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
May 2025
Discover the latest innovations in railway modelling with detailed reviews of the Footplate Austerity 0-6-0ST, the Holden Class J17, and the bi-mode Class 88. Uncover the magic of digital control in the Yorkshire Pennines layout, and celebrate 70 years of the EM Gauge Society.

Railway Modeller - May 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
May 2025
This issue of Model Rail is packed with inspiration and lightweight backscenes for elevated layouts; delve into authentic finishing techniques for model houses, and master the art of crafting the perfect engineer’s wagon load. Plus, get an exclusive glimpse of the ‘31’ rail celebrity.

Model Rail - May 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)
May 25
Welcome to the May 2025 digital edition of BRM & Traction Magazine!
Enjoy the excellent May 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 and a FREE issue of Garden Rail and Narrow Gauge World - that's FOUR magazines!
World of Railways TV This month, Phil Parker explores backscene options, plus advice on how you could paint your own, the new OO Works J17 gets put to the test and Tony Wright shares some top tips on modelling telegraph poles.

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

What’s Inside BRM May…
FOUR GREAT LAYOUTS * Blacker Lane (OO) * Pothole City (N) * Heol-y-Cyw (OO) * Damems (OO)
PRACTICAL ADVICE * Repainting old carriages: top tips
* Build a Great Western Platelayers hut * Build a railway wagon weighbridge in 18 steps * Create an idyllic duck pond cameo scene * Constructing the Parkside Grain Wagon kit
PLUS * Traction magazine: A North East Rail Rover in 1988, Scotsmen in the West Country and much more...
* Reviews of the new OO Works J17, Heljan Yorkshire Engine Co. Class O2, Rapido GWR ‘Open A’ O18 wagon and more * A round-up of the latest news headlines from the model railway world
Enjoy the issue!

British Railway Modelling (BRM) - May 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
May 2025
GLASGOW EASTFIELD Hornby Magazine May 2025 is a depot special featuring the ultimate diesel depot modelled in ‘O’ gauge as its cover star. See it at Model World LIVE!
REVIEWS • Accurascale refurbished Class 31 • Heljan YEC Class 02 for ‘OO’ • Revolution ‘N’ gauge Cartic-4 • Class 88 sound decoders
WE SHOW YOU HOW Building a West Hill Wagon Works fuelling point for ‘OO’ gauge
INSPIRATIONAL DEPOT IMAGES Brilliant images to spark your next steam or diesel depot project
COMPETITION Your chance to win a diesel depot and pair of diesels worth £430

Hornby Magazine - May 2025

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