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.

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
August 2024
The latest issue is packed with reviews and features to keep you at the heart of the hobby. From Hornby Class 50s to Caprotti ‘Black Fives’. Explore Gledholt Junction, Richmond, and more in stunning detail. Plus, learn how to go digital with a DCC decoder installation in OO9. All this and more in the August 2024 edition.

Railway Modeller - August 2024

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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
Aug-24
Celebrate 40 years of BR's original 'Sprinters' and witness a family affair model build from father and son team that recreates the later years of British Rail. Plus, custom-build your own platforms and review the latest releases including Accurascale Class 66 and Bachmann's 'NG7' 'Quarry Hunslet'.

Model Rail - Aug-24

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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)
Aug 24
Welcome to the August 2024 digital edition of BRM & Traction Magazine!
Becoming a digital reader means you can enjoy the excellent August issue of BRM and Traction magazine a week before it arrives in the shops, with this month’s edition of World of Railways TV, exclusive to digital readers.

World of Railways TV
In this latest issue of World of Railways TV, Phil Parker demonstrates ways we can use sponges in our modelmaking, we put Hornby’s new Black 5 to the text on ‘Little Bytham’, plus go lineside with David Westwood's N gauge layout, ‘Burdock’, which featured in BRM April 2024.

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

What’s Inside BRM August…
FOUR FANTASTIC LAYOUTS
* Old Elm Park (O) * Llandafal (OO) * Cefyn Bryn Carreg (OO9) * Old Town to Riddle (N)
PRACTICAL ADVICE
* Build a fuel pump house * Constructing low-relief buildings * Create a PYO scene * Weather a Class 37 * Restore second-hand locos * Detailing a TT:120 pub
* How to add working platform lights * Making custom transfers for wagons
PLUS
* Traction magazine: Unique loco liveries, Hunslet Diesel Industrials explored, Rotherham North by the S&K & much more...
* Reviews of the new Accurascale Class 66, Hornby BR Stanier 5MT Black 5, Signatrak Ace 3 V1.2 DCC Controller and Hornby Class 66 TXS sound-fitted * History of the Andrew Barclay loco explored * A round-up of the latest headlines from the model railway world
Enjoy the issue!

British Railway Modelling (BRM) - Aug 24

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
August 2024
MAGAZINE DEBUT: SOUTH EAST SUBURBS
Discover how the Network SouthEast era has been modelled in a garden shed
‘TT:120’ DOUBLE BILL
Class 50 and ‘Duchess’ arrive from Hornby
COMPETITION Win a ‘TT:120’ Stanier ‘Duchess’ worth £395

MODELLING OPERATION SMASH HIT Recreating BR’s spectacular nuclear safety test in ‘OO’
PENDON AT 70 Seven decades of the legendary Oxfordshire model museum
FREE SUPPLEMENT International layouts in the spotlight

Hornby Magazine - August 2024

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