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Author: Andy Leaning

Is z scale smaller than N scale?

Z and N scale trains two of the smallest commercial scale model trains you can get but which is smallest. [...]

Make a realistic thatched roof

making a thatched roof model
Living in Surrey, I see a lot of thatched roofs. There's no denying their beauty. But recreating them in miniature for a model railway or diorama is [...]

A surprising but ideal ready-made base for a fun small model railway

table with N or 009 train
It's not an obvious choice but this baby accessory turns out to be a perfect small model railway base. [...]

A closer look at Hornby’s 2020 100th Anniversary releases

Hornby Brand logos
Graham Muspratt takes a closer look at Hornby's 2020 unveiling from a Southern Railway perspective. [...]

Hornby celebrates 100th year with new and surprising releases

Hornby 2020 100 years anniversary annoucnement
2020 see's Hornby reach its 100th year and to celebrate it's launching a number of limited edition models complete with retro-themed packaging. [...]

10 Must Follow Youtube Channels for Miniature Enthusiasts in 2024

Doctor Faust's Painting Clinic
My top 10 packed Youtube channels for miniature painting and modelling tips. [...]

Your chance to vote!

awards2019
Last year, MRE was nominated and went on to win Silver for best website in the British Model Railway Awards. This year, it's been nominated again! [...]

Adding point motors to already laid track

fitting point motors without removing the points
Now filed in a draw marked 'why on earth didn't I think of this' is this marvellous tip from MRE community member Lee Maylon for installing point motors on [...]

London Model Railway Shops: Where to buy

Looking for a model railway shop you can visit, Tom Cunnington, looks at seven shops in London. [...]

An easier way to hold your track in place while gluing

Holding track in place while gluing
Is this the quickest way to fix track down for gluing? [...]

Simple idea that saves time and makes track testing fun

Digital voltage meter
The best ideas, as they say, are the simplest. And never has this been more true than with this bit of lateral thinking from an MRE group member. [...]

Update: a move and new space for train tinkering

The loft of our new home
For a good reason posts have been lacking here recently but with a little luck that will change after Christmas. [...]

A mystical experience

Philip Reed
What I saw took me back to childhood... [...]

Can you help?

BRMA 2019 Logo
It's that time of year again when we share love and goodwill.  [...]

How long after priming can I paint miniatures

Before you get near to painting miniatures, it's recommended that they be primed to provide a better base for subsequent paints to grip to. [...]

Christmas Tree Train Sets: The Best Train Sets To Go Under Your Tree 2026

Christmas tree train set
Looking to make your child's Christmas morning extra special? It can't get better than a train trundling its way around your Christmas tree or as a present to [...]

What voltage do N scale model trains run on

What's the best voltage for N scale trains to run on? [...]

11 Gift Ideas For Model Train Enthusiasts

Worldwar Scenics Scatter
This article is for non-railway builders looking for the perfect gift idea for the model train enthusiasts in their lives. [...]

How high should a model railway be?

While working on the construction of one of my layouts, I happened to think about the correct height for maximum convenience. [...]

Triang Merton Factory

One of my layouts, the Wandle Valley, will feature the old Tri-ang factory in Merton. Sadly, the building is no longer there which makes modelling it difficult [...]