Looking for more tips and advice on model railways? Google will give you a million and one possible websites to browse, instead take a look at these websites which are some of my top sources for railway modelling info.
#1 The Models of Chris Nevard
What’s it about: A show case for the superstar of model railers. His layouts are famous, he writes and photographs for Model Rail Magazine but this blog is a show case of his work.
What I like about it: Aside from his obvious expertise what I like about the models seen in his blog is the atmosphere he somehow conjures up – you can almost feel that you could jump into his models and live them.
Visit for inspiration.
#2 Albion Yard
What’s it about: Originally a blog about the Albion Yard layout, it has now grown to cover to included published articles and model railway techniques.
Why I like it: You can feel the effort and work that goes into Albion Yard, the quality, detailing and attention to detail leaps out of the pictures but why I’ve included it here are the tips and advice. The 15 minute heroes series of posts are inspired are the detail he goes into in other posts has to be applauded, the post on digital back scenes runs to almost 2000 words!
#3 A Model Railway – Life in Miniature
What’s it about: The model railway activities and blog of David Smith and modelling of British Railways Southern Region in
Why I like it: Although it doesn’t have the design of Chris Nevard’s or Albion Yard above (but see it’s sister site http://www.amodelrailway.co.uk), I appreciate the depth David goes into on the techniques he uses to achieve his beautiful layouts. His series of posts on track work for example is split over 7 posts with pictures that can be expanded to reveal intricate details.
I can spend hours reading his posts and reviewing the pictures picking up new techniques. Read for techniques.
#4 Phil’s Workbench
What’s it about: Phil Parker’s blog on “trains’n’stuff” is a delight for modellers, with great pictures and a wonderful variety of tips and techniques Paul has used to great effect in his modelling.
Why I like it: What I find really helpful is the information he provides. In a post on Grass’n’Flock for example, Phil suggests not just using hair spray as a glue – great tip – but then goes on to give the specific can he uses “Clubbers Extra Hold”. Brilliant.
#5 George Dent Model Maker
What’s it about: George Dent is the model-maker in residence at Model Rail magazine, runs courses on air brushing and his blog posts detail his models and work.
Why I like it: Inspiration and aspiration! The quality of his models is frankly scary to us mere mortals, but I can sit back, browse his posts and dream.
#6 Michael’s Model Railways
The blog of Michael Campbell where he charts and records the building of his fabulous 009 scale layouts and related activities.
Why I like it: Michael is a lovely, knowledgable, guy and incredibly passionate about the hobby and it shows. While he works in 009 scale, his musings are friendly, informative and inspirational to anyone building a railway, regardless of scale.
#7 Hornby
What more needs to be said about Hornby? Standard bearers for OO gauge model railways, the Hornby site features a forum for enthusiasts, new of latest products, competitions and downloads for screen savers, service sheets, manuals and service sheets.
> A final, personal, note: I spend a huge amount of time testing, photographing, writing and researching techniques for these articles and pay for all the running costs of MRE out of my own pocket. If you found this article useful you can support me by making a donation on my fund-raising page. Thanks and happy modelling, Andy.
Andy is a lifelong modeler, writer, and founder of modelrailwayengineer.com. He has been building model railways, dioramas, and miniatures for over 20 years. His passion for model making and railways began when he was a child, building his first layout at the age of seven.
Andy’s particular passion is making scenery and structures in 4mm scale, which he sells commercially. He is particularly interested in modelling the railways of South West England during the late Victorian/early Edwardian era, although he also enjoys making sci-fi and fantasy figures and dioramas. His website has won several awards, and he is a member of MERG (Model Railway Electronics Group) and the 009 Society.
When not making models, Andy lives in Surrey with his wife and teenage son. Other interests include history, science fiction, photography, and programming. Read more about Andy.
This is at least three years out if date, Iain Robinson’s blog was removed in 2018.
Thanks for pointing this out Tim. The page was updated yonks ago with the Michael Campbell’s blog replacing Iain’s but for some reason the update didn’t show. I’ve refreshed it again and hopefully it’ll update here and on Google. Thanks again. Andy
Hi Andy,
what can I say, a fantastic blog, the best I have come across, you are very knowledgeable, love your guide to the top 7 model railway websites.
Quick question, if you could answer, I am building my own layout & want to invest in some locos, I don’t want to mix & match brands, not sure to go for Hornby or Bachmann what would you advise,
regards
Andy
Hi Andy, there’s no reason not to mix and match brands if you want. As to which is best, until I would have said Bachmann had better locomotives (for detailing etc) although the latest Hornby locomotives are getting very good, as long as you don’t go for the Hornby Railroad range. These are aimed at beginners and mass market and lack the detailing. Hope this helps, thanks. Andy
I’m the new buyer for trains at Micro-Mark/Scientific Models Inc…… what structures do you feel are missing from the market? What would you guys like to see made available?
This website may be of interest; a working model in EM gauge based on the North Staffordshire Railway station at Rolleston-on-Dove, closed 1949. After building the model and exhibiting it, I decided to launch a local community project to restore the remains of the prototype that were part of a nature trail. The website describes the model and also the actual station as well as the highly successful project.