MODELLING

‘O' gauge modellers have plenty of treats in store this month, not least Heljan's latest impressive rendering of a Reggie Rail Class 31/4, as well as new wagons and coaches on the way. ‘OO' and ‘N' fans are also well catered for – check out the N Gauge Society's Hunslet shunter marvel. And if you wonder how you can make your wagons look more wooden and less plastic, we show you how.

3 Newsdesk: Accurascale BR

Mk.2b coaches

Classic BR Mk.2b coaches are announced in ‘OO' gauge by Accurascale. At the same time, livery samples of the Class 92 locomotives are revealed. Irish Railway Models enjoys a spin-off of the Mk.2b coaches by announcing Northern Irish Railways coaching stock models in ‘OO'.

5 Newsdesk: Heljan ‘O' gauge projects progress

Liveries for the forthcoming ‘O' gauge Mk.2/2a stock are announced, alongside a first view of the new ‘O' gauge Class 56. More ‘OO' gauge 1990s period ‘Cromptons' arrive.

7 Newsdesk: Dapol pre-production HBA/HEA in ‘O' gauge emerge

Impressive-looking models of the HBA and HEA coal hopper wagons reach the pre-production sample stage, alongside the ‘O' gauge Class 66. Rails of Sheffield announces an ‘N' gauge Redland PGA hopper wagon.

10 Review: AEC GWR 'Razor Edge' Railcar

The latest addition to Heljan's range of unusual railcar models in ‘OO' gauge is tested and examined in a thorough review.

14 Review: ‘N' gauge Ecofret

Minimalist intermodal operations are made possible in ‘N' gauge with the Revolution Trains model of the VTG Ecofret wagon. The Freightliner ‘Shorty' twin-wagon set is reviewed.

15 Review: Hornby Mk.3 DVT revisited

The loose fit ‘OO' gauge model of one of Network Rail's Mk.3 DVTs is checked over.

18 Review: Hunslet happiness in ‘N'

A Yorkshire-built industrial shunter marks the fiftieth anniversary of The N Gauge Society which has its roots in Yorkshire, too. How well does this tiny, ambitious first model for the NGS, with its sophisticated electronics, perform on a layout?

23 Modelling: Weathered and worn wood in wagons

The paints and general techniques for making plastic mouldings appear like worn and weathered wood are illustrated in detail.

28 Review: Heljan ‘O' gauge Class 31/4

Has Heljan captured the character of the refurbished, late-condition Class 31s in its new ‘O' gauge model? Turn the pages to see for yourself!