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## 2647 BR Class 26/1 26043 in Rail blue with DCE stripes and Haymarket depot logos - only £210.00!

Model Rail has teamed-up with Heljan once again to offer a special version of the all-new ‘OO’ gauge Class 26. :a[**SHOP NOW**]{href='http://Model Rail has teamed-up with Heljan once again to offer a special version of the all-new ‘OO’ gauge Class 26.' }

Bringing Heljan’s popular model in line with modern expectations, the new Class 26 has been fully redesigned, including a revised bodyshell and underframe that feature even greater detail and prototype fidelity.

The body features a magnetic, lift-off roof panel to allow easy access to the 21pin DCC decoder socket, while all models come with factory-fitted speakers, making digital sound installation simple. There’s also a full suite of switchable exterior and interior lighting functions, plus an upgraded drive unit.

Our exclusive model depicts Class 26/1 26043, which holds the honour of being the last Class 26 to be outshopped in Rail blue livery, following refurbishment in 1985. After moving from Eastfield to Haymarket depot, 26043 was allocated to the Scottish Region’s Departmental Civil Engineers (DCE) sector, gaining a set of distinctive markings below the cab windows on the second man’s side, complete with ScR lettering. Haymarket’s famous depot logos, featuring Edinburgh Castle, were also applied.

After withdrawal, due to an electrical fault caused by snow ingress, 26043 was saved for preservation in the 1990s, and is currently operational at the Gloucestershire & Warwickshire Railway.

Our model comes supplied with optional miniature snowploughs and various other detail fittings, including air horn vent covers and alternative bogie steps to mimic the period when 26043 was fitted with Class 26/0 bogies.

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Switchable cab and engine room interior lights

Magnetic lift-off roof section for access to DCC socket

Optional miniature snowploughs, bogie steps and other details

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## Buy this exclusive model at :a[ModelRailOffers.co.uk]{href='http://2647 BR Class 26/1 26043 in Rail blue with DCE stripes and Haymarket depot logos Regular price: £210.00 Price for Model Rail subscribers: £189' } for only £210!

Model Rail subscribers get 10% off every model. Get this model for only £189! :a[SHOP NOW]{href='http://2647 BR Class 26/1 26043 in Rail blue with DCE stripes and Haymarket depot logos Regular price: £210.00 Price for Model Rail subscribers: £189' }

Browse our latest :a[**Model Rail subscription offers**]{href='https://www.greatmagazines.co.uk/model-rail-magazine?utm_source=model-rail.co.uk&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=bau_modelrail&amp;utm_content=article_class_26_launch' } now and become a subscriber to receive discount!

_It has fascinated **Rob Elliott** so much that this is his third and finest rendition of Lostwithiel to date._  
Words: **Chris Gadsby** Photography: **Chris Nevard** Artwork: **Andrew Mackintosh**

  
**What makes this layout great?**  
**"We often talk about compression with a model railway, but with ‘Lostwithiel’ being an ‘N’ gauge layout, Rob has been able to get a realistic depth to his station area without having to cram everything in. It makes for a far more pleasing result."**  
![This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 8.png](https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/32/2025/01/8.png?fit=1024%2C1024)  
Think back to the last time you bought a house. Whether it was six months ago or 60 years ago, you almost certainly had a list of requirements. A lovely garden, side by side parking, perhaps a good sized kitchen. A model room? Some of us could only dream of such a designated space, but when Rob Elliott and his wife moved house in 2015, a room dedicated to an ‘N’ gauge layout was high on the list of priorities. In the interest of fairness, a sewing room was also a must. Fortunately, the pair found a house that fulfilled both of these requirements and work began on Rob’s depiction of Lostwithiel almost before the cutlery had been put in the drawer.  
![This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is b6a7f002-833b-42ed-baaf-4d925586c45f.jpg](https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/32/2025/01/b6a7f002-833b-42ed-baaf-4d925586c45f.jpg)  
“This is my third layout based on Lostwithiel in Cornwall, each one bigger and better than the last. My first was relatively basic, but the more I researched the area, the more interesting it became. Today, model number three is finished. The room is 9ft square and the layout almost fills it, with a 9ft by 5ft looped section and a branch totalling 11ft in an ‘L’ shape. There’s enough room to get in and for me to have a decent-sized workbench. As usual, I began by creating a plan on Anyrail, getting as many of my desired features as possible. I wanted a passable representation of Lostwithiel station with the crossing and sidings, the branch line to Fowey station incorporating Golant causeway and the clay docks at Carne Point, a version of the goods shed and dairy at Lostwithiel and a continuous run double track main line for clay trains. The branch line also needed to be long enough so that I felt I was sending the trains somewhere. It’s no good having the rear of the train at Lostwithiel station as the front arrives at Fowey. Cramming all of that into the available space was a challenge, and some of the points are in a different place from how they are on the prototype, but thankfully, in ‘N’, I was able to get almost everything in. I do wish there was additional room for a non-scenic fiddleyard though.”  
![This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 83950382-a751-45b0-a906-296c47551159-edited.jpg](https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/32/2025/01/83950382-a751-45b0-a906-296c47551159-edited.jpg)  
  
![This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is d9eb4de9-739b-40c5-8ec5-7c85f7cdb9b8.jpg](https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/32/2025/01/d9eb4de9-739b-40c5-8ec5-7c85f7cdb9b8.jpg)  
**THIRD TIME’S A CHARM**  
With his plan in place and the walls painted a pleasing sky blue, Rob could begin building this iteration of ‘Lostwithiel’.  
“Similarly to the vast majority of modellers who have opted to build their layouts based on a real location, there was nothing available off the shelf that would fit, so I had to do a lot of kitbashing. The signal box on the Down line has been bashed from a couple of Ratio kits and plastic card, and the buildings on that side have a scratchbuilt canopy. The main station building was a wooden structure, and although I did have a go at scratchbuilding this, I discovered it was beyond my skill level at the time and have instead made use of a Ratio stone building. Other buildings, such as the dairy and clay structures, are converted Walthers cornerstone buildings that I’ve altered to fit the space.”  
![This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is ffe04fbb-4b63-4e1f-ad68-ae959d1cfadb.jpg](https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/32/2025/01/ffe04fbb-4b63-4e1f-ad68-ae959d1cfadb.jpg)  
![This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 4674a531-3f56-45c4-b0d7-8422432b69fd.jpg](https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/32/2025/01/4674a531-3f56-45c4-b0d7-8422432b69fd.jpg)  
Although the buildings were installed without a hitch, the same couldn’t be said for the river and harbour, which was not only time-consuming, but very expensive! All in all, there’s around 13ft of water at ‘Lostwithiel’, and a deep river meant a lot of resin. “I used Woodland Scenics Deep Pour resin, but because I made the river too deep I needed 12 packs. At around £40 a pack you can see how quickly the cost adds up! The saving grace is that it does look very pleasing, now it is all set. That felt like a major milestone because it signalled the end of the major components, and I could move on to the signals. Some signals on the Western region were quite distinctive so I had to make sure I got them right. Rather helpfully, my dad was a locomotive driver for 50 years, so he was instrumental in telling me exactly where the signals would be placed on the prototype. These were built from lower quadrant Ratio kits with finer details added from Model Signal Engineering, brass fret, and plastic card. The small details make the world of difference, so adding things such as point rodding through the station area makes the whole area look so much better. The station nameboard and BR ‘hotdog’ signs were created by Sankey Scenics.”  
![This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is fbf0dabd-3671-4ee5-a502-1bc2c73dca27.jpg](https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/32/2025/01/fbf0dabd-3671-4ee5-a502-1bc2c73dca27.jpg)  
![This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 36816742-da89-4b21-94aa-029e1f9bfcb1.jpg](https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/32/2025/01/36816742-da89-4b21-94aa-029e1f9bfcb1.jpg)  
Rob’s attention to detail is evident in his scenic elements. He used sheets of old newspaper covered with a cardboard lattice to create the frame for his embankments, which were then covered with plaster cloth, paint, and static grass. The trees, which are etched brass tree kits from The Model Tree Shop, were meticulously assembled by Rob, who added varying flocks to achieve a realistic look.  
“After trying various combinations of trees and flocks, I decided that these were the most realistic. With so much track, there wasn’t a lot of space for scenic items and non-railway buildings, so I couldn’t get as many buildings in as I wanted, just the indication of the start of the high street.”

  
**AUTHENTIC STOCK**  
‘Lostwithiel’ is set in the late 1950s/early 1960s, so Rob makes sure the majority of his stock suits the time period and region. However, he occasionally runs a London Midland, Eastern Region, or Southern Region service to change things around a bit.  
![This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is ac40cdba-3212-4f2c-83b8-627a886aa7b2.jpg](https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/32/2025/01/ac40cdba-3212-4f2c-83b8-627a886aa7b2.jpg)  
![This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 31a79b28-704c-445b-b7d4-007bdf139c9d.jpg](https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/32/2025/01/31a79b28-704c-445b-b7d4-007bdf139c9d.jpg)  
**11** A china clay port is a key element of a Cornish-themed layout and, since Model Rail visited, Rob has added a large clay vessel to the harbour scene.  
  
”I used Woodland Scenics Deep Pour resin, but because I made the river too deep I needed 12 packs. At around £40 a pack you can see how quickly the cost adds up!  
“Most of my rolling stock is either Farish, Peco or Dapol, but as the range of models for the period and region is, thankfully, increasing, I’ve recently added some stock from Revolution and Sonic. I was very pleased when Farish produced its range of china clay wagons with Kernow MRC as they’re much better than the Peco offering, although I have removed the tarpaulin and made my own from cigarette paper. These spend a lot of time travelling up and down the branch line at Fowey. All of my trains run with a headcode and lamps (provided by ModelU). Since all steam era trains had to run with them, the omission is just something I cannot have on mine. Also they must all include crew and the necessary fire irons, brass lamp irons and real coal. Weathering models is probably my favourite part of modelling. I can’t wait to get the airbrush or the powders out and get rid of the plastic look of the models. I enjoy it so much that I’ve started my own weathering business in ‘N’ gauge, covering everything from renumbering to a full respray. It’s a nice little side hustle.”  
Although Rob and his wife aren’t thinking of moving house again any time soon, he is already thinking about where another layout could go in the house and is eyeing up the loft for such a model. Does this mean we might see ‘Lostwithiel Mk 4’? Only time will tell, but for now, Rob’s work and shunting in Fowey is giving him enough to keep him occupied and away from building more baseboards.  
![This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is d2b33553-c73b-43a9-a7b4-7110d888abe8.jpg](https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/32/2025/01/d2b33553-c73b-43a9-a7b4-7110d888abe8.jpg)  
**12** When building in ‘N’ gauge, the track laying has to be perfect to avoid derailments. Rob has used Peco Code 55 track with medium and long radius, live-frog points throughout, and all of the locomotives are fitted with stay-alive modules to improve reliability.  
  
![This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 23250d4b-48fe-4d58-9dc9-df4fb051cf16.jpg](https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/32/2025/01/23250d4b-48fe-4d58-9dc9-df4fb051cf16.jpg)  
![This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is b6e0788d-938e-4eda-861d-388226545b1b.jpg](https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/32/2025/01/b6e0788d-938e-4eda-861d-388226545b1b.jpg)  
![This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 90f327ca-0e68-453f-890e-8c5d8888b4f7.jpg](https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/32/2025/01/90f327ca-0e68-453f-890e-8c5d8888b4f7.jpg)  
![This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is cf97ac9a-03f8-413c-966f-fc65df8986cd.jpg](https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/32/2025/01/cf97ac9a-03f8-413c-966f-fc65df8986cd.jpg)  
![This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is ee4b9413-f990-4a1e-953d-40345f373ce2.jpg](https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/32/2025/01/ee4b9413-f990-4a1e-953d-40345f373ce2.jpg)  
![This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 520ff349-4f69-450c-aebb-29dda0a5e5d9.jpg](https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/32/2025/01/520ff349-4f69-450c-aebb-29dda0a5e5d9.jpg)  
![This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 819c06b6-631c-46f0-ada9-85888a6a96e4.jpg](https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/32/2025/01/819c06b6-631c-46f0-ada9-85888a6a96e4.jpg)  
**19** Despite always modelling in ‘N’ gauge, Rob also has a fair-sized collection of ‘OO’ gauge locomotives, which he runs at his local model railway club.  
  
**3 things we like**  
![This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 130e4300-602f-40b9-985b-a80549c16081.jpg](https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/32/2025/01/130e4300-602f-40b9-985b-a80549c16081.jpg)  
**1** This couple having a lovely boat trip.  
  
![This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 01669f34-94d6-4c2e-aeef-7d6c462d5083.jpg](https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/32/2025/01/01669f34-94d6-4c2e-aeef-7d6c462d5083.jpg)  
**2** Lostwithiel, the Caribbean of Cornwall.  
  
![This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 67ef12b4-e035-4460-8221-da0e91ca47d1.jpg](https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/32/2025/01/67ef12b4-e035-4460-8221-da0e91ca47d1.jpg)  
**3** The period appropriate advertising.  
  
  
**FACTFILE: ‘LOSTWITHIEL’**  
![This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 26df0f26-ec12-4ee3-a9fd-98057431f96e.jpg](https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/32/2025/01/26df0f26-ec12-4ee3-a9fd-98057431f96e.jpg)  
  
**Gauge and scale:** 2mm:1ft, 9mm gauge, ‘N’  
**Size:** 9ft by 9ft  
**Track:** Peco Code 55  
**Power and control:** DCC  
**Time to build:** Nine years  
  
**ABOUT THE MODELLER: ROB ELLIOTT**  
![This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is c75496c9-3843-4504-8583-770bd4bec3c5.jpg](https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/32/2025/01/c75496c9-3843-4504-8583-770bd4bec3c5.jpg)  
If he isn’t tinkering away on a model, Rob partakes in historical battle re enactments, specialising in the mid-18th Century period, but expanding the English Civil War and the Napoleonic wars.

**:a[ModelRailOffers.co.uk]{href='https://www.modelrailoffers.co.uk/?utm_source=model-rail.co.uk&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=modelrail_offers&amp;utm_content=article' } is the only place to find unique models by Model Rail magazine**. Find the right model for you and your layout by choosing from a variety of diesel and steam locomotives. With FREE UK delivery and Worldwide shipping available, treat yourself or gift a modeller in your life to a new model.

## **If you subscribe to Model Rail magazine, you unlock special subscriber pricing which gives you even further discount across ALL of our models!\*** :a[View subscription offers]{href='https://www.greatmagazines.co.uk/model-rail-magazine?utm_source=model-rail.co.uk&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=bau_modelrail&amp;utm_content=article_modelrail_offers' }.

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\*Special subscriber pricing is valid until 30.12.2024. From 1st January 2025 subscriber discount will return to the standard 10% off a model.

In the February issue of Model Rail Chris Nevard begins a new build of a rural Devonshire halt and Peter Marriott creates a snippet of the West Highland Railway line in our Workbench section. As always we feature two stunning layouts from our readers, this month Rob Elliott tells us about his third rendition of ‘Lostwithiel’ and Dave Finney outlines how he created a shunting layout from offcuts and spares around his railway room. Ben Ando discusses the problems manufacturers can face with customer service over the Christmas period and Ben Jones highlights some of the latest developments on the real railways that we might see on our layouts in the next few years. We also review eight of the latest models to hit the shelves.

It’s all in Model Rail issue 335, on sale now!

In each issue we cover every stage of the hobby, from buying a first model train set right through to museum standard fine-scale modelling. Model Rail magazine is full of helpful tips, advice on model train layouts, details on model train sets, step-by-step articles and more! Choose the right subscription option for you and get instant digital access to the latest issue. :a[View subscription offers]{href='https://www.greatmagazines.co.uk/model-rail-magazine?utm_source=model-rail.co.uk&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=bau_modelrail&amp;utm_content=article_new_issue' }

#### Clean contact surfaces are vital to ensuring reliable layout operation. **George Dent** offers some simple tips to help keep your trains moving, and trials a new rail cleaning fluid. {#block-97b3861a-e3b8-4cf5-93f9-a9136799db4c}

PHOTOGRAPHY: **GEORGE DENT** {#block-e33febe5-a88a-4353-835b-7e18e24b4d75}

Track-cleaning is a necessary chore for any model railway, even if your layout is kept under dust covers when out of use. Whether it’s generic dust from the railway room or exhibition hall, stray paint deposits, or oil and grease dropped by passing locomotives, our track is inevitably prone to the build-up of unwanted contaminants. {#block-23c922b4-9390-45eb-bd6c-e23a3bdd30ad}

Most track features nickel silver rail, which is naturally prone to tarnishing, while steel rail can corrode if employed in damp locations. The cleanliness (or otherwise) of locomotive and rolling stock wheels can also have a profound effect on the rails. There’s an argument that plastic wheels can lead to dirtier rails, although how true that is, I’m unsure. I do find metal wheels easier to keep clean, however. {#block-8e056c36-f149-488f-8c0c-8a89ceb65d7c}

Areas of poor contact between the rails and power-collecting metal wheels can lead to the creation of carbon deposits, thus making matters worse. Furthermore, any imperfections in the rail head’s surface will act as a magnet for grime, so it pays to be methodical when cutting and laying track sections in the first instance. {#block-d8817e12-7512-4041-835c-28973f399b0b}

As a child, I recall asking an exhibition layout operator for some track-cleaning tips and, while being temporarily perplexed by the term ‘elbow grease’, soon realised that there were few magic cures, especially as we’re encouraged not to use electronic trackcleaning units these days, due to their incompatibility with DCC and modern motors. {#block-0f7a12c6-fe57-43b4-83f0-947e04e91c72}

However, time and experience have shown that there are numerous steps a modeller can take to minimise the problem, mostly through adopting a preventative maintenance regime of regular cleaning. {#block-2c42a04e-b3b2-4f32-8f84-fe1224abf732}

Combining humble track rubbers with cleaning fluids, both of which are available from countless brands, plus a vacuum cleaner and old, clean T-shirts, the job can be achieved with minimum fuss. {#block-ccdb956e-deaa-4f15-9d79-0d4d0e565e66}

One of the latest cleaning products to come my way is a new alcohol-based fluid from Geoscenics. I’ve tested it on a few of my layouts over the past couple of months and found it to be effective for removing general dirt and debris, as well as paint and oily deposits. It’s equally good on rails and metal wheels and hasn’t had any deleterious effects on plastic components or paintwork. It’s certainly ideal for regular use, with a quick wipe down of the rails before each running session helping to ensure smooth running. {#block-34c51a2c-f26e-46cf-8447-e81f86eac4b3}

#### **STEP BY STEP** {#block-93381e69-da27-4feb-a168-99beaf43122a}

**1** Rails will always pick up dirt, but we can help minimise deposits by ensuring railheads are as smooth as possible. When cutting and laying track sections, use fine abrasives to polish away any tool marks left by a saw or file.

**2** It’s also important to tidy up the rails after soldering power feeds or if installing copperclad sleepers, especially at baseboard joints. A rub with successive grades of abrasive pads will remove any excess solder and flux residues.

**3** Track rubbers are available from many manufacturers, consisting of various grades of abrasive material. They work quickly and effectively, but many are prone to leaving behind plenty of debris (see Step 6).

**4** Track rubbers are great for removing paint from the rail heads, particularly after weathering. As well as the horizontal rail head surfaces, keeping the inside edges of the rails clear maximises the conductive surface area.

**5** Finer sanding pads, of medium and fine grades, are useful for treating point blades and their contact surfaces. Again, working on the upper, inner faces of the rails provides a greater conductive area for the wheels.

**6** It’s important to remove debris from the track rubber, lest it be picked up by wheels and deposited elsewhere. A soft brush can sweep debris away from rails or, for best results, brush it towards the nozzle of a vacuum cleaner.

#### **Mobile Rail Cleaners** {#block-6965180c-4e1b-4e07-b93b-82cc0c1815d7}

Many of our layouts feature areas that aren’t so easy to reach by hand, such as within tunnels or hidden sidings. Fixing a track rubber to a length of wood may help to a degree, but a mobile cleaner offers a labour-saving and far-reaching solution. {#block-744f775c-2505-43e9-b618-df60c2d0fa93}

Dapol’s motorised track-cleaning car offers an innovative option, with a spinning abrasive pad to clear away dirt from the rail heads, plus a vacuum to suck up dust and debris into an internal storage bin. It can also be fitted with cloth pads which can be loaded with a cleaning fluid (also offered by Dapol) to condition the rails. Although it’s not self-propelled, it does take power from the rails and can be hauled around the layout at regular intervals. Numerous special liveries have been offered over the years, including this exclusive _Model Rail_ version from the late 2000s. {#block-f8b535fa-be91-43aa-9c6b-86be99c189f8}

**Web:** _:a[www.dapol.co.uk]{href='https://www.dapol.co.uk/' }_ {#block-aefc10a0-ad43-4d79-9d62-8bb1e54b4b70}

#### **STEP BY STEP** {#block-a9412fe6-077c-4430-bf1f-a4570e25fdca}

**1** Rails may appear clean, but close inspection may reveal a build-up of dirt. Dust is an ever-present hazard and nickel silver rail is naturally prone to tarnishing, especially in damp conditions, so regular cleaning is a must.

**2** While an abrasive track rubber may be best for stubborn deposits, a cleaning fluid is ideal for more regular use. Dampen a scrap of cotton fabric (from an old T-shirt) with cleaning fluid and gently rub it over the tops of the rails.

**3** You’ll be surprised by how much dirt is absorbed by the fabric – these rails appeared clean beforehand. Repeat the process, using a cotton swab to reach into awkward areas. Take care when working around delicate structures.

**4** Allow a few minutes for the cleaner to dry on the rails before wiping with a clean cloth to remove any remaining dirt or residue. The Geoscenics cleaning fluid is alcohol-based and evaporates quickly.

**5** The same fluid is also ideal for cleaning wheels of locomotives and rolling stock – an equally important task. Dip a cotton swab into the fluid and wipe over the wheel treads, moving to a clean swab when the tip becomes dirty.

Other, cheaper mobile cleaners are also available, in the form of adapted wagons, mostly from European manufacturers, although Gaugemaster has commissioned several anglicised versions over the years. This tank wagon is from the Lima range (Hornby International) and features a floating cloth pad between the axles, plus a healthy amount of weight to help keep the pad in contact with the rails while the wagon is in motion.

Soaking the pad with a suitable cleaning fluid allows the pad to clean and condition the rails as the wagon is hauled around the layout.

A quick repaint into a more convincing livery helped this track-cleaning wagon look more at home on a UK layout. Running this fictional de-icing train as part of the layout’s regular operations helps minimise the build-up of dirt on the rails.

#### **EXCLUSIVE READER OFFER** {#block-7fac186a-9009-433c-ab02-1a3b472e98dd}

Readers can claim a £2.00 discount off the usual £18.00 price of Geoscenics Track Cleaner. Each pack contains two bottles of cleaner fluid, and this exclusive offer runs until February 23 2025. {#block-02352ef7-8eb8-4186-934a-b60ed8de56c0}

The discount is available for web orders only – simply enter the code **MRtrack** at the checkout stage. {#block-21d9670b-194d-4ee6-8b1c-caa69243e0ea}

_**Web:** :a[www.geoscenics.co.uk]{href='https://www.geoscenics.co.uk/' }_ {#block-f4ed0c3d-91ae-4b68-a123-3dcbf9d11b57}

Be inspired this January with a subscription to Model Rail for only £3 for your first 3 issues and save 82% on shop prices!

**Model Rail magazine is Britain's brightest and most informative magazine for model railway fans.** We cover every stage of the hobby, from buying a first model train set right through to museum standard fine-scale modelling in a lively style that encourages readers to get involved in the world's greatest hobby. Model Rail magazine is full of helpful tips, advice including model train layouts, details on model train sets. **Click the button below for the latest subscription offers!**

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#### Buying a pre-built layout worked out well for Andrew Morris, who soon realised he had something rather special on his hands. {#block-c2585385-bf27-4a9a-be0f-41d02c13754e}

Words: **Chris Gadsby** Photography: **Chris Nevard** Artwork: **Andrew Mackintosh** {#block-c294480b-f56b-4184-a6b7-f49a3a81ecfa}

#### **What makes this layout great?** {#block-15262390-94f8-41f7-bd97-6959a1446b5a}

**“Andrew has accomplished a delicate blend of old and new with this layout, making sure he stayed true to the one he bought while also adding his own flair for modelling.”** {#block-6ec82701-ba1a-46a6-947e-f31c318686f0}

Many of us have bought something on eBay at one point or another. It may be that you only dabble occasionally, or you might be checking it daily for new railway slides to try and add to your collection. The great thing about the site is that you can almost always get exactly what you need for an excellent price. It might be a part for your car, a birthday present, or, in Andrew Morris’ case, a model railway. {#block-3176bb7b-43fd-4865-a22e-d7c633bb73a0}

“This layout, which I have since named ‘Graig Merthyr’, was spotted online by my then-wife and it was located fairly close to me as we were living in Wales at the time. It seemed as though it would be perfect. I won the auction, headed up to have a look at it and was taken aback when I first saw it. Something didn’t seem right, but at first glance I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. Then I realised – this isn’t ‘OO’ gauge!” {#block-1c711ae7-c2c1-481f-a947-fafb10cf44b0}

#### TRACK INSPECTION {#block-66b58e4c-7375-4a29-ba36-11531d599e7c}

For a second I felt disheartened, but upon closer inspection I discovered that no, it was the right gauge, but all the track had been handbuilt from C&L sections of track and Scaleway points with the correct sleeper spacing for ‘OO’ gauge. It really threw my eye when I first looked at it. When I got the layout home and could give it a proper inspection, the same trackwork that had originally thrown me off completely blew me away. The quality of the work was astounding and encouraged me to up my game when it came to adding the extension. I’m not a rivet counter by any means, but still wanted a reasonable representation of a railway and couldn’t let the layout transition from stunning handbuilt track to off‐the‐shelf pieces.” {#block-cc178273-4962-47d6-9175-182ec86c4dba}

Within three months of ‘Graig Merthyr’ (the name taken from a colliery local to Andrew) changing home, Andrew had decided to extend it. {#block-09780e92-ed47-4012-a2bb-42e7357c40cd}

“The fiddleyard that came with the layout was a little travel-worn and the join between the fiddleyard and the scenic section consisted of a small piece which was, in my opinion, poorly done. It looked as though it was an afterthought. It did mean though that I had the perfect excuse to take it out, improve it, and add an extension at the same time. Since the layout is Welsh I opted to go down the coal route for the extension and elected to incorporate a bridge that would lead to another colliery and act as a scenic break. Rather than have the bridge right at the end of the scenic section as many modellers do, I chose to put it a foot or so inside the scenic section so that trains would disappear into the distance, rather than into a tunnel. The bridge is reasonably accurate for one I saw in the local area as I took plenty of photographs and counted the bricks to make the model.” {#block-c77545f3-7bea-4a93-80df-73ef9e07e125}

#### KEEPING IT REAL {#block-b01fd46f-052b-4d90-9bfc-e395c30be83e}

When you buy a layout second-hand you can rip it all up and just use the baseboards, or you can keep everything as close as possible to the original design. {#block-5b12220d-3909-455e-a2f9-776741407ecc}

Andrew decided that the latter was the better option and kept everything as original as he could up to the Portakabin, which marks where old meets new. {#block-4ac48f5f-4f2c-46d2-8893-e40c3e36142d}

“If you’re going to buy a layout and then rip all of it out then you might as well have just started from scratch in the first place! The only significant part of the original layout I’ve changed is the old steam shed, which I’ve converted into a modern fuel point as I run the layout in the BR blue era of the 1980s. With my collection I could run it anywhere from the mid-1960s onwards. I’ve tried my best to find information about when and how the layout was first built and have come up with absolutely nothing. All I’ve been able to do is guess that it was built around the 1980s, given the products used and the dates on the few boxes that I do have from the purchase. The station area still has points controlled by H&M point motors which are very old and give a really heavy clunk when they move, but they’re pretty robust. I’ve never had any problems with them. Overall, the buildings have aged reasonably well and I’ve not had to do anything other than replace the odd missing chimney pot, and lights have been added to the platform to put my own mark on the area, but with the build quality so good in the first place, why change it?” {#block-ddb5cfbc-c50f-4a79-b402-75dd70137e3b}

Having such a good base to work with meant that Andrew could spend much more of his time on the finer details of the layout, using ideas that occur to him while he’s driving as inspiration. {#block-6ad315ec-d50b-4e9d-8c26-1a250fd16c5e}

“These details come from my memories of the area that was heavily attacked during the war. The bomb crater on top of the hill is a prime example. Today, they have all grown over, but if you go for a walk in the local valleys, you reach one and can tell by the circular nature of it and its size that nobody has dug that by hand. The manhole cover in the street allows a nice view of the sewer pipe below and those pipes have remained in my mind for a long time. When I was a boy, my friends and I used to go and play in some of the industrialised areas and we’d see these pipes. Never sure what was coming out of them as it clearly wasn’t water or sewage, we made the decision not to touch it as it was probably some industrial chemical. There weren’t the water regulations there are now. {#block-fcf857e1-c460-4879-8ef3-24f79568439b}

“I made a change to the fiddleyard earlier this year, bringing it from a 6ft straight one to a 4ft traverser, but I think now that the layout is complete. I’m certainly not extending it again now that it’s 24ft long. Of course, it takes some dedicated modelling professionals to help everybody’s layout come together so I’d like to thank Justin at Scale Model Scenery, as well as Martin and Rhys at WWS for their assistance during the build, and a special thank you goes to Chris at West Hill Wagon Works who rushed through an order for me when I realised something was missing right before Chris Nevard came to take the photographs!” {#block-e1df3825-c54d-44b5-931f-940620a56e88}

A quick eBay search shows that there are plenty of model railways for sale at the moment, and at prices to suit almost every budget. Whether you’re looking for something that’s ready to go or something that you can build upon without having to come up with a fresh idea of your own, why not have a browse and see what’s available? You might just grab yourself a bargain along the way. {#block-9101a1d9-5813-44d9-8f14-3f0c1a5e169e}

#### RAIL CRANES {#block-591bf83f-af7d-45d2-b4bf-61ea89af6fde}

Andrew has tried to lean on his experience working on the railway as much as possible with ‘Graig Merthyr’, and that includes his cranes. {#block-be8403f8-13db-4ee6-979f-3088d813d3c0}

“I wanted to include some things that not everybody has. It’s easy to buy things off a shelf but I wanted something a little bit different and cranes just seem to be my thing. The Plasser single jib crane is a resin cast kit which was a lovely kit to assemble and travels impeccably on the track because it weighs a ton! There’s also a crane I used to work on as an apprentice. This one is a Dapol kit on which I’ve made a slight alteration to the chassis to turn it into a rigid eight-wheel vehicle and I’ve adjusted the cab to give it a sloping roof rather than a flat one, as well as adding wire handrails. The match truck that goes with it was also a cheap find from Ratio that I’ve altered the jib length on as it was slightly inaccurate. {#block-cdd40931-b9ca-47b7-a04f-2c2f15aad7c9}

“The salmon wagon cranes were scratchbuilt but I have since found out that West Hill Wagon Works are making those cranes and generators, which is handy because I have another four wagons that need to be craned up. The next project is to make some long welded rail to go on the beds of the wagons which are long enough but flexible enough to go on the curves of the layout. I’ve tried a few things already but have not yet found a material which looks like rail, but bends enough to go round the curves. {#block-7ba3ddf6-7155-4b8f-9e3b-c7e43d53ee8e}

### **3 things we like** {#block-66fdfc51-e646-4d4e-b635-d6b4efe33746}

#### **FACTFILE: ‘GRAIG METHYR’** {#block-02616363-3def-45df-9884-9a00e2b7803d}

#### **ABOUT THE MODELLER: ANDREW MORRIS** {#block-e9a530fa-6a64-4a77-a789-b20022eab420}

“I work for GWR at Longrock depot, but when I’m away from the railways, either full ‐size or miniature, I get out with my Welsh sheepdog as she is a ball of non-stop energy! Our favourite walk is along the beach as she loves the sea.” {#block-345cb321-e0ad-4cd6-826f-deb00a0d4051}

What a fascinating year it has been, with an impressive array of top-quality ready-to-run locomotives and rolling stock appearing across the various scales.

As usual, modellers in ‘OO’ have been particularly spoiled for choice with a host of classic diesel and electric traction types, plus a few ‘oddballs’, while the steam era hasn’t been overlooked, with several interesting prototypes being offered for the first time.

While it’s been another quiet year for ‘OO9’ narrow gauge, the expansion of ‘TT:120’ has been fascinating to witness. The ‘Tabletop’ scale has remained the domain of just two manufacturers this year but, with Revolution Trains due to enter the fray, 2025 is lining up to be another good year for ‘TT:120’.

It has also been a modest year for new ‘N’ gauge locomotive releases, although some exceptional 2mm scale carriages and wagons did reach the market. ‘O’ gauge continues to attract new acolytes, helped by diesel and steam-outline locomotives big and small. Narrow gauge modelling in 7mm scale becomes increasingly viable, thanks to another manufacturer dipping its toe into the waters.

Our Model of the Year awards began in 2006 and offer you, the reader, a chance to acknowledge the amazing effort that manufacturers put into their products, as well as offering us a useful barometer of public opinion.

Voting is completely free and open to everyone, with each nominee consisting of a new ready-to-run model that has appeared over the calendar year, and which has been reviewed in _Model Rail_ in 2024. This includes all-new and revised toolings, including those receiving enhancements to mechanisms, electronics and detail specifications.

Categories are spread across each of the popular scales, featuring locomotives and rolling stock. For the first time, we’ve included ‘TT:120’ products, now that the scope of products has increased dramatically this year.

Due to its popularity, we have retained the option to vote for your favourite model retailer, with two categories to help differentiate larger concerns from smaller, local businesses. We’ve also been squirrelling away an amazing array of goodies for our bumper prize draw, worth well over £3,500, with free entry for everyone who votes in _Model Rail’s_ Model of the Year 2024 awards.

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 our Model of the Year 2024 awards will be automatically entered into a bumper prize draw, with a huge range of locomotives, carriages, wagons and buildings up for grabs, in ‘N’, ‘OO’, ‘TT:120’ and ‘O’ gauge, plus a Gaugemaster Infinity Sovereign DCC control system (as reviewed on page 91).

Gaugemaster infinity Sovereign DCC Starter set

Dapol 2D-005-005 Class 59, 59001 Yeoman Endeavour, Aggregate Industries

Graham Farish 372-916 LMS ‘Twin’ 10000, BR green

Graham Farish 377-615 MXA ‘Lobster’ wagon, DB red

Graham Farish 378-027 SE&CR ‘Dance Hall’ brake van, BR grey

Graham Farish 378-002A 14T Class A anchor-mounted tank wagon, National Benzole

Rapido Trains UK 942009 SECR wagon pack, SR post-1936 livery

EFE Rail E82001 SR ‘Booster’ CC1, SR grey

Heljan 5711 Class 57 57604 Pendennis Castle, GWR green

Hornby R30126 LNER Class W1 ‘Hush-Hush’, No. 10000, LNER grey/silver

Hornby R30136 LNER Class B17/5, No. 2859 East Anglian, LNER green

Hornby LMS Fowler Class 4P, No. 2300, LMS crimson

Hornby R30114, SR ‘West Country’ No. 34046 Braunton, BR green

Hornby R30359 LMS ‘Princess Coronation’, No. 46243 City of Lancaster, BR blue

Hornby R40440/1/2/3/4 Mk 3 HST coaches, Grand Central

Hornby Skaledale R7391 Dunster station building

Hornby Skaledale R7392 Dunster goods shed

Hornby Skaledale R7394 Dunster engine shed

Rapido Trains UK 945002 LNWR 10ton van, LNWR grey

Hornby TT3009M LNER Class A4, No. 60025 Falcon, BR blue

Dapol 7F-062-005 Class A tank wagon, Regent silver

Winners will be drawn at random after the **voting closes on February 16 2025** **at 11:59pm**.

Entry into the prize draw is via the Model of the Year voting website only and we reserve the right to allocate prizes at our discretion.

https://xd.wayin.com/embed/7271d578-c22f-4a01-bf36-939e5c341686?mode=responsive&scrolling=no

#### **Chris Nevard** sees what he can do with an old favourite plastic kit, which dates back to the Airfix range from the 1960s. {#block-dd276b95-875d-4983-af32-9459937be47e}

PHOTOGRAPHY: **CHRIS NEVARD** {#block-796baad7-9453-4a37-a81c-08a30247442c}

The Dapol Engine Shed kit was originally released as part of the Airfix ‘Trackside Series’, around 1960. That’s the same year that British Railways was building its final steam locomotives, so you could say that it’s a kit from the steam age – just about! {#block-8e52ce86-16c1-40ce-85bc-1fa891185e46}

This plastic kit is often overlooked these days, with so many other offerings in this area. Indeed, there are so many resin, card, plastic, laser-cut timber and now even 3D-printed engine sheds in 4mm scale, in kit and ready-toplant form. Sometimes though, when faced with a bewildering array of choice, it’s good to go back to one’s roots and remember the older kits from days gone by. {#block-72c8634b-09b0-4321-9db9-4c998140f53a}

The Dapol kit is still freely available from model shops and Dapol stockists, now packaged under the famous old Kitmaster brand name. The moulding tools may be classed as vintage, but the kit is still definitely worth experimenting with, not least due to its bargain price, which at the time of writing was under £12 (although it’s often seen on sale for less than a tenner). Looking on eBay and similar online sites, there are also plenty of the old Airfix versions still available, too, if you fancy a full-on vintage experience. {#block-0886abbb-7e23-4b12-9c22-13a402078f7c}

There’s also the likelihood that older kits will feature less in the way of ‘flash’ on the components, as the tooling was less worn. Indeed, it’s noted in the current kit’s comprehensive instructions that, owing to the age of the tooling, one must be prepared to do a little more tidying up before assembly than with more modern kits. {#block-508fc128-8909-4d42-aacc-c0975b1ec024}

A definite advantage of this (and similar) kits is that the injection-moulded plastic parts are easy to work with. They can be bonded securely with liquid poly cement, and the pliable material can be modified with a knife, drill and files. Multiple kits can be joined together and there’s plenty of opportunity to add extra exterior and interior details. {#block-8f7ee695-2b55-4b81-be7d-4f28977e338b}

With a little work, the kit can be made to look great if you accept that it will take a little more effort to complete than, say, a Wills or Ratio kit. And I hope you agree that it does have fabulous character with a hint of whimsy – something that appeals to me anyway. {#block-451c837f-4207-4515-8b2e-e9eb90fd8650}

And my final thought is that the bottom of the doors do sit rather high above the ground. I presume this allows for tinplate track-work which would have been common in the 1960s. I might graft on a bit of extra material to the base of the doors at some point to remedy this – literal – shortfall. {#block-760f5be6-893a-4841-9135-05f915a9b179}

Anyway, next time you’re browsing in your local model shop, look out for one of these kits and treat yourself to a cheap and very enjoyable assembly and painting project. {#block-cf6037d0-c84a-4293-96a0-3b7dee6c33d4}

#### What you will need {#block-c23895fd-93d1-40a6-9fa2-b81553e75e20}

**SHOPPING LIST** {#block-5a1cef8f-20b1-4066-9e7f-963d0ee8f517}

◆ Slater’s Plastikard 2mm plain plastic sheet, 7mm Scale Corrugated sheet (437) **Availability:** Model shops **Web:** _:a[www.slatersplastikard.com]{href='https://www.slatersplastikard.com/' }_ {#block-3cb3c9a3-f932-45f1-a2e9-a00fe6c5228b}

◆Grey, Red, Filler (yellow) primers and Matt Black aerosol paints **Availability:** Halfords stores **Web:** _:a[www.halfords.com]{href='https://www.halfords.com/' }_ {#block-2977883b-7b6a-4e58-88ab-0a7475765aaf}

◆A selection of brick red, yellow ochre, brown and beige matt enamel or interior matt emulsion testers • black poster paint. **Availability:** Hardware/craft stores {#block-1a022f1a-4c4c-4603-9c5c-700ecaf8d102}

◆ Styrene Solvent, such as Plastic Magic by Deluxe Materials **Availability:** Model shops **Web:** _:a[www.deluxematerials.co.uk]{href='https://www.deluxematerials.co.uk/' }_ {#block-c3e1d035-1257-4128-82df-fd0e8fc8775c}

**TOOLS** {#block-61c42940-eabd-4b99-9435-e52415794415}

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