IN THE MODERN ERA • Having built a small diorama, George Dent tests a new ballast product aimed at the contemporary Scottish scene, and offers a range of application tips.
HOW TO USE MODELTEX FOAM-BACKED SHEETS • Always happy to try new materials, Peter Marriott experiments with an interesting range of modelling sheets that hail from Belgium.
HOW TO CREATE A UNIQUE CLASS 37 • Dave Lowery shows you how to bring variety to your ‘O’ gauge ‘Tractor’ fleet.
Sustainable building • After a chance encounter with a laser-cut depot kit, Paul Gosden set about building a fictional contemporary engineering facility, where green technology is embraced.
GOING SMALL IN A BIG SCALE • Seasoned ‘O’ gauge modeller Alan Thompson fancied a break from larger layouts, and set himself a challenge of creating a highly detailed 7mm scale scene in less than 5ft.
Reviews • In-depth and unbiased reviews of the latest products
Hornby LNER Class J52
Rapido LBSCR ’E1’ 0-6-0T
KR Models Hunslet Bo-Bo
Hornby ‘4-VEP’ Electric Multiple Unit (revised)
Accurascale ICI hoppers
Bachmann Emily’s coach and...