Today, I’m sharing with you a major transformation that has taken place in my world – the reorganisation of my workshop into a model-making studio. I’m a bit of a tool nerd and a sucker for tools, as my Amazon account and wife can testify. My workshop was a testament to this tool obsession, filled […] The post From workshop to studio appeared first on Model Railway Engineer, the multi-award winning model train blog ..read more

Oil drum fires, also known as braziers, were and still are a common sight in railway settings. From sidings and depots to building sites and gardens, these small fires add a touch of realism to any model railway scene. And oil drum fires are still around, often seen on building sites and under bridges and […] The post A super realistic brazier with flickering flame effect for OO gauge model railways appeared first on Model Railway Engineer, the multi-award winning model train blog ..read more

Choose your perfect railway buildings: from budget-friendly paper to jaw-dropping bespoke buildings and structures. Ah, the buildings! Those tiny houses, shops, stations and structures that transform your model railway layout from bare tracks to a bustling world. But with shelves groaning under a rainbow of options, picking the perfect ones can feel like shunting carriages […] The post Building your dream layout: A brick-by-brick guide to model railway buildings appeared first on Model Railway Engineer, the multi-award winning model train blog ..read more

Monday 8th January 2024: One of the oldest and biggest names in model railways is to close. For over seven decades, Liverpool-based Hattons Model Railways has been a haven for passionate train enthusiasts, renowned for its customer service, diverse range of products, and expertise. But in an announcement that surprised the industry, the company announced […] The post Hattons Model Railways to close appeared first on Model Railway Engineer, the multi-award winning model train blog ..read more

Everything you need to know to pick the best model train set by type, age, price and more.   Best train sets at a glance Best all-around train set Hornby freight train set Best set for the price Hornby Rambler train set Best train set for small spaces Graham Farish N Gauge North Eastern train […] The post The best model train sets 2023 appeared first on Model Railway Engineer, the multi-award winning model train blog ..read more

Welcome, if you’ve arrived here you’re probably building a model railway or want to explore rail transport modelling. Maybe you started with a Hornby-style beginner’s train set and are wondering how and where to go next or you’re returning to the hobby after a break and want to refresh and learn what’s new. Either way, […] The post From Train Set To Model Railway (or how to build a model railway layout) appeared first on Model Railway Engineer, the multi-award winning model train blog ..read more

Kernow Model Rail Centre (KMRC) has unveiled an exclusive addition to their range: the Graham Farish N Gauge Class 47/7 Diesel, numbered 47 799 and christened “Prince Henry,” presented in an EWS Royal Claret livery. The locomotive, originally built at BR Crewe and introduced in January 1965 as D1654, has undergone several renumberings and was […] The post KMRC Launches Exclusive Class 47/7 ‘Prince Henry’ in Royal EWS Livery appeared first on Model Railway Engineer, the multi-award winning model train blog ..read more

The exclusive Model Railway Engineer mugs are back in stock. After requests from the ModelRailwayEngineer community, I’m excited to announce that the Model Railway Engineer mugs are back in stock! Whether you’re enjoying a morning coffee or sipping on an afternoon cuppa, this 325ml (11oz) white mug is the perfect way to stay hydrated while […] The post New! Exclusive model railway mug appeared first on Model Railway Engineer, the multi-award winning model train blog ..read more

My ever-increasing Triang collection continues to grow, with the acquisition of the delightful Tri-ang R353 Yard Switcher. And it could be ideal for a potential new mini layout. This little loco is of course the brother of the R253 Dock Authority shunter that I already had in Black but I couldn’t resist having it in […] The post Triang R353 Yard Switcher appeared first on Model Railway Engineer, the multi-award winning model train blog ..read more

As the golden year’s approach and the hustle of a 9-to-5 fades into the horizon, many retirees find themselves searching for a hobby that’s both fulfilling and mentally stimulating. Enter the world of model railways—a pastime that promises not only hours of entertainment but a plethora of mental and psychological benefits and a ticket to […] The post Model Railways: the perfect hobby for retirement appeared first on Model Railway Engineer, the multi-award winning model train blog ..read more