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
August 2026
This issue showcases the creativity and artistry involved in railway modeling, emphasizing outdoor layouts with a focus on the Daws Heath Garden Railway. Additional features reflect on the history and impact of prominent model designs, as well as tributes to notable figures in the field.

Featured:
- An in-depth look at the Daws Heath Garden Railway, highlighting its outdoor setup in OO scale - A feature on the Totnes layout, detailing the intricate story behind a 2mm masterpiece - Nant Gwernol, examining the tribute to the Talyllyn Railway in O9 gauge - A celebration of the artistic legacy of David Shepherd with an overview of his 3mm layout

Railway Modeller - August 2026

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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
August 2026
This issue showcases an in-depth exploration of "Mill Town Magic," highlighting a remarkable 'P4' model by the Manchester MRS. Readers will find valuable insights into creating realistic landscapes with tips for fir trees, alongside reviews of notable rolling stock.

Featured:

- Exploration of the 'P4' model by Manchester MRS, focusing on intricate details and craftsmanship - Tips for creating realistic fir trees to enhance model scenery - Techniques for improving the Accurascale 'Clayhoods' through practical modifications - Review of various models including the Rapido Manning Warble L Class, Bachmann Class 47, and more - Insights into enhancing the appearance of EE Type 1 locomotives through 'twenty tweaks' suggestions - Overview of Tube stock from Revolution and other notable new releases in the hobby

Model Rail - August 2026

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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 26
The all-new AUGUST digital edition of BRM & Traction Magazine has arrived!
Enjoy the all-new issue of BRM and Traction magazine before it arrives in the shops, PLUS the final instalment of The Build-Along Model Railway, in collaboration with popular YouTuber, That Model Railway Guy!
World of Railways TV It's our final instalment of the popular series, following the build of a new layout, 'Peppers Mill', in collaboration with Josef Pitura-Riley, aka @ThatModelRailwayGuy. We watch as the layout gets the final details and learn more about what's in store for the future.

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

What’s Inside BRM AUGUST…
FOUR GREAT LAYOUTS * Bardun (OO) * Coketown (N) * St. Holdens (EM) * Bryn Coeden (OO9)
GET PRACTICAL * How to model a beach: step-by-step guide
* Build and personalise a platform kiosk * Weathering coaches: top tips
* Build a Fireless charging point * Detailing the Hornby Railroad Deltic * Enhancing a coaling stage in TT:120

PLUS * TRACTION MAGAZINE: An early morning at Toton revisited, Class 37s in the Highlands, Level crossings of the ECML, plus more…
* Trains to the sun: holiday specials explored
* New models reviewed, including the new Bachmann J71, Rapido Trains Manning Wardle L Class and Revolution Trains Class 66 * The latest competitions: WIN a track pack worth £549.99!
* A round-up of the latest news headlines from the model railway world
Enjoy the issue

British Railway Modelling (BRM) - Aug 26

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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
August 2026
BURLISH ROAD Inspired by the Severn Valley, rebuilt from a German layout – the story of a Western Region branch line
INTERNATIONAL MODELLING FREE 32-page supplement
A WORLD FIRST: PLANET
The Inside story on Hornby’s latest pioneering locomotive
3D PRINT A TRAIN? We take on the challenge to build an entire rake of wagons
PREVIEW What you need to know about Cavalex Models’ ‘OO’ Class 47
COMPETITION Don’t miss your chance to win a Hornby OO’ Stephenson’s Rocket bundle worth £430

Hornby Magazine - August 2026

Model Railway Magazines