British Railway Modelling 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.

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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
June 2025
Discover the stunning Hornby Class 755 FLIRT and Heljan's BR Class 02, explore the innovative Cartic-4 car carrier, and journey through iconic layouts like Penny Lane and Warsmley’s 1950s branch terminus. Plus, don't miss our feature on the new 3F kit.

Railway Modeller - June 2025

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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
June 2025
Stay on track with the latest issue from Model Rail, with creative build and designs from revitalising embankments to reimagining a lost Norfolk port, discover innovative techniques that blend old and new. Get the scoop on Hornby and Heljan’s exciting ‘TT:120’ plans and transform budget kits into masterpieces and more...

Model Rail - June 2025

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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)
Jun 25
Welcome to the June 2025 digital edition of BRM & Traction Magazine!
Enjoy the excellent June 2025 issue of BRM and Traction magazine a week before it arrives in the shops, including this month’s edition of World of Railways TV!
World of Railways TV This month, we round up a selection of the fantastic layouts to be seen at the Bristol Model Railway Exhibition, plus we put Hornby’s new Class 755 FLIRT and Dublo A4 Dominion of New Zealand to the test on Tony Wright’s magnificent ‘Little Bytham’.

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

What’s Inside BRM June…
GREAT LAYOUTS * Kinlochewe (OO) * Steeple Bumpleigh (EM) * Smalldale Quarry (N)
PRACTICAL ADVICE * How to model urban winter gardens * Building a download-at-home row of shops * Constructing a Corrugated Goods Shed * Illuminating platform lamps in O * Refurbishing old wagons
PLUS * Traction magazine: A Cambrian holiday in 1985, North East Rail Rover in 1988, Industrials around the North West and much more...
* Reviews of the new Hornby Class 755, Revolution ‘Cartic-4’ articulated car carriers, Cavalex PHA/JYA wagons and more * The history of 92220 Evening Star and the WIA Car-carriers explored * A round-up of the latest news headlines from the model railway world
Enjoy the issue!

British Railway Modelling (BRM) - Jun 25

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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
June 2025
FOUR IN ONE REVEALED: The secrets of this amazing four-vista ‘OO’ gauge layout with a Western Region theme

FIRST REVIEW: FLIRT-ING!
Is this Hornby’s best ‘OO’ model EVER?
FREE SUPPLEMENT New Model Guide 2025
‘LEADER’ MAKEOVER We overhaul KR Models’ Bulleid ‘Leader’ in ‘OO’ with new details
TUNNELLING Discover how to build Hadley Wood tunnel step by step
COMPETITION Win a Hornby RailRoad Plus Tornado worth £165

Hornby Magazine - June 2025

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