Despite all the doom and gloom surrounding post-Covid material and labour shortages, as well as the rising costs of living, it has been another bumper year for the model railway hobby. A raft of new ready-to-run locomotives, multiple units and rolling stock have hit the market.
Levels of detail, precision and finish continue to rise, while we’ve seen the arrival of several much-anticipated models that were announced in previous years. We’ve also had a few unexpected arrivals, especially from Bachmann Europe, which has developed a penchant for dropping a surprise or two.
This year marks the 17th anniversary of our annual reader’s poll and we’re asking our loyal readers - that means you! - to cast your votes for the best new models that have inspired and captivated you over the past calendar year.
Encompassing each of the RTR models to have been featured within the review pages of Model Rail throughout 2022, from issues MR295-308, there are categories for each of the popular scales, as well as for the best manufacturer (in each scale and overall).
We’ve also reinstated the option to vote for your favourite model retailer of the year, with two categories to help differentiate the larger concerns from smaller, perhaps local, model shops. You can vote for any model railway-related business, whether it simply sells trains or supplies kits, accessories, paints, glues, or DCC equipment - the choice is yours.
This is YOUR chance to recognise the hard work, dedication and innovation of those at the heart of our wonderful hobby… so cast your votes today!
WIN! MODEL OF THE YEAR MEGA PRIZE DRAW
Every reader who casts a vote in the Model Rail Model of the Year 2022 awards will be automatically entered into a prize draw to win one of the models in our mega giveaway bundle.
There are over 20 individual, brand new models up for grabs, comprising of a range of products nominated in this year’s awards, across ‘N’, ‘OO9’, ‘OO’ and ‘O’ gauges. Here is a full list of the prizes:
‘OO’ gauge
Dapol GWR Manor 4-6-0 No. 7820 Dinmore Manor, BR lined black
Hornby Mk 4 DVT, LNER red/grey
Hornby Mk 3 slam-door First Open coach FGW ‘fag packet’ livery
Hornby Mk 3 slam-door Second Open coach FGW ‘fag packet’ livery
Hornby SR Maunsell Third class Dining Saloon, SR olive green
Hattons Genesis four-wheel Third Class coach, SR olive green
Hattons Genesis six-wheel Brake mess coach, BR crimson
Oxford Rail BR ‘Pilchard’ ballast wagon
Rapido Trains GWR gunpowder van, GWR grey
Rapido Trains SECR 5 plank open wagon, SECR grey
Rapido Trains SECR D1426 10t van, SECR grey
Rapido Trains SECR D1744 ballast wagon, SECR grey
Rapido Trains SECR D1744 ballast wagon, BR grey
Accurascale PFA wagons with Novapak waste containers, triple-pack
‘N’ gauge
Farish Class 319 4-car EMU, Thameslink blue/yellow
Dapol Mk 3 sleeper coach, FGW ‘fag packet’ livery
Dapol Mk 3 sleeper coach, BR blue/grey
Revolution Trains MMA box open, DB red
Revolution Trains JNA box open, Cappagh blue
Peco 9ft wheelbase 7-plank open wagon, Colman’s Mustard
Peco 9ft wheelbase 7-plank open wagon, SR brown
Peco 9ft wheelbase 7-plank open wagon, GWR grey
‘OO9’ gauge
Peco FR Quarryman’s brake van, twin balcony
Peco FR Quarryman’s brake van, single balcony
Peco FR Quarryman’s coach
‘O’ gauge
Dapol 14t tank wagon, FINA silver/red
Dapol BR ‘Vanwide’ van
Winners will be drawn at random after the voting closes on February 16 2023.
Entry into the prize draw is via the form below only and we reserve the right to allocate prizes at our discretion.
Simply click on the vote now button below to cast your vote!
Prize Draw T&Cs
The prize draw closes at 23:59 on February 16, 2023.
This competition is open to UK residents aged 16 and over.
Here is the full list of prizes, which we reserve the right to allocate at our discretion.
The winners will be drawn at random from all valid entries after the closing date and notified by email and have14 days to respond before a alternative winners are chosen.
This prize may be offered in a limited number of other promotions.
No purchase is necessary. Enter for free on this page.
Full terms and conditions can be found at www.bauerlegal.co.uk/competition-terms.html