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.
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
Westcliff: Railway of the Month
For his pre-Grouping Great Western layout, Richard Butler imagined how West Bay in Dorset might have appeared had it developed into the thriving holiday resort envisaged by the original promoters of the railway.
A hotel for Chandwell: Scale Drawings
Inspired by a grand 19th century hotel in West Yorkshire, Michael Scott created 1:148 scale drawings to assist in the construction of a model for his N gauge layout set in the 1990s.
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
Create a realistic tree-felling scene with sound, explore the Heljan Class 73 and Class 25, and discover the best value in modelling with the Heljan GWR Railcar. Get a first look at our exclusive 31 takes shape, delve into the depths of water effects, and revisit a long-forgotten coach kit. Plus, learn how to get the best from traditional scenics and embark on DIY boilersmith adventures.
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
Welcome to the November 2023 digital edition of BRM and World of Railways TV.
Becoming a digital reader means you can enjoy the excellent November issue of BRM with all this extra bonus content included…
Digital extras this month! * 4 BONUS videos * 46 EXCLUSIVE images * 3 EXTRA layout articles * A FREE issue of Traction Magazine * Watch this month’s edition of World of Railways TV
World of Railways TV In our latest instalment of World of Railways TV, Howard Smith reflects on some of the model railways featured in BRM depicting scenes from the Great War, Phil Parker describes how to model rope, plus World of Railways gets an update from the Market Deeping Model Railway Club on the exhibition layout project.
What’s Inside BRM November…
FOUR AMAZING LAYOUTS * Bigbury-on-Sea (OO) * Pwllheli (P4) * Newvaddon Parkway (N) * College Halt (OO)
PRACTICAL ADVICE * Our guide to modelling poppies * How to solder dropper wires * Upgrade and reinvent your coaches * Weathering a shipping container * Adding lights to buildings * Construct a crane in TT:120
* Two ways to model the iconic ‘Crooked House’
PLUS * Reviews of the new Hornby LNER P2, Heljan Class 73, the new ‘Manor’, Rapido Hawksworth 15XX, plus much more! * The history of the Drax Biomass hoppers explored * A round-up of the latest headlines from the model railway world this month
Enjoy the issue!
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
HEATON LODGE: THE GRAND PLAN
Britain’s Biggest Model Railway is set to get even bigger with a bold expansion, including a cement works, power station and more in ‘O’ gauge
COMPETITION Win a new Hornby ‘P2’ 2-8-2 for ‘OO’ worth £255
FIRST REVIEWS • Accurascale’s GWR ‘Manor’ for ‘OO’ • Heljan’s ‘O’ gauge Class 58 diesel • Rapido Lion roars for ‘OO’ gauge
MODELLING JUNCTIONS Recreate popular locations at home
VOTE NOW! Hornby Magazine Model Railway Awards 2023