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
November 2024
From Hornby streamlined B17/5 in OO to new O gauge coaches from Heljan, this issue is packed with reviews and features to keep you at the heart of the hobby. Explore stunning models like Copenhagen Fields and Macclesfield Hibel Road, and discover the beauty of Rowington for Shrewley.bbc

Railway Modeller - November 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
Oct-24
Learn how to customize structures to fit your layout, recreate 'banger blue' diesels, and build a lineside freight elevator. Plus, get an exclusive look at the upcoming Class 26 and 3D-printed Isle of Wight coaches.

Model Rail - Oct-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)
Nov 24
Welcome to the November 2024 digital edition of BRM & Traction Magazine!
Becoming a digital reader means you can enjoy the excellent November 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 THREE bonus videos!
World of Railways TV In this latest episode of World of Railways TV, we take a trip to Mike Lynch’s ‘Bilston Steelworks’ and learn more about the history of the site while watching operations. Next, Phil Parker provides some top safety advice while constructing a baseboard and finally, Tony Wright takes a closer look at Hornby's latest B17/5s, plus puts the loco to the test on 'Little Bytham'.

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

What’s Inside BRM November…
THREE FANTASTIC LAYOUTS * Harbourne St. Mary (O) * Bilston Steelworks (OO) * Roundhay (0-16.5)
PRACTICAL ADVICE * Build an NG7 wagon in four steps * Construct an ideal town house in N * Upgrading a RailRoad Class 47 * How to build a simple baseboard * Weathering Nellie: top tips inside
* Model a garage scene * A guide to modelling autumn
PLUS * Traction magazine: Bradford to Low Moor discovered, Warrington in June 1990, Tinsley Rods for Hire and more...
* Reviews of the new Hornby Streamlined B17/5s, Heljan O2/2 and O2/4 Gresley 2-8-0 ‘Tangos’, Heljan LMS Inspection Saloon, plus many more * The history of telegraph poles explored * A round-up of the latest headlines from the model railway world
Enjoy the issue!

British Railway Modelling (BRM) - Nov 24

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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
November 2024
SCENIC SETTLE & CARLISLE REVEALED: Stunning home-built ‘N’ gauge layout capturing the glory days of the S&C in the BR steam era

FIRST REVIEWS • Accurascale ‘OO’ Class 31 A1A-A1A • KR Models’ Bulleid ‘Leader’ for ‘OO’
MODEL RAILWAY BASICS Discover how to plan your dream layout
WOODHEAD Step back to the blue era in the Pennines
COMPETITION Win a Hornby Gresley ‘A3’ & BR ‘9F’ worth £600

Hornby Magazine - November 2024

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