Table of contents for Feburary 2023 in Model Rail

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

Welcome

Over the two decades or so that Digital Command Control has been established within our hobby, I've dabbled here and there with different control systems and, invariably, have moved back to analogue within a short time. Despite many brilliant developments over the years, each promising to make installation and operation easier, none of it has been enough to persuade me to change my ways. Owning several hundred locomotives and multiple units has been a primary reason for not converting wholesale to DCC, mostly on the grounds of cost as well as a general lack of enthusiasm for all the techno-gubbins and jargon. I wouldn't class myself as a technophobe or electronically illiterate. Indeed, I enjoy the challenges that analogue layouts present when it comes to wiring. Furthermore, I love playing…

2 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

ANNIVERSARIES ABOUND

As lead sponsor of the real Flying Scotsman's centenary year – which also marks the prototype's return to service –the Hornby team has a busy year ahead. To mark this historic occasion, six new versions of ‘Scotsman’ will appear in limited edition centenary packs, under the Hornby-Dublo banner. The range spans the entire working life of the famous LNER ‘A1/A3’ 4-6-2, beginning with an un-named No. 1472 and ending with a smoke deflector-fitted version in BR green as No. 60103. There's also a cowcatcher-clad version, complete with bell, headlamp and twin tenders to recreate the locomotive's US tour. Price: £362.99 each When's it due? April As well as Scotsman's centenary, 2023 also marks ten years since the Great Gathering of LNER ‘A4s’ at the National Railway Museum (NRM), when all…

1 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

FREIGHT STOCK

All-new freight wagons have been relatively rare from Hornby in recent years, but 2023 brings a number of brand new toolings, the highlight of which is the TTA tank wagon. Offering a variety of detail variations, in terms of etched walkways and ladders, three livery options have been announced so far, catering for Shell, BP and Esso schemes. Early samples were available for scrutiny at Margate, and very impressive they were too! Another new tooling comes in the form of the LMS/BR ‘Salmon’ rail-carrying wagons, which will be available in unfitted and air-braked versions. Furthermore, there's also a choice of bogie types. Early 3D-printed samples were available for perusal and they showed plenty of promise. The final all-new tooling will portray the GWR ‘Macaw B’ (later BR bogie bolster ‘C’),…

1 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

HELJAN Mk 1 CCT ARRIVES

In development since 2019, Heljan's 7mm scale BR Mk 1 twin-axle Covered Carriage Truck has now reached the market, offering modellers an interesting range of livery options. These versatile vehicles were used predominantly for parcels traffic between 1955 and the late 1980s, so they'll appeal to steam-era and modern image fans alike. Each model comes fully finished, with running numbers, while a pair of weathered versions are also on offer. What's available: 9400 Heljan Mk 1 CCT, BR lined maroon 9401 Heljan Mk 1 CCT, BR unlined maroon 9402 Heljan Mk 1 CCT, BR Rail blue 9403 Heljan Mk 1 CCT, BR Rail blue with Red Star branding 9404 Heljan Mk 1 CCT, BR Engineer's yellow 9405 Heljan Mk 1 CCT, BR Departmental olive green 9406 Heljan Mk 1…

1 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

GWR ‘MINK A’ AND OPEN WAGONS FROM RAPIDO

With Rapido's GWR ‘Iron Minks’ and four-plank open wagons due to arrive imminently, Rapido has now also announced more GWR wagons for ‘OO’, in the form of the Diagram 011/015 five-plank opens and the Dia. V14/V16 ‘Mink A’ vans. The GWR added a fifth plank to its existing open wagon design in 1902, leading to the five-plank version becoming a ‘standard’ general freight open, examples of which continued to be built into the 1940s. Both the Dia. O11s and O15s were introduced in 1911 and were virtually identical, with a capacity of 10T riding on a 16ft underframe with GWR self-contained buffers. However, the Dia. O15 differed by being equipped with vacuum brakes. The GWR built 10,815 Dia. O11s between 1911-1919 and 2,105 Dia. O15s up to 1922, with examples…

1 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

KEVIN FRY

Richard Gardner writes: It is with great sadness that the Railway Enthusiasts Club (REC), Farnborough, has announced that Kevin Fry, the club's secretary and exhibition manager for more than 30 years, has passed away following the onset of Motor Neurone Disease. Over the years Kevin had been at the heart of the club's model railway activities, the highlight being the organising of the extensive bi-annual exhibition that outgrew its Farnborough venue and subsequently moved to Woking as an annual event. This became a well known and highly popular exhibition with visitors and exhibitors alike, and brought him into regular contact with a wide network of model railway clubs and societies, as well as with traders and individual modellers. An accomplished modeller, he contributed exquisitely built locomotives and stock to many…

1 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

RAPIDO TRAINS TAKES UP SMOKING

Rapido Trains UK has signed an exclusive deal with TRS Trains to bring smoke-fitted locomotives to both the UK and North American markets. TRS Trains currently retro-fits models with its revolutionary (and top secret!) technology, which synchronises the exhaust with the ‘chuff’ sound on the decoder, expelling the smoke vapour through the chimney just like a real locomotive. The initial deal covers two projects: a large ‘OO’ gauge locomotive for the British market, which has yet to be unveiled, while Rapido Trains Inc. will fit the smoke system into a forthcoming North American ‘HO’ project. Rapido UK's Richard Foster said, “We're thrilled to be able to offer TRS Trains smoke system in our models and are delighted that TRS has chosen to work with us. It is a huge privilege…

1 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

SHED-TASTIC KIT

New from Scale Model Scenery is this versatile timber shed, rendered in laser-cut wood. With a footprint of 57mm by 50mm, it's Ideal for an animal shelter, as well as various agricultural, industrial or domestic storage purposes. The walls are formed from a lattice framework, over which ship-lap planking is fixed, producing an incredibly realistic external and internal appearance. The roof panels depict corrugated iron sheets. Assembly is straightforward, following the supplied instructions and the parts can be coloured with wood dye, weathering washes or paints. Product: LX487-OO Storage Shed Price: £6.49 Availability: www.scalemodelscenery.co.uk…

1 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

ON THE WORKBENCH

WEATHERING COMBO SETS LifeColor has released a useful pair of weathering sets, aimed at recreating rusty and dusty finishes. Each box contains a mix of regular acrylic paints, Liquid Pigments (essentially acrylic washes), plus a jar of dry pigment. The paints, washes and pigment can be used individually or combined to create a wide range of tones, textures and effects, being applied by handbrush, sponges or sprayed through an airbrush (paints and washes only). Helpfully, a QR code is provided on the attractive packaging, which permits free access to online tutorials. Products: SPG08 LifeColor Compact Dust set; SPG09 LifeColor Compact Rust set Price: £18.98 per set Availability: The Airbrush Company Web: www.airbrushes.com STUTTER YE NOT! This powerful capacitor bank has been designed specifically to suit Hornby's 8-pin and TTS decoders,…

1 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

NARROW GAUGE CREWS

Modelu has been busy creating new crew packs for ‘OO9’, The Peco/Kato ‘Small England’ and Bachmann's Baldwin Class 10-12-D are catered for, with each pack providing a driver and fireman, tailored to fit within each model's cab. Two different gravity slate train figure packs are also available. One pack features a bowler-hatted gentleman blowing a warning horn. All packs are supplied unpainted, and they're all available in a wide range of other scales too. Products: 11211/11212 Gravity Slate Train figure packs, £10.80 each. 11207 Baldwin Class 10-12-D crew pack; 11208 Small England crew pack, £7.20 each Availability: www.modelu3d-co.uk…

1 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

DAVE WRAPS A TRANSPENNINE ‘802’

Dave Lowery has been hard at work on a display model of a TransPennine Express Class 802 unit, as a commission from leasing firm Angel Trains. Working for the train's owners has many benefits, including access to the original livery specifications, which have helped in the creation of bespoke decals by Rainbow Railways. A Hornby LNER ‘Azuma’ has provided the basis for this ‘OO’ model, and you'll be able to see exactly how it was created in a future issue of Model Rail.…

1 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

MYSTERY SHED IDENTIFIED

While reading the November issue of Model Rail (MR306), I was astonished by the photograph on page 84. The caption stated that the dilapidated goods shed was at an unknown location, but the reason for my astonishment is because I recently bought a second-hand layout, based on Holcombe Brook, a former Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway terminus, north of Manchester. The timber goods shed in the photograph is that at Holcombe Brook. The distinctive building, just visible through the shed's aperture, is a branch of the District Bank. Here are a couple of images of the layout, showing the goods shed and the bank. The layout needs some refurbishment and was originally constructed to operate in conjunction with a computer, using card reader technology and strips fitted under wagons.…

1 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

HOW TO BUILD A STATION FROM SCRATCH BUILDING

Hemyock, a small village in the heart of Devonshire, was once the terminus of the Culm Valley Light Railway, a standard gauge line which ran for just over seven miles from Tiverton Junction on the Bristol & Exeter Railway's main line from Taunton to Exeter As with many lines of a similar ilk, construction of the route ran over budget and took considerably longer than originally planned. Two and a half years after work began, the line finally opened in June 1876 and was operated by the Great Western Railway from the outset, the Bristol & Exeter Railway having been amalgamated with the GWR just months earlier. Intermediate stations were located at Uffculme and Culmstock, plus Coldharbour Halt and Whitehall Halt, which opened in 1929 and 1933 respectively. Passenger traffic…

9 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

HOW TO INSTALL AN ILLUMINATED BILLBOARD

Billboards are an easy way to add a little visual interest to the side of a road, the end of a building and possibly on rooftops in urban spaces. They have even been erected beside busy commuter railway lines. Illuminated billboards naturally allow the advertisements to be seen at any time of day, but this is something that's not often recreated in miniature. Woodland Scenics produce a preassembled illuminated billboard, supplied with a range of advertising material. The lighting is equipped with a generous 36in of cable, designed to be connected to the Woodland Scenics Just Plug Light Hub (sold separately). The two front legs, one at each end of the billboard, have 7mm supporting pins that require holes to be drilled into the landscape. One of these holes also…

3 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

KNOW YOUR… LIVERIES

KNOW YOUR STUFF PART 16: Class 59s With the long-awaited Dapol Class 59 now available (see page 80), now is the perfect time to look back at the liveries carried by these landmark locomotives. Representing the first mass-produced diesel locomotives to be designed and built outside this country, the ‘59s’ eventually comprised three sub-classes, each having been ordered by different operators. The Class 59/0 and 59/1 were built expressly for the movement of aggregates from the various Mendip quarries in Somerset, working mainly to destinations within the south of England. However, the Class 59/2 fleet was initially procured by National Power for the purpose of moving coal from Gascoigne Wood colliery and limestone from Derbyshire, to the large power stations in the Vale of York, most notably Draxand Ferrybridge. However,…

3 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

ROCKFACES

Q I want to make a rockface on my portable layout that looks good but does not add too much weight. What structure do you recommend for supporting the rockface and how do I make it look realistic? Peter says: Shaper Sheet by Woodland Scenics needs minimal support to hold its shape, which is a useful attribute of the material. It can be draped across landscape formers such as pieces of foam to give a good solid foundation for the scenery. Simply shape and scrunch the sheet between your fingers into the desired landscape formation then, once you are happy with the result, cut off any excess material with scissors and save this for later use. Cut the Shaper Sheet slightly larger than the area to be modelled to compensate…

2 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

Factfile: Class 59

By the early 1980s, aggregate company Foster Yeoman was unhappy with the reliability of British Rail's fairly new Class 56 diesel-electric locomotives. Tasked with hauling an intensive flow of extremely heavy stone trains from the Mendip quarries, the ‘56s’ were proving troublesome, even when employed in multiple. Yeoman had already supplied its own fleet of hopper wagons to improve efficiency, so it was a logical progression for the company to investigate the possibility of sourcing its own locomotives. Despite worries regarding trade union reaction, BR agreed to the proposal, leading to Yeoman inviting tenders for a small fleet of freight diesel locomotives. In fact, Yeoman had already been operating a US-built General Motors SW1001 ‘switcher’ at Merehead quarry, which had shown unprecedented levels of reliability. Therefore, Yeoman's engineers approached GM…

2 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

Factfile: Class 92

As construction of the Channel Tunnel progressed, a need was identified for a common user locomotive for British Rail and its French counterpart SNCF. It would need to be able to haul freight and passenger traffic not only through the tunnel but on both national networks. The fact that an electric locomotive was essential added further complexity to the project. The Class 92 was designed to work on either 25kV AC from overhead lines, or from BR's archaic 750V DC third-rail system, providing maximum power outputs of 6,700hp or 5,360hp respectively. Assembled at Brush's Loughborough works, the bodyshells were erected at Procor's Wakefield workshops and were similar to those recently created for the Class 60 diesels. Introduced between 1994-96, the 46-strong fleet was initially split between BR's Railfreight Distribution sector,…

2 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

Factfile: BR Class 27

Representing a development of the successful Type 2 Bo-Bos built during BR's Pilot Scheme in the 1950s – which later became Class 26 – the Class 27 was also built by Birmingham Railway Carriage & Wagon Works (BRCW). Featuring a 1,250hp Sulzer diesel engine, the Class 27 was introduced in 1961-62 and the main visual difference from its predecessor was the adoption of four-character headcode panels atop the cabs. A total of 69 examples were constructed, with allocations initially dispersed across England and Scotland. Cricklewood-based locomotives were employed largely on freight and empty coaching stock workings around London, while Thornaby also received a batch, for freight duties around Teeside and the North East. Those sent north of the border, to Glasgow Eastfield depot, enabled steam to be displaced from the…

2 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

Rapido Trains UK Class 28 ‘Co-Bo’

Reviews ʞ GAUGE ‘N’ ♦ MODEL Rapido Trains UK BR/MetrovickType 2 Class 28 ‘Co-Bo’ ♦ PRICE £119.95 ♦ AVAILABILITY Rapido Trains stockists Web www.rapidotrains.co.uk Undoubtedly one of BR's most idiosyncratic diesel locomotive types, the Metropolitan-Vickers Type 2 ‘Co-Bo’ emerged from the Modernisation Plan of the mid-1950s. Although plagued by mechanical problems during their brief working lives, their unusual appearance and stylised depiction in contemporary BR publicity material has ensured an enduring fascination among enthusiasts. The locomotives inspired a Hornby-Dublo model in the 1960s, but it was 2011 before another RTR model appeared in 4mm scale, thanks to Heljan/ Hattons. Rapido's new rendition marks the very first time that the humble ‘Co-Bo’ has been offered in RTR ‘N’ gauge. This is also Rapido Trains UK's first ‘N’ gauge locomotive to reach…

4 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

Model Rail essential information

Q: Looking for an old feature but can't remember which issue it was in? A: Check out the online index, kindly provided by UK Model Shops, at www.ukmodelshops.co.uk/ ModelRail Q: Want to order one of our exclusive models? A: Go to www.modelrailoffers.co.uk or call 01209 705459. Q: Want to order one of our bookazines? A: Go to www.greatmagazines.co.uk or call 01858438884. Q: Have a problem or query about our digital magazines? A: Visit www.greatmagazines.co.uk/faq Q: Subscription issue not arrived? A: Call our Subscriptions Department on 01858 438884.…

1 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

NEW TOOLING: STREAMLINED LINER ‘B17’

With Hornby already offering streamlined ‘A4s’ and ‘P2s’, the aesthetic theme is to be continued with a pair of LNER ‘B17/5s’. Only two of the LNER's Class B17 ‘Sandringham’ 4-6-0s were modified with a streamlined casing, being converted in 1937 for use on the prestigious ‘East Anglian’ express service from London Liverpool Street to Norwich. The rebuilt pair were re-classified as ‘B17/5’ and given names to suit their new duties, East Anglian and City of London. The streamlining was removed by BR in 1951. What's planned? R30136 LNER Class B17/5 4-6-0 No. 61670 BRgreen R30137 LNER Class B17/5 4-6-0 No. 2859 LNERgreen Price: £209.99 Due: December 2023…

1 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

TENDER-FITTED ‘MAINLINE’ HUNSLET JOINS BACHMANN RANGE

Keep up to date with Model Rail News online. As mentioned briefly in a ‘Stop Press’ addition to last month's news pages, Bachmann Narrow Gauge has added another version of the Penrhyn ‘Mainline’ Hunslet 0-4-OST to its range, depicting Linda in early preservation condition. Saved for posterity by the Ffestiniog Railway in the early 1960s, after a 70-year industrial career on the Penrhyn Quarry Railway, Linda gained a number of modifications before entering service on the preserved line. Most notable was the addition of a twin-axle tender, creating a 0-4-OSTT (saddle tank with tender). Bachmann's model comes in fully lined FR green livery and features the same impressive specification as the earlier ‘Mainline’ Hunslet model (MR308). Again, a coreless motor is provided, with a flywheel to aid smooth running and…

1 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

PCATANKS FOR REALISM REDEFINED

Realism Redefined, the retail arm of ‘Britain's Biggest Model Railway’, has commissioned an exclusive ‘O’ gauge model of the PCA depressed-centre powder tank wagon. Manufactured by Heljan, the models will feature compensated axles, sprung buffers and working Instanter couplings. They'll also boast an array of fine pipework and underframe detail. These wagons have been in use for cement and chemical traffic since the 1980s, with many still in traffic until recently. Heljan's first production batch will offer ten individually numbered and decorated cement wagons, allowing a realistic block train to be assembled off the shelf. Also in development are slightly modified versions of the PCA, as operated in chemical traffic by Lever Brothers/Tiger Rail and Albright & Wilson, each of which wore striking liveries. These will be perfect for 1980s/90s…

1 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

FLEETLINE RIDES AGAIN

Rapido is to produce a new batch of its acclaimed 1:76 scale West Midlands PTE Fleetline buses, with a broader range of geographical coverage offered. Midland Fox, Andrews of Sheffield, Stotts of Oldham and A1 Services from Ayrshire all bought ex-WMPTE Fleetlines, and their colourful liveries are included in this new production run. The same high specification as the earlier models is promised, including working headlights and interior lighting. Also included is Fleetline No. 6311, which is being re-painted by the Wythall Transport Museum, complete with period-style Rapido UK adverts. Rails of Sheffield and TTC Diecast have also commissioned exclusive models. The models are available to order now, with the order book closing on February 1. Delivery is expected later in the year. Price: £54.95 (£44.95, undecorated) Web: www.rapidotrains.co.uk…

1 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

MIDLANDS GARDEN RAIL SHOW ON TRACK

Plans are well on track for the 2023 Midlands Garden Rail Show, one of the leading events dedicated to garden railways, which is due to take place over the weekend of March 11-12. Focusing on the larger gauges of ‘O’, ‘G’ Scale, Gauge 1, 16mm scale and more, there will be around a dozen layouts and several clubs at the event, offering plenty of inspiration for anyone planning their own garden railway. Over 30 leading suppliers will also be in attendance and the show will be held at the Warwickshire Event Centre, near Leamington Spa, near the junction of the A425/B4455 (CV31 1XN). Opening times are 1000-1600 each day, with admission costing £10.00 for adults, £9.50 for seniors and £4.50 for children (5-14 years). Tickets are available now via the…

1 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

LEYLAND NATIONAL WILL BE NEXT BUS FROM RAPIDO

Rapido Trains UK has also been busy developing its next 1:76 scale bus project, the Leyland National single-decker. The initial production will focus on the Mk 1 variant, offering a range of liveries to suit various parts of the UK. Included are three different London Transport liveries, that have been officially licensed from Transport for London. Other options include multiple variations of Greater Manchester PTE orange/cream, Midland Red, Maidstone & District green, Crosville green, Stagecoach livery, Ribble red and the attractive BR Sealink scheme. Within the tooling, provision has been made to portray a range of different door types and body styles, including large and short ventilation pods. Rapido says that design work is almost complete and that the order book will open early this year. Price: TBC Web: www.rapidotrains.co.uk…

1 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

THREE-WHEELED MEAN MACHINE

A notable recent release from Oxford Diecast is the three-wheel ‘Invacar’. First developed in the late 1940s, these motorised invalid carriages were owned by the Government and distributed to eligible disabled users for free. Such a common sight on Britain's roads into the 1990s, they were also a regular fixture beside the pitch at various football grounds, Chelsea's Stamford Bridge being just one famous example. Oxford Diecast&39;s model depicts a typical 1970s-era version, in the ubiquitous ‘Ministry’ blue with inward sloping rear window. Price: £6.95 Availability: Oxford Diecast stockists Web: www.oxforddiecast.co.uk…

1 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

GONE TO RUIN

The latest addition to Noch's Abandoned Places range is this ruined building, which looks perfect for a romantic rural scene. The set provides a fully formed, hard foam base with the ruined structure moulded integrally. Extra scenic details are also supplied, along with a premium wire Lime tree, plus a 3D-printed and hand-painted derelict tractor, complete with flat tyre, missing front wheel and partially covered in a rotten tarpaulin. Product: 60761 Ruin of a Building Price: €44.99 Availability: Noch stockists Web: www.noch.com…

1 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

EXHIBITION DIARY - JANUARY 21- APRIL 22 2023

January 21 WITHAM, ESSEX. Witham Model Railway Exhibition, Witham Public Hall, Collingwood Rd, Witham CM8 2DY. Time: 1000-1600. Admission: Adults £5, Children £2, Family £12. Tel: 07595 255150. January 28 & 29 EASTLEIGH, HANTS. Southampton Model Railway Exhibition, Barton Peveril College, Chestnut Avenue, Eastleigh, Hampshire SO50 5ZA. Times: Sat 1000-1700, Sun 1000-1630. Admission: Adults £9, Children (15 and under) Free. Tel: 01489 799809. Web: www.southamptonmodelrailwaysociety. wordpress.com KENDAL, CUMBRIA. Kendal Model Railway Club Exhibition, Kendal Leisure Centre, Burton Road, Kendal LA9 7HX. Times: Sat 1000-1700, Sun 1000-1600. Admission: Adults £6.50, Concessions £5.50, Children (6-16) £3, Family (2+2) £17. Web: www.kendalmrc.org Email: kendalmrc@yahoo.co.uk LONGFIELD, KENT. Erith Model Railway Society Longfield Model Railway Exhibition 2023, The Longfield Academy, Main Road (B260), Longfield, Kent DA3 7PH. Times: Sat 1000-1700, Sun 10001600. Admission: Adults (17+) £9,…

5 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

Show & Tell

FESTIVE FUN After receiving Christmas gifts from my wife in 2021, from a well-known card kit company, I gave some thought as to how I could make the ‘N’ gauge castle kits into the centre attraction of a diorama. After looking at old editions of Model Rail for ideas, I had a eureka moment. In issue MR290 (Summer 2021) I saw the excellent table-top micro layout by Graham Goodchild, and decided to plan and make my own version, with the Metcalfe Models castle as the central focus. Scenic items include a church and cemetery, small lake, castle and grounds which include three variations of levels within the walls. There's also a small village, complete with a market in the square, a children's playground, plus a small station and signal box.…

1 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

Inside track with Ben Ando

Opinion “ Even with all the best work in the world, there will never be a ‘perfect’ RTR model” ‘The Artful Bodger…’ May I first wish all Model Rail readers and Revolution Trains customers a very Happy New Year! As I write this column, 2023 has just started and while both world and domestic events are hardly a source of unalloyed joy, I suspect I speak for many fellow enthusiasts when I say that one of the great things about railway modelling (or most hobbies) is that it offers an easy escape from the more depressing aspects of reality, if only for an hour or so at a time. But that joy manifests itself in different ways for all of us. Some are never happier than when operating large complex…

3 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

HOW TO RECREATE FELLED TREES

Workbench EXPERT MODELLERS SHOWYOU HOW Felled trees can be seen at many locations around the UK, in urban and rural environments. Most pertinently for railway modellers, tree felling also regularly occurs beside the lineside. Just one or two trees may have been cut down, or it may be that an entire embankment has been cleared. Leaves falling on the line is a perennial problem around the network and, where possible, Network Rail and its predecessors have felled trees as part of maintenance regimes. Many branch and main lines also pass very close to managed woodlands, especially in more remote areas, so tree felling may take place on a more industrial scale in some instances. In many cases, the tree stumps are left in the ground, making for a nice and…

5 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

Know your stuff

Keep up to date with Model Rail News online.…

1 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

TIPS FOR STATIC GRASS

KNOW YOUR STUFF Q I have been experimenting with static grass and sometimes I get it right, but sometimes the fibres just do not stick to the landscape, or they refuse to stand up. What am I doing wrong? Peter says: Assuming that the modeller has been working onto the same type of landscape surface, using the same glue, the same static grass applicator and fibres, while working at an average room temperature, I'd suggest that the remedy lies in the length of time between the spreading of the glue and the planting of the grass. Ideally, this should be less than five minutes so the glue is still wet and a skin has not formed on the top of the adhesive. As soon as a skin forms, the ability…

2 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

Gaelic Symphony

4mm: 1ft SCALE LAYOUT CASTLEDERG What makes this layout great? “Modallling a real-world location often results in compromise, but Andy was lucky enough to be able to model everything to scale. The result is that the buildings don't feel squashed and have room to 'breathe', resulthing in a more pleasantviewing experience.” when it comes to deciding what to build for their next model railway, most modellers will choose a location with which they have some sort of connection, usually because they visited the area or lived near there at some point. Another option is to do what Andy Cundick has done with his layout and model something with which you have absolutely no emotional connection, just because it's a bit different. “My interest in Irish narrow gauge stems back to…

7 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

System builder

JHA STONE HOPPERS Dapol's JHA hoppers are the ideal accompaniment to a Class 59. Available in original and revised Yeoman liveries, in both ‘inner’ and ‘outer’ format. Price: £43.15 (inner), £55.00 (outer) Availability: Dapol stockists www.dapol.co.uk + PTA/JTA/JUA BOGIE TIPPLER WAGONS Accurascale's rendition of the former ore tipplers proved a huge success when released in 2021. Although sold out at source, packs may still be available from stockists, via pre-owned dealers or online auction sites. Price: £149.95 (five-pack) Availability: Accurascale stockists www.accurascale.co.uk + HTA BOGIE HOPPER WAGONS For a time, DB Class 59/2s returned to northern England to haul rakes of HTA bulk coal hopper wagons, between Liverpool Docks and Fiddlers Ferry Power Station, during the early 2010s. Bachmann's rendition of the Thrall-built hoppers has been around for a while…

1 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

System builder

+ Mk 5 ‘CALEY SLEEPER’ STOCK Accurascale's hotly anticipated Mk 5 coaching stock is due to arrive imminently a perfect accompaniment to a Caledonian Sleeper-liveried Class 92! Price: £179.99 four-pack Availability: Accurascale stockists www.accurascale.co.uk + Mk 2/Mk 3 SLEEPER STOCK Hornby can provide Mk 2 and Mk 3 stock in Caledonian Sleeper livery. Price: £44.99 each Availability: Hornby stockists www.hornby.com INTERMODAL WAGONS Class 92s have worked intermodal services from the beginning. Bachmann, Hornby, Dapol and Revolution Trains offer a range of suitable container wagon types. Price: from £50.99 Availability: Bachmann, Dapol, Hornby, Revolution Trains stockists www.bachmann.co.uk www.dapol.co.uk www.hornby.com www.revolutiontrains.com…

1 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

System builder

Mk 1 COACHES A new batch ot Lionheart Trains’ superb RTR Mk 1 coaches is due in 2023, with BSK, SO, SK and CK vehicle types available in various liveries. Heljan also offers a range of Mk 1 coaches in ‘O’. Price: from £199.00 each Availability: Lionheart/Dapol and Heljan stockists www.dapol.co.uk www.helian.co.uk + Mk 1 CCT Heljan's new Mk 1 CCT has just arrived, providing an ideal addition to a rake of Mk 1 passenger stock or as part of a dedicated parcels working. Price: £199,00 Availability: Heljan stockists www.heljan.co.uk + 12T VANS A wide assortment or freight stock was hauled by Class 27s, but the once-ubiquitous 12t vacuum-fitted van could also be seen marshalled with passengerstockon some workings. Dapol's models are excellent. Price: £55.62 Availability: Dapol stockists www.dapol.co.uk…

1 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

Factfile: Class 28 ‘Co-Bo’

Built at Metropolitan Vickers' Stockton on Tees works between 1958-59, the 1,200hp Type 2 locomotives featured Crossley two-stroke V8 diesel power units, which were to prove their Achilles heel. Twenty examples made up the fleet, numbered D5700-19, and they sported an unusual wheel arrangement of triple-axle bogie at one end and a twin-axle bogie at the nth or loarii nn to tho nirlfnamp ‘Co-Ro’ The decidedly lop-sided appearance wasn't helped by the slab ends, although the wraparound windscreens of the original design did offer a modicum of style. Alas, the windscreens had a habit of being shaken loose by the excessive vibrations emanating from the two-stroke enaines In fact, the fleet was returned to Metropolitan Vickers in 1961 for remedial work on the power units, with modified locomotives emerging with…

2 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

Rapido Trains UK BR ‘Conflat P’ wagons

Reviews ◆ GAUGE ‘N’ ♦ MODEL 921001/921011 BR ‘Conflat P’ wagons with Type A and Type BD containers ♦ PRICE £29.95 each/f 87.95 triple-pack ♦ AVAILABILITY RapidoTrains UK stockists Web www.rapidotrains.co.uk One of BR's flagship express freight services was the overnight ‘Condor’, launched in 1959 and which ran between London and Glasgow at speeds of up to 75mph. Existing short-wheelbase freight stock wasn't suitable for high-speed work, so BR created a fleet of ‘Conflat P’ wagons, rebuilt from existing plate wagons. The 15ft wheelbase and installation of roller bearing axleboxes, improved suspension and vacuum brakes throughout the train made these ‘new’ wagons much more suitable for express speeds. The flat wagons had their timber decking removed in favour of locating points for BR's ‘standard’ container types. Each wagon could accommodate a…

3 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

Present your case

Prototype: Siemens ‘Desiro’ Class 185 three-car DMU Gauge: ‘00’ Proposed by: Robert Guthrie What is it? Introduced in 2006, the German-built diesel multiple units offered a massive uplift in passenger experience on Trans-Pennine services, replacing a shabby fleet of poorly maintained Class 158s. Each car features a 750hp Cummins diesel power unit, providing swift acceleration and a top speed of 100mph. A fleet of 51 three-car units was constructed and they have successfully operated west-east services across much of the north of England for nearly 20 years. Working from Liverpool and Manchester to Cleethorpes, Hull, York and Newcastle, they also regularly worked up to Barrow-in-Furness and Windermere. Anglo-Scottish services were also operated by Class 185s, running to Glasgow Central and Edinburgh Waverley via the West Coast Main Line. The TransPennine…

2 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

Backscene

Trix or treat? When I started work on Model Railway Constructor in 1963, I was the third member of a team of three. I had been a trainspotter, and the railway that I enjoyed was in transition from steam to diesel. Beeching had arrived and his report was published in March 1963, heralding the end of the railway as I knew it. I wanted to model the railway that I so enjoyed, but there were few options in ready-to-run, especially when it came to diesels or DMUs. I had the Hornby-Dublo EMU, which was actually modelled on an LMR unit but it was that or nothing. Tri-ang offered an old SR EMU and Trix made a ‘Warship’ diesel-hydraulic. I would have liked both but neither would run on my Hornby-Dublo…

3 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

HORNBY'S 2023 RANGE INCLUDES WIRELESS DCC

For the first time since 2019, Hornby's annual press day was conducted in person during early December. Held at Hornby's historic Margate HQ, the event also marked my first ever visit to the site, so it was an exciting day on multiple counts. Magazine editors from each of the mainstream model railway titles gathered for an enjoyable presentation, where several new tooling projects were announced, encompassing locomotive and rolling stock subjects. There was also a chance to examine engineering prototypes and painted samples of several upcoming models. In addition to new trains, Hornby also revealed an intriguing new DCC system, the HM7000, using Bluetooth technology. Effectively avoiding the need for a traditional control console, all that's needed is a suitable power supply to the track. After downloading a free app…

6 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

PROTOTYPE DELTIC FOR DUBLO

A surprise new addition to the highly collectible Hornby-Dublo range is the iconic prototype Deltic diesel electric. Although the unmistakeable Deltic appeared on the cover of Hornby-Dublo catalogues and promotional material in the early 1960s, the actual models that appeared looked nowhere near as good as the real thing. With the aim of finally doing the real thing justice, an all-new model will be created, featuring the trademark die-cast metal bodyshell, along with a detail and technical specification in keeping with 2020's expectations. Although not strictly prototypical, Hornby is considering adding working lights to the huge headlamps on each nose. There's even a chance that the radiator roof fans will be powered. What's planned? R30297 English Electric DP1 ‘Co-Co’, Deltic Price: £320.99 When's it due? December…

1 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

‘POLYBULK’ EXCLUSIVES FOR RAILS OF SHEFFIELD

Winning Model Rail's Model of the Year award for ‘00’ rolling stock in 2013, Bachmann Branchline's ‘Poiybulk’ bogie bulk hopper is a superb model that has sadly been out of the range for the past few years. Happily, Rails of Sheffield has commissioned an exclusive production run of these premium models, in a choice of two liveries that have not been offered before. The Tiger/Nacco branded hoppers are available in plain grey or a fetching green/ grey livery, which are ideal for layouts set in the 1980s and early 1990s. One or more of these hoppers could often be seen in mixed Speedlink freight workings to various parts of the UK during this time, making them perfect as a one-off ‘treat’ purchase… The models are in stock and available now,…

1 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

COOPERCRAFT KITS RESCUED

After several years in the wilderness, the popular CooperCraft range of plastic wagon, vehicle and lineside kits have been acquired by Cambrian Model Rail Ltd. Meanwhile, the Kirk and Maiicoach range of kits have been taken over by Phoenix Precision Paints. Please note that neither concern bears any responsibility for any issues experienced by previous CooperCraft customers. Queries regarding orders prior to December 17 2022 should be directed to the previous owner. It's hoped that the various kits will become available again over the coming months. For full details, see www.cambrianmodelrail.co.uk or www.phoenix-paints.co.uk…

1 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

DYANAMOMETER AND OAA TO SHRINK TO ‘N’

News Keep up to date with Model Rail News online. Rapido's acclaimed 4mm scale LNER Dynamometer car is to be scaled down to ‘N’, with a high level of exterior and interior detail promised. Several LNER and BR versions will be produced, including a pair of BR RTC spoof liveries, one of which will be exclusive to Rails of Sheffield. Priced at £99.95 each, the project is about to enter the tooling stage. Also being shrunk to 2mm scale is Rapido's OAA air-braked open wagon. The model will be offered in six different triple-packs, with liveries including original BR freight brown, Railfreight red/grey and Civil Link grey/yellow, plus EWS red/gold. Orders are being taken now, with each pack being priced at £69.95.…

1 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

RECTANGULAR TANKS HELP RAISE STEAM FOR MEDWAY QUEEN

The General Steam Navigation Locomotive Restoration Society has released its fourth exclusive, limited edition ‘OO’ wagon, in cooperation with the Medway Queen Preservation Society. Continuing the cooperation between the two preservation groups, the Dapol rectangular tank wagons have been produced to raise funds for both societies. Available in either bauxite red or grey liveries, the wagons cost £17.50 each. They're available to purchase from the General Steam Navigation Locomotive Restoration Society website, where full details of the restoration of Bulleid ‘Pacific’ No. 35011 can also be found. Web: www.35011gsn.co.uk…

1 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

MODEL OF THE YEAR 2022 THERE'S STILL TIME TO VOTE!

Last year there was an amazing array of ready-to-run locomotives and rolling stock released, across each of the popular scales, from ‘N’ to ‘O’, including ‘OO9’ narrow gauge. Levels of detail, precision and finish continue to rise, while several long-awaited projects finally came to fruition. We were also treated to a few surprise arrivals too! Last month, we opened the voting for our Model of the Year awards for 2022 which are decided entirely by YOU, the reader. Our annual awards are now in their 17th year, with individual categories for locomotives, coaching stock and wagons in different scales, as well as overall manufacturer awards. You can also vote for your favourite local and ‘larger’ model retailer of the year. There's even a big bundle of exciting prizes to be…

1 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

Modeller's Bookshelf

With Leeds being one of the final outposts of BR steam in the 1960s, this book offers a fascinating collection of colour images (many previously unpublished) showing a wide variety of traction at work on passenger and freight duties. As well as BR Standards, there are plenty of LMS, LNER and WD locomotives on show, with each image offering excellent reference for weathering and detailing work. Despite the title, coverage extends further than Leeds itself, with many shots taken at depots around West Yorkshire. Book: Steam Around Leeds in the 1960s by Keith W. Platt (Amberley) Price: £15.99 Availability: www.amberley-books.com From the introduction of the Class 56 in the 1970s, heavy freight diesel locomotives have played a vital role in UK rail freight operations. This collection of colour images provides a…

2 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

…and finally

Rufus the hound is such a fun-loving dog. Deirdre, Liz and farmer George have been chasing him for miles across the Somerset Levels. But luckily Harry, the crossing keeper's husband, was working on the railway allotment and managed to curtail Rufus’ playful stampede after tempting him with strawberries - Rufus loves fruit - such a good boy. Meanwhile, the 1210 from Highbridge to Evercreech has been waiting at the crossing for ten minutes, causing much irritation for the train crew and the two passengers.…

1 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

Staff Show & Tell Temptation strikes!

After assembling a lovely laser-cut kit of Chelfham station building for last October's issue (MR306), a very basic diorama was mocked up to enable finished portraits to be shot. It was a fairly temporary affair, albeit with ballasted and weathered ‘OO9’ track and a covering of grass scatters. By way of cheating slightly, bushes were loosely arranged and a ‘platform’ area created by spreading and compacting fine granite ballast. A few props, including a bench, bicycle, milk churn, snoozing passenger and his dog, completed the picture. Not bad for an hour's work. However, with more ‘OO9’ models arriving for review in recent months, and with our own Vale of Rheidol locomotive project gathering momentum, a ‘photo plank’ for 4mm scale narrow gauge models would definitely come in handy. Readers may…

3 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

THE THRILL OF THE ‘CHASE’

Show & Tell I'm a retired sea-going marine engineer officer. My ‘OO’ gauge model railway is named the ‘Chevy Chase, Bethesda and Silver Spring Railway’. It will never leave home and is located in my Weymouth house loft. The layout has taken 30 years to complete (not that long when you have spent 42 years working away on ships!) and consists of four stations. Chevy Chase, a main through/terminal station; Bethesda, a through station (one of the two platforms has an overhead electrified line installed); Silver Spring, a through country station; and Chase Lane, a local halt for the adjacent locomotive depot. The Avon Valley heritage line makes its connection at Springfield Junction. Nearby, a team of volunteers are working on a ‘9F’. There are four analogue controllers controlling the…

1 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

Depot debutant

‘OO’ GAUGE LAYOUT JEFFREY LANE What makes this layout great? you wouldn't be able to tell that this is Brad's first attempt at alayout. There's a lot going on, but it doesn't look too busy as the scenes have been nicely framed and spread across the layout. You could easily spend hours finding new datails.” The advice we are often given before setting out on the journey of creating a model railway for the very first time is to “start small” That way you avoid getting discouraged from trying to fill a large area and you can have a go at most of the techniques in a relatively short time frame. Some of us heed this advice and start making dioramas to find out what we're good at and what…

6 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

HOW TO REPLICATE MODERN ENGINEERS’ BALLAST LOADS

Workbench EXPERT MODELLERS SHOWYOU HOW Having assembled a rake of Accurascale's recent MHA ballast/ spoil wagons, thoughts immediately turned to how I could give these lovely models the finishing touch. Weathering was an obvious option, but what about a convincing load? Over the years, I've seen rakes of MHA wagons loaded with all sorts of materials, from sand and spoil to recovered permanent way material, signalling equipment and scrap level crossing gates. But one thing I've been meaning to recreate for some time has been the humble bulk bag of ballast. The folks at Scale Model Scenery had clearly been thinking along similar lines when they produced a range of packs of laser-cut paper bulk bags last summer (MR303). Having assembled a handful for use by the lineside, I soon…

6 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

HOW TO REPAIR BROKEN WAGON TIE BARS

Q Many of my ‘OO’ wagons have been built from plastic kits and the tie bars have become distorted or broken over the years. I've tried repairing them with glue, but they remain a weak spot. Do you have any tips for making longer lasting repairs, or for replacing the plastic parts altogether? Noel Hendricks, by email George says: I#&39;ve found this to be a perennial problem over the years, having also built many plastic rolling stock kits. Often, in my eagerness to create as refined a chassis as possible, I#&39;ve fettled the plastic components to remove moulding seams and imperfections, but this runs the risk of weakening the parts. Tie bars - the horizontal beams linking the axleguards - in particular are liable to breaking during the fettling work…

4 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

TIPS FOR WATER EFFECTS

Q I have been looking at a canal and I love the murky water. I'd also like to include a submerged bike. How can I create these effects? Peter says:. To build a water feature of sufficient depth, I'd suggest using Deep Water Pour from Woodland Scenics, or other two-part resins. Most of these products are intended for creating clear water effects but, if you want to colour the ‘water’ to a specific shade, then Water Tints (also by Woodland Scenics) are ideal for this purpose. The Water Tints offer seven different shades that can be added to either of Woodland Scenics’ Deep Pour Water, Surface Water or Realistic Water products. They can be intermixed or used in varying quantities, providing plenty of scope for fine-tuning the water's appearance, including…

2 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

Dapol Class 59

Reviews ♦ GAUGE ‘00’ ♦ MODEL Dapol 4D-005-002 Class 59 59206 DB Schenker red/grey ♦ PRICE £173.20 ♦ AVAILABILITY Dapol stockists Web: www.dapol.co.uk Both myself and Chris Leigh are big fans of the General Motors Class 59s, and I've enjoyed many hours on Westbury station watching the fleet grapple with heavily loaded aggregate trains from the nearby Mendip quarries. I was also lucky enough to see the National Power – and later EWS – Class 59/2s closer to home, working limestone and coal trains around the North West and the High Peak. Lima released an impressive Class 59 model in the mid-1990s, subsequently enhanced and re-launched by Hornby in the mid-Noughties. As good as this tooling is at capturing the look of the prototypes, its 30-year-old roots mean it lags…

5 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

Accurascale Class 92

Reviews ◆ GAUGE ‘00’ ♦ MODEL Accurascale ACC2195-92038DCC Class 92 92038 Caledonian Sleeper teal, DCC sound-fitted ♦ PRICE £ 279.98 (DCC sound), £189.98 (DCC-ready) ♦ AVAILABILITY Accurascale stockists Web www.accurascale.co.uk The careers of the 46-strong Class 92 fleet have been chequered, to say the least, with many examples working for just a few years before being placed in store for decades. With their primary purpose –cross-Channel passenger and freight – evaporating before they were ready for service, the class has been woefully underemployed over the years, with many sold off for use in Europe. Reflecting the optimism in the railway community during the introduction of the Class 92 in the mid-1990s, both Lima and Hornby released ‘OO’ models around the same time. Each had their merits, with Lima's perhaps edging…

5 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

Heljan Class 27

Reviews ♦ GAUGE ‘O’ ♦ MODEL Heljan BR/BRCW/Sulzer Type 2 Class 27 ♦ PRICE £649.00 ♦AVAILABILITY Heljan stockists Web www.heljan.co.uk Heljan's ‘O’ gauge Class 27 has been in the pipeline for a couple of years and, given that it fills an important gap in the range of RTR BR diesels, its arrival with stockists is a very welcome occurrence. Compact, long-lasting Bo-Bo designs are an attractive proposition for 7mm scale layouts, especially for those with an interest in Scottish operations or with limited space – or both! The beauty of the Class 27 is that examples also worked around London and North East England during the 1960s, so they have a slightly broader appeal than other more Scottish-centric types. Currently offered in a variety of BR green and blue livery…

3 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

Dapol HBA/HEA coal hoppers

Reviews ʞ GAUGE ‘O’ MODEL • 7F-047-001 HEACoal Hopper Railfreight grey/red • 7F-047-008 HBACoal Hopper freight brown ♦ PRICE £59.40 each ♦ AVAILABILITY Dapol stockists Web www.dapol.co.uk While the HAA family of merry-go-round hoppers revolutionised the bulk transport of coal on British Railways from the late 1960s, a large number of traditional vacuum-braked mineral wagons were still employed well into the early 1980s. A lack of resources to install specialist handling equipment precluded the use of MGR wagons on all traffics, especially domestic coal. Therefore, BR created a new fleet of air-braked hoppers, following a fairly conventional design. Just less than 2,000 wagons were built at Shildon Works from 1976-79, with manually operated bottom discharge chutes, lending them to use with existing infrastructure at goods yards, industrial sites and BR's…

3 min

Model Rail|Feburary 2023

System builder

EX-LMS COACHING STOCK The ‘Co-Bo’ fleet worked a variety of passenger services, being relegated to local work once their limitations were discovered. Stock was predominantly ex-LMS, with suitable models in the Farish range. Price: £45,95 each Availability: Farish/ Bachmann stockists www.bachmann.co.uk + ‘CONFLAT P’ Rapido Trains UK has also released a model of the BR ‘Conflat P’ container flat wagon, designed for use on BR's ‘Condor’ express freight service. See the review on page 98. Price: £29.95 each, £87.95 triple-pack Availability: Rapido Trains UK stockists www.rapidotrains.co.uk + EX-LMS BG As well as passenger services, ex-LMS Period III brake vehicles were also hauled with ‘Conflat P’ wagons on the express ‘Condor’ services, to provide accommodation for the guard. Again, Farish offers suitable models. Price: £42.95 each Availability: Farish/ Bachmann stockists www.bachmann.co.uk…

1 min