The model railway industry, though small and sometimes challenged, has consistently adapted and evolved. It has withstood world wars, global recessions, and pandemics. While famous brands have come and gone, the core strength remains: the independent model shop, a sector recognised as the most vital component by those who understand the industry best. Our industry … Continue reading One Industry, One Message: Now is the time to back Independent Retailers #KeeponRailwayModelling
#onthisday Anniversary of the “The Reshaping British Railways” – the “Beeching report”
It is sixty three years to the day when the report “The Reshaping of British Railways” was officially published on the 27th March 1963. The report and its effects are still discussed with many opinions to this to this day. To read my hopefully balanced, thoughts and discussion about the report, with of course a … Continue reading #onthisday Anniversary of the “The Reshaping British Railways” – the “Beeching report”
Hornby announce new smoke and steam generator Merchant Navy 21c4 and reveal something lighter…
Hornby have made an announcement in advance of them attending Model Rail Scotland this coming weekend. Whilst a new liveried HST pack in Scotrail livery and a class 66 named HMS Argile have an obvious Scottish connection, the latest original Merchant Navy to be announced with their Smoke and steam generator onboard less so. This … Continue reading Hornby announce new smoke and steam generator Merchant Navy 21c4 and reveal something lighter…
Happiness is the road… or… Canute Road Quay hits a lot of road…
2026 will be a record year for Canute Road Quay, travelling many more miles in a single year than ever before, making exhibition appearances literally up and down the United Kingdom. Having already be at the Alton Model Railway Groups Febex show in Hampshire, its next appearance will be at the renown York show this … Continue reading Happiness is the road… or… Canute Road Quay hits a lot of road…
Picture of the Month – March 2026
Collingwood shows you how – 3rd and 4th Rail Electrification Systems – Part 2 – A Modelling Guide
Friend and Collingwood layout builder, Simon Paley, takes a look at the 3rd and 4th Rail electrification systems. In this Part 2 Collingwood shows you how post he provides a Modelling Guide. The first part of this series Background & Design can be read here. Conductor Rail Installation Once you have, using the information in the … Continue reading Collingwood shows you how – 3rd and 4th Rail Electrification Systems – Part 2 – A Modelling Guide
Bachmann Spring British Railways Announcements include LBSC livery coaches
Bachmann Europe have revealed today its spring 2026 British Railway Announcements that includes LBSC Raw Umber livery versions of the ex LBSC IoW coaches in the EFE Rail range and new livery versions of the SR 12T Covered van in the Bachmann Branchline range. Following the delivery of EFE Rail’s OO Scale Isle of Wight … Continue reading Bachmann Spring British Railways Announcements include LBSC livery coaches
Picture of the Month – February 2026
This Month's Picture... Adams B4 No. 96 'Normandy' now in black but still named in SR Sunshine lettering (a re liveried Dapol model) shunts some banana traffic (kit built D1478 wagons) whilst USA tank No. 72 (yet to receive modified cab and coal bunker) on docks shunting duty 4 heads towards the quayside. Canute Road … Continue reading Picture of the Month – February 2026
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