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

RHEIDOL TANKS - IN COLOUR!

‘FLATROLS’ MOVE CLOSER

ACCURASCALE REVIVES CLASS 73/9 PROJECT

LOCOMOTION ANNOUNCES SOME SPECIAL ‘SHEDS’

‘TERRIERS’ AND 10000: RAILS COMMISSIONS RE-TOOLED FAVES

OBITUARY: MIKE ROMANS

HORNBY’S TYPE 3S ROLL IN

IRISH BUBBLES CEMENT THEIR PLACE

NEW STEAMERS ARRIVE

OXFORD’S SCHOOL OF PILCHARDS

THETFORD & DISTRICT MRS

DAPOL SEEKS INTEREST IN STANIER STOCK

DR3D RELEASES 5-PLANK GLOUCESTER OPENS

LITTLE WELSH WONDERS

MORE BESPOKE FOOTPLATE CREWS

Modeller’s Bookshelf • George Dent and Helen Milbank 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?

PECO’S ISLAND THEME

DAPOL’S GLYN VALLEY DELIGHT

BOXING CLEVER

EXHIBITION DIARY - JANUARY 17-MARCH 7 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 Irish holiday fun • Feeling an urge for something different, George Dent spent the festive season focusing on his Irish rolling stock.

DAVE’S SUPER ‘60’

Inside track with Ben Ando

CEMENTING FOUNDATIONS • When Alex Rockey decided he wanted to revamp his layout to show standards, bricks gave way to cement for his industrial-themed ‘Whittlesmarch’ creation.

3 things we like

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

HOW TO BUILD A RESIN BOAT KIT PART 2 • Chris Nevard sets sail on the final part of his journey to build a coal-fired ‘Clyde Puffer’ steam cargo ship.

HOW TO BUILDING PONTS MILL PART 5 • In the final instalment of this series, Peter Marriott adds details to his Cornish china clay-themed layout and explains how he created the realistic stream.

HOW TO BUILD A MODERN TRACK-CARRYING WAGON • Always with an eye on replicating interesting modern rolling stock, Dave Lowery assembles a 3D-printed kit of Network Rail’s innovative IFA tilting track panel wagons.

HOW TO MODEL GROUNDED GOODS VAN BODIES • Grounded van bodies can still be seen across the UK. Steve Nall created a handful of vans, in varying states of dereliction, trying out different weathering techniques in the process.

HOW TO PORTRAY AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL DIG • A common hindrance to modern infrastructure programmes is the need to preserve historic remains uncovered during excavation works. Peter Marriott imagines a surprise find that may add further delays to the building of HS2!

AN OLYMPIA ACHIEVEMENT • Having once worked for British Rail with Kensington Olympia as part of his patch, Andy Gibbs set out to recreate the station and its Motorail terminal in 2mm scale.

3 things we like

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

Bachmann Class 69

3 things we like

EFE Rail BR Class...