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

LOCOMOTION PLOUGHS AHEAD WITH NER ICON

ACCURASCALE GOES FOR THE 'GRONKS'

RAPIDO PLUMPS FOR THE 'C12'

BLACK LABEL BULLEID UPDATE

CROWDS GATHER FOR NEW STORE OPENING

S160 & LMS HOPPERS IN COLOUR

RAPIDO PUTS THE BRAKE ON

HORNBY DELTIC AND '87' ALMOST HERE

MURPHY'S DART TAKING SHAPE

TMC UNVEILS Mk 2 PACKS FOR 'TT'

HELJAN 'WARSHIPS' SAIL AHEAD

REVOLUTION UNITS PROGRESS AND A SPECIAL '180' FOR RAILS

MORE SLATE WAGONS DESCEND

EXHIBITION DIARY - DECEMBER 29 2025-MARCH 21 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 'Turbots', take two • In last month’s Workbench, George Dent distressed and weathered a rake of Dapol BR ‘Turbot’ ballast wagons. And then he found a pair of Kernow wagons he’d forgotten about!

Inside track with Ben Ando

WINTER OUT WEST • As cold as it may be outside at the moment, is it as chilly-looking as Paul Holwill’s ‘N’ gauge re-creation of Dartmoor during a deep freeze?

3things we like

No business like snow business • Keeping railway lines clear is essential to their safe operation and that’s never more important than when snow is falling. BEN JONES takes a seasonal look at the specialist vehicles used for snow clearing duties on Britain’s railways.

NETWORK RAIL'S WINTER TRAINS

BEILHACK SNOWBLOWERS

HOW TO CREATE A CLASS 08 SNOWPLOUGH CONVERSION • George Dent explains how he adapted a scrap Hornby model, while Ben Jones provides historical background to this ill-fated 1970s experiment.

CLASS 08 SNOWPLOUGH CONVERSIONS

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

HOW TO BUILD A RESIN BOAT KIT • Salty old sea dog Chris Nevard tackles an attractive kit of a ‘Clyde Puffer’ steamship, and shares his experiences of working with resin components.

HOW TO BUILD PONTS MILL • As Peter Marriott explains, the structures play a key role on his Cornish china claythemed layout. Here, he shows us how they took shape.

HOW TO CREATE YOUR OWN TOWNSCAPE • A realistic-looking townscape adds life to a layout. Paul Bambrick shares his tricks of the trade to help you become a budding builder.

RURAL WESTERN RETREAT • Mark Hemsley’s bucolic branch line layout was put together in less than a year, to be ready for a specific show. But being done quickly certainly didn’t compromise its quality.

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

Rapido 'Port of Par' Bagnall 0-4-0STs

3 things we like

Heljan Class 153

3 things we like

Hornby 'TT:120' LBSCR 'Terrier'

3 things we like

Rapido LNER Class J52/2

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Rapido 'Iron Mink' gunpowder vans

Hornby 'TT:120' LSWR 'B4'

Revolution...