Table of contents for January 2026 in Model Rail

www.instagram.com/modelrailmag www.facebook.com/modelrail www.twitter.com/modelrailuk Another year in the hobby draws to a close, and that means it’s time for our annual Model of the Year awards to get under way. Turn to page 24 to see all the nominees and full details of how you can have your say on the models that have inspired you the most in 2025. Our awards are decided entirely by YOU, our loyal readers, and they act as a useful barometer for manufacturers to gain an insight into which products have struck a chord with customers. Therefore, you’re doing your bit for the hobby by casting your votes and remember, it’s completely free and open to all. There’s a chance to win some amazing prizes, too. It’s also that time of year when we face…

Designed by the Great Northern’s Henry Ivatt, the C2 Class 4-4-2T was built in various batches between 1898-1907, with a fleet of 60 examples eventually amassed. The vast majority were built with condensing apparatus to help them operate through the tunnels of the Metropolitan Widened Lines in London, but they were soon replaced by newer, more powerful engines and cascaded to work further afield, including Yorkshire and the East Midlands. After the Grouping, the LNER re-classified them as the C12 Class and the fleet was dispersed even more widely, with examples based around Hull and Manchester, while others worked over the former Midland & Great Northern route. Final withdrawal came in 1958, and none were preserved. Boasting good looks and a wide variety of potential liveries, the ‘C12’ offers an…

Rapido’s USATC ‘S160’ 2-8-0 project has taken a huge leap forward, with the receipt of decorated samples showing off the various wartime, BR and Longmoor Military Railway liveries that are being produced. Also reaching the decoration stage is the LMS 20-ton ore hopper, which is being offered in 17 different versions, embracing LMS, BR, British Steel, National Coal Board and Longmoor Military Railway colour schemes. The ‘S160s’ and LMS hoppers can be pre-ordered now, with delivery expected early in 2026. Web: www.rapidotrains.co.uk…

The first engineering prototype (EP) of Murphy Models’ Iarnród Éireann (IE) DART Class 90000 EMU was recently unveiled, showcasing an impressive level of exterior and interior detail. These models depict the brand-new five-car articulated units being built for the Dublin Area Rapid Transit network by Alstom, 13 of which are in bi-mode (battery/electric) form for working non-electrified routes to Maynooth, Hazelhatch and Drogheda. Initially ordered in 2021 and based on Alstom’s X’Trapolis design, the first trains arrived in Ireland in 2024, Following testing, the fleet is expected to begin entering service in 2026. The Murphy Models DART EMU will consist of a powered end unit driving both bogies via a low-suspended, powerful twin-shaft motor. The complex offset articulated bogie design utilises magnets for coupling, but the EP is currently being…

Decorated samples of the forthcoming Class 175 Coradia and Class 180 Adelante diesel multiple units have been received by Revolution Trains, showcasing a colourful array of liveries. The ‘175’ is being offered in both two-car and three-car formations, with a choice of Arriva Trains Wales and Transport for Wales colour schemes, while the ‘180’ is available in First ‘Dynamic Lines’ (for Great Western or Hull Trains) and Grand Central. All models are being produced in DCC-ready and DCC soundfitted format, with speakers pre-installed on all versions, along with inter-car power couplers, working interior and exterior lights (including door interlocking lights). Modellers placing pre-orders before January 31 will benefit from substantial savings over the regular price once the models have been produced. Additionally, to mark the opening of Rails of Sheffield’s…

What George used Product: Geoscenics finescale weathered ballast, ‘OO’ gauge Availability: www.geoscenics.co.uk Products: Deluxe Materials Ballast Bond (100ml), Ballast Bond Refill (500ml), Micro tips/ Pin point applicator tips Availability: Model shops or Gaugemaster Web: www.gaugemasterretail.com I felt very pleased with myself last month, having completed a full train of Dapol ‘Turbot’ ballast wagons to go with my Civil Engineer-allocated Class 31, all looking sprightly in the famous grey/yellow ‘Dutch’ livery. This had been one of several projects that had been started and then put to one side while more pressing activities took priority. There’s something deeply satisfying about finally getting a project finished and ticking it off the list. But then I stumbled upon another pair of ‘Turbots’, this time from the Kernow Model Rail Centre brand, which I’d meant…

Our reviewers George Dent Model Rail’s modern image expert also has a passion for steam. Richard Gunn A keen ‘N’ gauge modeller with eclectic tastes. How we test At Model Rail, we pride ourselves on the quality, thoroughness and unbiased nature of our reviews. We assess models on their looks, performance, features and value for money. We also run them on our own test tracks, which feature various gradients and numerous challenging track configurations.…

Locomotion Models has once again teamed up with Rails of Sheffield to offer the iconic North Eastern Railway independent snowplough within the Railway Icons range. Manufactured exclusively and in limited quantities by Bachmann Europe, the timber-bodied snowplough will be offered in single or twin packs, across NER Indian red, LNER blue and BR black liveries. The model has been based on works drawings and a thorough survey of preserved No. 12, which is on display at Shildon. Bachmann’s first EPs show how the prototype’s complex profile has been captured impressively. As well as fine exterior detail, including wire handrails, etched lamp brackets and poseable lamps, the interior of the staff cabin will also be fully equipped. Jack Morgan, Marketing Manager at Rails, said: “We are delighted to be working with…

Keep up to date with Model Rail News online. Decorated samples have emerged of Dapol’s Black Label Bulleid ‘Light Pacifics’, which are being produced exclusively for Rails of Sheffield. Seven versions were announced initially, spread across the Southern Railway’s ‘West Country’ and ‘Battle of Britain’ classes, but by popular demand, an eighth option has also been revealed, in the form of No. 34051 Winston Churchill in BR green with late crests. These high-fidelity, premium quality models feature die-cast metal construction, and all will come pre-fitted with DCC sound and steam generators, plus working front lamps, firebox glow effect and more. They’re all available to pre-order now, with quantities of each version strictly limited. Price: £399.99 each When’s it due? Q3 2026 Web: www.railsofsheffield.com…

In the spirit of fun, Rapido has added a couple of extra versions of its LNWR Dia. 17B goods brake van to the forthcoming production run. On top of the various prototypical LNWR, LMS and BR livery options is a van in Police blue – resembling a time-travelling phone box from a certain BBC sci-fi series – plus a G. Fawkes Gunpowder-branded version. Due to arrive in 2026, an exact delivery date has not been provided, but they’re available for pre-order now, along with the rest of the Dia. 17B range. Prices: £46.95 each Web: www.rapidotrains.co.uk…

The Model Centre is collaborating with Heljan to produce a variety of four-coach presentation packs of the BR Mk 2 coach in ‘TT:120’. Making good use of the Danes’ research package accrued during development of its ‘O’ gauge coaches, the TMC sets will offer popular liveries including BR blue/grey, Regional Railways, Network SouthEast and West Coast Railway Company maroon. Each coach pack will contain accurate coach types and running numbers based on actual formations from the late-1960s to the present day, with four core variants under development: the FK, TSO, BSO and BFK under the Mk 2, Mk 2a and Mk 2z sub-classes. Additionally, some coaches will also be available in single packs, offering the chance to expand formations, including a Mk 2Z BSO(T) micro-buffet. The models are designed for…

December 29 & 30 MAIDSTONE, KENT. Maidstone & Mid Kent MRE. Lockmeadow Market Hall, Barker Road, Maidstone, Kent ME16 8LW. Times: 1000-1600 both days. Admission: Adults £7, Children £2. December 30 CONWY, CLWYD. The North Wales Small Scale Model Railway Club, MRE. St Marys Church Hall (also known as Neuadd Ni), Rose Hill Street, Conwy LL32 8LD. Times: 1000-1600. Admission: Adults £5, Accompanied under-16s Free, Families (2+2) £10. Tel: 07796 640131. Email: oakleygrange@hotmail.co.uk January 10 BEAMINSTER, DORSET. Bridport & District Model Railway Club, Beaminster Public Hall, Fleet Street, Beaminster, Dorset DT8 3EF. Time: 1000-1600. Admission: Adults (over 16 years) £5, Under16s Free. Tel: 07484 213267. Email: kbbnewhaven@hotmail.com January 10 & 11 BOGNOR REGIS, WEST SUSSEX. Bognor Regis Model Railway Club, Annual MRE January 2026. Felpham Community College, Felpham Way, Bognor…

"Travelling through China makes for an interesting comparison. New roads, railways and building construction is everywhere" Revolution in the east… Recently, my fellow director Mike Hale and I spent a few days in China visiting some of the factories that make our Revolution Trains models. We had intended going over five years ago, but the pandemic put paid to that, and in the years since the opportunity had not arisen. Like most UK visitors, we flew into Hong Kong, the former British colony that was returned to China in 1997 but retains the status of Special Administrative Region, meaning it has more freedoms and autonomy than most of China. Hong Kong itself is spectacular, with seven million people squeezed into an area only two thirds of the size of London.…

Keeping trains moving in winter is a non-stop job for Network Rail, especially on lines with third-rail electrification. Network Rail currently deploys 24 Windhoff Multipurpose Vehicles (MPVs) and ten Snow and Ice Treatment Trains (SITTs) to clear snow from conductor rails and apply hot liquid anti-icing fluid to prevent them from refreezing on the coldest days. The MPVs are used in Kent, Sussex, Wessex and Merseyside, while the locomotive-hauled SITTs cover Kent and Sussex. Both have scrapers to clear ice from conductor rails. The SITTs were introduced after heavy snow in 2010 caused widespread disruption across the south of England. They use modified container flat wagons fitted with modules containing the snow/ ice clearing equipment, a generator set and associated electrical equipment. Initially the trains were powered by NR yellow…

In late-1973/early-1974 three withdrawn Class 08 locomotives – D3006/35/78 -were rebuilt as snowploughs at Doncaster Depot on BR’s Eastern Region. Renumbered ADB966507/508/506 respectively, these conversions were followed by a further pair, D3037/69 becoming ADB966510/509 respectively later in 1974. In 1977, 08111/117/119 became ADB966512/513/511 respectively, subsequently renumbered as ADB968012/010/011 in that order. The traction motors, cranks and coupling rods were removed, rendering the locomotives immobile and effectively transforming them into Independent Snow Ploughs (ISPs). The radiator shutters or even the whole radiator unit at the front of the bonnet were also removed, and the holes were plated over. A relatively small plough blade was mounted under the front bufferbeam. However, the conversions proved to be ill-judged and short-lived; their poor stability and unsuitability for snowclearing duties quickly became part of railway…

Although modellers are already well served for 4mm scale models of the once-ubiquitous BR Class 08, Accurascale has launched its own project to replicate the humble ‘Gronk’, citing overwhelming customer demand. Engineering prototypes have been revealed, showcasing the broad array of tooling options baked into Accurascale’s design, allowing a huge variety of liveries and guises to be recreated. As well as the ‘standard’ Class 08 fleet, the small fleet of cut-down Class 08/9s will also be offered, for the first time in RTR form. Keep up to date with Model Rail News online. Modified to cope with the limited clearances of the Burry Port & Gwendraeth Valley line in South Wales, the ‘08/9’ fleet was dispersed following closure of the route, with examples lasting into EWS ownership and operating in…

The last Saturday in November saw Rails of Sheffield officially open its new retail venture at Sheffield station, with Pete Waterman OBE cutting the ceremonial ribbon. Hundreds of customers attended the event, some queuing for hours before opening time, and Jools Holland also made a surprise appearance, treating the crowds to his famous boogie-woogie piano playing on the station concourse. Representatives from various manufacturers were on hand to witness the event, which generated record sales for the retailer. On the day, a free vintage bus service was laid on between the station and Rails’ flagship store on Chesterfield Road, allowing visitors to sample the shopping experience in both premises. “I’m very pleased to be here after playing last night in Sheffeld, and whenever I’m here I always go to Rails,…

Model Rail visited Hornby’s Margate HQ in early December for a preview of the manufacturer’s 2026 range launch, which was due to go live on January 14. While our lips are sealed on what new products we can expect, we did get to see advance production samples of the Hornby-Dublo prototype ‘Deltic’, which is due to arrive early in the new year. The deluxe retro-style packaging, superb level of detail and clever design were a joy to behold, and these collectable models are sure to be a hit with modellers and collectors. Also due to arrive imminently is Class 87 87012 The Olympian in its faux Network SouthEast livery to mark the 2012 London Olympics. Something we hadn’t expected was the inclusion of the original ‘Back the Bid’ lettering, traces…

Heljan has revealed the first factory decorated samples of its new ‘OO’ gauge Class 42 ‘Warships’. A surprise addition to the initial batch is D821 in mock Deutsche Bundesbahn red/grey livery, as carried at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway in 1988-90. The ex-BR dieselhydraulic was painted to resemble a DB ‘V200’, the design from which the ‘Warships’ were derived in the 1950s. Heljan’s model has been meticulously researched to match one of the preservation era’s most unusual repaints. Demand for this special version has been exceptionally high, and the original production quantity has been increased. Decorated samples of the nine other ‘Warships’ have also been received, including four exclusive prototype models for Rails of Sheffield depicting the D800-812 batch in original condition and five BR-era models covering all the main…

Keep up to date with Model Rail News online.…

What makes this layout great? This might not be a complex layout in terms of operation; there are no sidings or branches. But the seeming simplicity belies the considerable planning that went into creating its towering viaduct showcase. The railway fits into the landscape rather than the scenery being made to fit around it. And it looks so wintry, it almost makes you shiver! Given how many months Britain spends in the frigid grip of winter, it’s perhaps a little surprising that more layouts don’t feature the season. There’s something so evocative about trains in snow, whether the real thing or in model form, battling against the elements through landscapes totally transformed into white. So when Paul Holwill wanted to create an ‘N’ gauge scene taking Lake viaduct (between Okehampton…

The older I get (and I think I may now be the only steam magazine editor who is old enough to actually remember working BR steam), the more I find myself looking back and realising how lucky I was. I guess modellers younger than me feel the same about the time when they first got interested in trains. Though I consider myself a ‘steam era modeller’, my trainspotting days in the 1960s were really much more about dieselisation. Diesels were new and exciting! True, I’d started spotting steam locomotives from the garden of my home at Egham and then linesiding at Weybridge, but it wasn’t long before I wanted to see diesels. I was disappointed that LMS 10000 and the Bulleid-Raworth diesels had gone from the Southern, but I went…