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

‘MERCHANT NAVY’ LEADS HORNBY PLANS FOR 2026

‘TUG’ ADDED TO RAILROAD RANGE

HORNBY 2026 MODERN IMAGE HIGHLIGHTS

HORNBY 2026: STREAKS AMONG STEAM-ERA HIGHLIGHTS

ACCURASCALE REVEALS TINSLEY SPECIAL ‘31’

LAST CHANCE TO CAST YOUR VOTE

FULL MARITIME ‘66’ FLEET AVAILABLE NOW!

LEGENDARY BRAKE VAN FROM TMC

HORNBY'S SOUTHERN REGION ARRIVALS

POWERED WHEEL CLEANERS

BRIDGING THE DCC GAP

CAVALEX CLASS 47 UPDATE

A SPECIAL ‘56’ - AVAILABLE IN TWO GUISES

RAPIDO UNVEILS GCR TRIO

ROBINSON ‘A5’ MOVES ALONG A STEP

RUGBY MAKES A RETURN

HELJAN ‘DELTIC’ TWEAKS

DAPOL INITIATIVE DOES IT BY THE BOOK

TWO CENTURIES OF WONDER

ALMOST TIME FOR GARDEN RAIL SHOW

GWR PLATFORM ESSENTIALS

Modeller's Bookshelf • Richard Gunn and George Dent present four new titles that will inform and inspire your modelling.

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

POINTING THE WAY

WEIGHING UP YOUR OPTIONS

BUSY BEES

EXHIBITION DIARY – FEBRUARY 14–MARCH 29 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 MODELLING HERO – MARCEL ACKLE • A pre-Christmas trip to Switzerland saw Peter Marriott meet one of his modelling heroes, giving him renewed inspiration for future projects.

CEMENTING AN IDEA

Inside track with Ben Ando

GREAT SCOT • Northern engineering endeavour, tinged with 1980s teenage memories, inspired Alistair Stripp to model a Scottish Highland railway, ‘Beachdale.’

3 things we like

SINGULAR POTENTIAL • Few classes can match the nationwide reach of the Class 153s or their modelling potential. BEN JONES charts the history of the type in passenger and departmental service.

Modifications

HOW TO CUSTOMISE A CLASS 153 • George Dent clears space on his workbench for Heljan's new ‘O’ gauge railcar, adds a suitable load of passengers and crew, plus a few extra touches to make a great model even better.

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

HOW TO BUILD A COUNTRY COTTAGE - FROM A PLASTIC KIT PART ONE • Quintessentially English, creating the country cottage idyll for your layout is easier than you might think, as Chris Nevard discovered…

HOW TO MODIFY A HELJAN CLASS 47 • In a bid to introduce some variety to his Brush Type 4 fleet, Dave Lowery employs a simple conversion kit to represent a common late-BR era modification.

HOW TO BRING AN INDUSTRIAL LOCOMOTIVE TO LIFE • Having sat patiently on a shelf for a few years, the time has come for this Andrew Barclay 0-4-0ST to shine, as Chris Nevard portrays an oily, dusty and careworn industrial workhorse.

MERSEYSIDE MRS: 77 YEARS YOUNG • George Dent pays a visit to Merseyside Model Railway Society's Birkenhead...