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

BACHMANN TOPS OFF SPRING REVEAL WITH RETOOLED ‘JUBILEE’

FARISH RANGE HIGHLIGHTS

PRE-GROUPING COACHES ADD COLOUR

BRANCHLINE RANGE ROUND-UP

COLLECTORS CLUB SPECIALS

EFE BIRTHS A ‘BABY DELTIC’

NEW SCENECRAFT ADDITIONS

ACCURASCALE PUTS ON THE BRAKE

DEVON ‘SEA DOGS’ HIT THE ROAD

‘HAWK’ SWOOPS IN FROM DAPOL

DCCCONCEPTS UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

GIVE YOUR OLD ‘DUB-DEE’ SOME PEP

RAPIDO'S EVOLUTION IS HERE

UNBRANDED ‘CORADIA’ FOR KERNOW

MODEL RAIL SCOTLAND ON THE HORIZON

TMC BUILDS A TABLE-TOP TOWN

ACCURASCALE RELAUNCHES GENESIS RANGE

In Brief

AUTHENTIC SCALE BALLASTS

Modeller's Bookshelf • Richard Gunn and George Dent present a quartet of new titles to inspire and inform your modelling.

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

CALL OUT THE BUCKET BRIGADE

TOWN & COUNTRY

UP ON THE ROOF

EXHIBITION DIARY – MARCH 14–APRIL 19 2026

…and finally

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 A problem solved • It may have been the final piece in the jigsaw of an industrial backscene, but something about the structure didn't sit right with George Dent. Eventually, he found the solution.

SMALL THINGS MAKE A DIFFERENCE

PETER GETS WET

Inside track with Ben Ando

MODEL RAIL MODEL OF THE YEAR 2025 THE RESULTS • The votes are in and you've had your say, so now's the time to reveal the best models – and retailers – of 2025.

GREEN AND PLEASANT • Jonathan Ramsden reveals how he distilled a slice of Kent's glorious ‘Garden of England’ in a small corner of a garden shed.

3things we like

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

BUILD A COUNTRY COTTAGE - FROM A PLASTIC KIT, PART 2 • As Chris Nevard hits a home run, he installs the windows and adds the final finishing touches to his idyllic-looking rural abode.

CUSTOMISE A CLASS 12 • With Model Rail's exclusive models now on sale, George Dent offers some tips for making one of these fascinating diesel shunters your own.

TOP TIP – WATCH YOUR STEPS

Factfile: BR Class 12

HOW TO MODEL A SPRINGTIME GARDEN • Now that the worst of winter is (hopefully) behind us, Peter Marriott sets about modelling one of the most popular seasons, while also offering some useful tips on miniature apiculture.

TOP TIPS FOR MODELLING SPRINGTIME

BEEKEEPING IN MINIATURE

HOW TO BUILD A SIGNAL BOX KIT • It's second time lucky for George Dent, as he assembles a delightful kit of a Cheshire Lines Committee signal box, having made a pig's ear of his first attempt!

Top tip: Clean them up

A model for the prosecution • Tony Streeter examines how crime on Britain's railways sparked fascination and horror within the public imagination, especially...