Two new Southern books from The Transport Treasury

My friends at The Transport Treasury based locally to me in High Wycombe, have this week published two new Southern related books both written by two very well known authors.  Firstly, good friend Mike King has written the second volume of his Southern Coaches Survey, and Secondly, a bit of a surprise being Locomotives of … Continue reading Two new Southern books from The Transport Treasury

Collingwood shows you how – 3rd & 4th Rail Systems, Part 1, Background & Design

Friend and Collingwood layout builder, Simon Paley, takes a look at the 3rd and 4th Rail electrification systems. In this Part 1 Collingwood shows you how post he discusses the background to the system. Future posts will cover how to install 3rd and 4th rail on your layouts and also the conductor rail accessories and … Continue reading Collingwood shows you how – 3rd & 4th Rail Systems, Part 1, Background & Design

This train is my life, Canute Road Quay on the road again – FebEx 2026 Alton Show 7/8th Feb

Canute Road Quay is on the road again and appearing at the excellent Alton Model Railway Group's Febex 2026 show on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th February. The show features a wide range of high quality and inspirational model railway layouts, in a wide range of familiar scales and gauges: N, 3mm , H0, 00, … Continue reading This train is my life, Canute Road Quay on the road again – FebEx 2026 Alton Show 7/8th Feb

Hornby announce first part of their 2026 00 gauge range and includes new tooled Rebuilt Merchant Navy pacific – A round up of new SR/BR(s) items [Updated 15/01/26]

Hornby have today announced the first part of their forthcoming 00 gauge range for 2026. Like last year Hornby have advised that their announcements will generally focus on items that will be delivered within 12 months, so as last year there will be further announcements to come during the year in April, June and October.  … Continue reading Hornby announce first part of their 2026 00 gauge range and includes new tooled Rebuilt Merchant Navy pacific – A round up of new SR/BR(s) items [Updated 15/01/26]

Happy New Year – Picture of the Month – January 2026

Welcome to 2026 - Happy New Year - This Month's Picture...  An industrious start to the New Year as B2 0-6-0t Peckett 'Leader' waits as W4 0-4-0t fellow Peckett passes at Canute Road Quay. . Both models are based on Hornby models.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Merry Christmas to you all, fill up your life with love, compassion, tolerance, peace, happiness and perhaps hopefully some time for modelling. The wonderful Southern Railway Christmas press advert from December 1924 seen left (click for a larger version) is a fascinating glimpse back to a different time. I love the promise of "Jolly Parties … Continue reading Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Rails of Sheffield’s exclusive ‘OO’ gauge Stroudley ‘A1/A1X’ 0-6-0Ts return

The Rails of Sheffield’s exclusive ‘OO’ gauge Dapol Stroudley ‘A1/A1X’ 0-6-0Ts were first introduced back in 2020.  My post about the release can be read here. Rails of Sheffield have announced today that a new production run of seven versions with a number of tooling enhancements are due in quarter 3 2026.  The enhancements include … Continue reading Rails of Sheffield’s exclusive ‘OO’ gauge Stroudley ‘A1/A1X’ 0-6-0Ts return

Introducing ‘Collingwood’ by Simon Paley – Modern Signalling in Miniature

As many readers will know, I can often be found at shows helping friend (and Principle Signalling Designer for Network Rail) Simon Paley, operating and providing logistic support (van driving!) with his Collingwood layout. I firmly believe that Simon's Collingwood is the most accurately signalled and 3rd rail model railway on the exhibition circuit today, … Continue reading Introducing ‘Collingwood’ by Simon Paley – Modern Signalling in Miniature

EFE Rail Class 74s and ex LBSC Isle of Wight coaches arrive.

The EFE Rail range Class 74, first announced in January, and the ex LBSC Isle of Wight coaches announced in March have now started to arrive at retailers. I have been responsible for developing both these new tooled models in my role with Kernow Model Rail Centre). EFE Rail Class 74 Ten locomotives were rebuilt … Continue reading EFE Rail Class 74s and ex LBSC Isle of Wight coaches arrive.

Picture of the Month – December 2025

This Month's Picture... Drummond T14 4-6-0 No. 466 is turned at Fisherton Sarum as Bulleid Merchant Navy 21c14 heads through Salisbury on the Devon Belle.