Model Railway Magazines

Like all hobbies, railway modelling has its dedicated publications for enthusiasts and followers. There are currently four main UK based magazines, all of which follow the same general format of product reviews, layout features and "how to" articles.

All of these can be found on the shelves of most national newsagents, such as WH Smiths, and also at many model railway shops. Alternatively, they can all be bought on subscription and will arrive in the post every month. If you read magazines regularly, subscribing is a good idea as it's cheaper in the long run and usually also gives you exclusive access to subscriber-only benefits.

If you prefer not to read your magazines on paper, digital subscriptions are increasingly available, either web-based or using a dedicated tablet app.


Railway Modeller

Website

Digital

Railway Modeller is the oldest UK model railway magazine currently in print, the first edition having been published in 1949. The current editor is Steve Flint, who many will recognise as one of the judges on Channel 5's "Great Model Railway Challenge".

Railway Modeller is published by Peco Publications, the publishing arm of Peco, one of the UK's leading suppliers of model railway accessories and track. For much of its history it had the tagline "For the average enthusiast", reflecting its intention to be aimed at the mainstream modeller rather than those with more esoteric interests. The current tagline is "At the heart of the hobby".

As of 2021, Railway Modeller is still the best-selling UK model railway publication.

In the current issue

Railway Modeller
April 2024
Grantham: Railway of the Month
This 1930s portrayal of the East Coast Main Line has been a firm favourite at exhibitions since it made its debut on the circuit in 2015. Ahead of its appearance at the York Show this Easter, Graham Nicholas reffects on his experiences of taking the layout on the circuit.

Kirkby Stephen East: Plan of the Month
To provide a suitable home for the new Hornby BR Standard 2MT 2-6-0, Toby Jennings suggests an OO gauge plan for a classic location on the trans-Pennine Stainmore Route – one of the lines with which this class is most closely associated.

Lynnbach: Micro Marvel
A growing collection of OO9 models prompted Ian Arkley to build this freelance narrow gauge layout, with a Welsh feel and a remarkable amount of detail packed into a small space.

Railway Modeller - April 2024


Model Rail

Website

Digital

Model Rail was originally a supplement to Rail Magazine, and was launched as a standalone publication in 1997. Slightly unusually, Model Rail is published four-weekly rather than monthly, meaning that there are thirteen issues a year. Model Rail is published by Bauer Media, and the current editor is George Dent.

Model Rail's current tagline is "Innovative • In-Depth • Independent", reflecting its lack of ties to any other model railway publisher or maufacturer. However, as part of the Bauer Media group, it remains the sister publication of Rail Magazine which covers the full-size aspect of railways.

In the current issue

Model Rail
Apr-24
From zero waste sea moss kits to detailed features on BR's versatile 2MT, this issue is packed with stunning layouts and reviews. Plus, Bachmann launches Class 31 and Rapido Tackles a fireless 0-4-0.

Model Rail - Apr-24


British Railway Modelling

Website

Digital

British Railway Modelling, or BRM as it's commonly abbreviated, was first published in 1993.

Published by Warners Group Publications, BRM is part of the "World of Railways" stable which includes the RMweb discussion forum, other railway and modelling magazines and three major model railway exhibitions. A "Gold" subscription is available which includes not just the magazine but access to online archives, track plans and a free ticket to one of the shows.

In the current issue

British Railway Modelling (BRM)
Apr 24
Welcome to the April 2024 digital edition of BRM – now including Traction Magazine!
Becoming a digital reader means you can enjoy the excellent April issue of BRM and Traction magazine a week before it arrives in the shops, with added extras, including this month’s edition of World of Railways TV, three BONUS videos, plus a FREE issue of Engineering in Miniature magazine.

World of Railways TV In this latest issue of World of Railways TV, we visit Llandfair Caereinion and watch the layout in action, Phil Parker takes a look at a new toolset from Hornby, plus Tony Wright talks us through his latest projects, with footage of them in action on 'Little Bytham'.

Sit back, relax, pop the kettle on, and enjoy the latest instalment of World of Railways TV.

What’s Inside BRM April…
FOUR FANTASTIC LAYOUTS * Barrihandie (OO) * Burdock (N) * KBN Wagon Works (O) * Llandfair Caereinion (OO9)
PRACTICAL ADVICE * How to fit a DCC chip in four steps * Modelling grass tufts * Build an LNER lineside store * Top tips to weather a road bridge * Modify your commercial vehicles * Construct a Maunsell 1937 shunter * Build a Goods Shed: Part 2

PLUS * TRACTION magazine: Class 08s explored, Diesels around Mexborough, plus memories of a field day - western style!
* Reviews of the new Ellis Clark Black 5, Cavalex Class 56, Hornby Class 423/1 4-VEP, plus much more * History of the iconic Royal Highlander and the 88DS explored * A round-up of the latest headlines from the model railway world
Enjoy the issue!

British Railway Modelling (BRM) - Apr 24


Hornby Magazine

Website

Digital

Despite the name, Hornby Magazine covers all model railway brands, not just Hornby! The name is licensed by the publishers from Hornby Hobbies, as it was felt that the name recognition would help gain readership. The first edition was published in 2007.

Hornby Magazine is published by Key Publishing, and the current editor is Mike Wild. Because of the branding tie-in with Hornby, Hornby Magazine is aimed slightly more towards newcomers to railway modelling than the other magazines, and makes a point of avoiding the use of too much "technical language".

In the current issue

Hornby Magazine
April 2024
SPIRIT OF SHAP Recreating glory days of the West Coast Main Line in the steam era.

FIRST REVIEWS • Accurascale Class 66 • Ellis Clark ‘Black Five’
MAKING TRACKS: THE FINAL FRONTIER
Waterman’s 250ft scenic challenge
FOLLY LANE Step back to the 1990s on the Southern Region
COMPETITION Win a pair of Hornby RailRoad Royal Class 67s worth £194

Hornby Magazine - April 2024

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