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

EXCLUSIVE READER OFFER

CLASS 37 REVOLUTION

CHARITY ‘GRONK’ FOR RAILS

GETTING DOMESTIC

FARISH LAUNCHES ‘20/3’

RAPIDO CALLS ATTENTION WITH NEW SENTINELS

SHOWING RESILIENCE

KERNOW LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE

SCENECRAFT ‘TT:120’ EXCLUSIVES FROM KERNOW

SPECIAL WAGON CELEBRATES CORNISH MINING INDUSTRY

GWR STEAM RAILMOTOR TO RETURN

ROAD VAN RE-RUN AND MORE SPECIAL WAGONS

HORNBY STOCK ROLLS IN

CHURCHWARD COACHES CANCELLED

DON’T PANIC! NEW DAD’S ARMY WAGONS ARRIVE

LIONHEART GOES LARGE WITH Mk 1s

SLIMY CHARACTER

Modeller’s Bookshelf • George Dent presents four new titles to inspire and inform your modelling.

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

EXHIBITION DIARY - SEPTEMBER 25-NOVEMBER 1 2026

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.

SHOW & TELL • Model Rail staff reveal what they’ve been working on this month.

Not set in stone

Inside track with Ben Ando • Ben Ando is the founder of Revolution Trains and a regular contributor to Model Rail.

ALL DAY AND ALL OF THE NIGHT • Simon Veasey’s compact Network SouthEast era London terminus, ‘Leadenhall’, has a neat trick up its sleeve: its ability to transform from day to night and back within a few minutes.

3 things we like

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

HOW TO GET THE BEST FROM CARD KITS • Modellers have been harnessing card to produce miniature structures for over a century, and the material still has a place in today’s hobby. George Dent, Chris Nevard and Peter Marriott offer a range of assembly and customising tips to help you achieve great results.

HOW TO BUILD A WATER TOWER • Fledgling builders will ‘tower’ in strength once they’ve mastered this fantastic begineers’ kit, which offers a great deal of scope to flex your painting skills too, says Chris Nevard.

HOW TO MODEL A MURKY WATER TANK • Adding a load of authentic ‘water’ to an open-topped tank gives a layout viewer something to ponder. George Dent shows how it can be done.

HOW TO BUILD A 3D-PRINTED WATER CRANE • Steam locomotives need a ready supply of water, so George Dent puts together a delightful Modelu kit for his layout.

HOW TO TACKLE A LASER-CUT KIT • Popular in the US for decades, laser-cut kits have also built a strong reputation with modellers here in the UK. Chris Nevard cuts his teeth with Peco’s new Tan-y-Bwlch Station Building…

HOW TO REDISCOVER PLASTER BUILDING KITS • Often overlooked in favour of card, plastic or laser-cut wood kits, plaster buildings still have much to offer, not least authentic surface texture and crisp relief. George Dent reconnects with an ancient art form and offers assembly and finishing tips.

HOW TO MODEL A COSY COUNTRY PUB • With a pint of ale in hand, Chris Nevard settles down in a cosy country...