Model Railway Journal

Paul Karau    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2024]    Magazine    40 pages

Edited by Paul Karau, who muses on the quality of RTR models and how they might sidetrack us, centred around his own thoughts about the recent Rapido Bedford OB bus, the improvement of which forms an article in this issue. Peter Kazer otherwise leads the articles with his scratchbuilt 1/32 "Talieisin" in an early condition, Barry Norman builds a splendid hut for his new railway in 7mm scale, absolutely beautiful in its "ordinaryness". Steve Hall creates "Earl Haig" from a 40 year old DJH Brittania kit, which is really effectively weathered in a late careworn appearance, and features on the cover of this issue, running coal empties through Drighlington. After a couple of neatly weathered 7mm RTR wagons, John Hirst follows in Stan Roberts footsteps as he embarks upon an ambitious 7mm model of Bakewell, Steve Hall is back again building a coal stage for his next project, Ian Hopkins briefly considers raking shores and finally Chris Cox continues his construction of Coventry shed and pump house circa 1839. All this plus Paul's OB article, a tickled 94XX, a lovely 7mm scale 14XX in "Portfolio", letters and accompanying photographs. As good as it gets I think.

Paul Karau    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2024]    Magazine    44 pages

Edited by Paul Karau, who discusses model private owner wagon building, with reference to a wonderful new book on the subject from the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Society, fully reviewed by Karl Crowther in this issue. The main layout feature is an exquisitely well photographed account of Greg Coomber's wonderful 7mm scale "Conyer Creek Signals", a really convincing "might have been" set on the edge of North Kent salt marshes. I find this hugely inspiring, a wonderful confection of features and realities from the quirky branch lines of the SE&CR, much artful scratch building and brilliant modelling of watery features, a complete joy, and viewable at this year's Uckfield show on the 19th and 20thOctober. Other features do not disappoint, a lovely scratchbuilt 3mm scale branch terminus "Oxenhope" from Victor Hall, a beautifully bonkers recreation of Coventry station's 1839 shed and pump house, a superb Finney 7 K3 in "Portfolio", painted and weathered by Paul Moore and Neil Podberry respectively, agricultural sack transhipment, period scaffolding, a brace of Stanier 3Ps in EM from Karl Crowther part two, a day return to Geoff Foster's Bleddfa Road for more of less(!), Trevor Pott's Concertina Van Third, all the usual features and finally Simon Dunkley has penned a thoughtful appreciation of his friend Trevor Nunn, who sadly left us in June of this year. The "Compleat Railway Modeller" indeed.

Paul Karau    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2024]    Magazine    44 pages

Paul Karau is editor for this issue, introducing Andy and Matthew Gannon's stunning P4 model of Ventnor Station with a charming personal memory of travel and the Isle of Wight. The feature itself is written by Matthew and extends to eleven pages, fully conveying the astonishing achievement that he and his brother's model represents. Technically "unfinished" it nonetheless absolutely exudes believable realism on so many fronts, as the accompanying photographs demonstrate so well. The layout is one of the attractions at this year's "Scaleforum". Moving on, Barry Norman celebrates a Ruby Anniversary in improving and building some lovely D&S 7mm Great Eastern coach kits, before Simon Bolton explores a "Sentinel" and a few matters metaphorical. Bernie Baker then gives us "Orfe Quay" (very good), a sort of accidentally acquired micro plus layout, with a lot of atmosphere and some funky wagonry, followed by Trevor Pott rehoming some Beetles. David Hunt introduces his impressive 7mm scale Midland locomotive depot, beautiful, believable and to "state of the art" S7 standards. Bob Essery would have been most impressed. Finally a letters page with a great contribution from David Taylor, whose text and accompanying photographs, reproduced with his letter, certainly struck a chord with me.

Karl Krowther    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2024]    Magazine    44 pages

Edited by Karl Crowther, who offers an upbeat outlook on the hobby as it is and will be in the future, and complete with a letters page, small supplies forum and "real atmosphere". Articles start with Dave Barrett following up his Cirencester and Nottingham Goods layouts with the very splendid "Yard No. 2", to P4 standards, and featuring a magnificent evocation of LNWR warehousing in Stockport and some superb urban domestic structures too. Karl next starts to build two Stanier 2-6-2 locomotives in EM from Mike Edge etches, before giving us a tantalising look at Colwick Park, Paul Mulligan's very well observed and modelled bit of contemporary railway, OO to boot, it is very believable and completely worthy of being in MRJ. Next up is Byton Hand, a home based layout by Peter Sutherland, and a really beautiful and characterful representation of a Great Western cross country line in the Borders before the War, featuring some lovely Finney and Mitchell based locomotives. John Holden continues to build Scottish PO wagons in S scale before Brian McCulloch gives us his "Tale of Three Turrets", a really magnificent bit of architectural modelling of a distillery building and Aboyne Station in 4mm scale, just beautiful. Finally there is a decent preview and advert for Expo EM Summer in Baildon on the 14th and 15th of August.

Paul Karau    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2024]    Magazine    44 pages

Paul Karau is in the editor's chair, musing on the value and appeal of escaping into the ordinary everyday past, which serves to introduce Dave Hawkins' fine 4mm scale Bramsden cameo, a lovely model which has yet to receive its station(!) The inspiring and talented Kier Hardy reflects upon forty odd years of EM modelling, with particular reference to wheels and diesel drivetrains, while Karl Crowther extols the virtues of the latest "Rattery" from Sutton's locomotive Works - they do sound very good.... John Holden builds Scottish PO wagons in S scale, part two to follow, while Mike Lynch shows us his innovative and ingenious approach to creating an overall roof and fantastic illusion of reality and space with his model of Carlisle Citadel in steam days, recycling par excellence! John Chambers shares with readers a couple of his wonderful P4 wagons, Chris Cox continues his tour of South Bermondsey with a tour of the soap works and Bob Fridd and his skill at painting and modelling is remembered by Ricard Barton and John Minnis. All plus letters, but no small suppliers forum this time.

Jerry Clifford    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2024]    Magazine    40 pages

Jerry Clifford contemplates the realism of our model railways in his editorial, demonstrating his points with a further tour around his own blossoming Somerset and Dorset empire in 2mm scale. Adrian Garner turns his own wheels and axles in 7mm scale, Alex Duckworth builds the distinctive EB1 in 2mm scale based upon a Mike Edge kit, and Nigel Ashton's superb 2mm scale model of Drws-Y-Nant forms the main layout feature. Gerry Beale EM-ifies the Accurascale Manor and gives it a new titfer, Guy Molyneux does a brilliant job of creating PGAs using modern methods and last but not least, Barry Norman introduces his new layout project with "Drifting away from Eye". There are also letters, and very sadly an obituary to the fantastic modeller and character that was Mike Doherty, I will miss him very much.

Paul Karau    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2024]    Magazine    44 pages

Paul Karau edits, considering the difference between modelling in either larger or smaller scales, as exemplified in this issue by Peter Kazer's diligent recreation of Festiniog track in 1/32 scale "versus" Martyn Harrison's beautifully atmospheric 009 recreation of Castle Caereinion. Other features do not disappoint, leading with Robert Dudley-Cooke taking us around the 4mm scale hamlet of Torlish, created in card after George Illife Stokes and Pendon. The result is both beautiful and believable, really good and subtle modelling on so many levels. Chris Cox draws us further into the past, to the cattle yard of Bricklayers Arms, after which Dave Roome takes us back to the future with his CAD drawn and 3D printed Plasser & Theurer ballast consolidator, finished so very believably, as are all his models. John Sherratt next presents an update on the Central Cheshire Lines, acquired from the late Don Rowland 12 years ago - wonderful to see ongoing development of such an important and interesting layout. Finally, Stephen Hannington updates readers on his Chalk Pits Railway, great industrial railway modelling in 4mm scale. We are also treated to "bagging from the wagon" on Paul's own model, "real atmosphere" from Sevenoaks in 1947, two toads from T. Pott and a letters page. Forty odd pages of serenity and calm in a perplexing world.

Steve Hall    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2024]    Magazine    40 pages

An attractive issue, following on from issue 300 with a restyled cover, sort of futuristic retro - clever stuff. Edited by Steve Hall, the contents include coaches for Drighlington, and Slates made easy, from Steve himself; Ryburn in P4 from John Dilnot, a lovely L&Y layout based upon Ripponden, more hacking of servos from Keith Slater, Shoddy and Mungo in the west Riding from Mike Taylor and what happened to the late Mike Bousher's Nonsuch Gasworks. A good crop of letters and small suppliers forum accompany the articles, and there are pictorial features of two new bits of Accurascalery, steam and diesel. I have to say that Steve's D6738 does it for me!

Paul Karau    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2023]    Magazine    44 pages

An eye catching "retro" feeling cover announces an edition of the magazine that celebrates its publishing milestone by looking forwards rather than backwards. Personally speaking, seeing the cover gave me a frisson of excitement that echoed how I used to feel when I first got hold of MRJ - back in the days when I worked in a dark suited 1980s sales operation that probably did me no good at all. The MRJ then was an oasis of "inspiring calm" which I completely lost myself in, and all these years later this issue has managed to have the same transcendental effect on me, albeit in very different personal circumstances(!) This issue opens with Geoff Forster's beautiful "Bleddfa Road", a model based in a wonderful and real landscape, that truly demonstrates just how much more less can be.This is followed by "Palmerston" another beautiful 1/32 scale scratch build from Peter Kazer, which is in turn followed by Gordon Gravett's wonderfully Gallic Breton tank. Chris Cox then takes us back to the early Victorian age with No 5 "London" in 4mm scale EM gauge. Chris Pendlenton follows like a blast of cold air with "Winters Day at Little Benton", the beginning of a spectacular and large new layout. Geoff Kent is next, taking the wraps off "Coldham Staithe" with wonderful and varied buildings in Plastikard and a track plan. After Barry Norman has moved a cattle wagon on in time, Stephen Williams reflects upon a life of modelling and introduces us to his new work "Hereford Riverside", which is shaping up to be a branch line terminus like no other. Geoff Cooper approaches things differently with his 7mm scale "Bourne End", Barry Norman finishes off 65442 and Philip Hall bulls up some Bulleid coaches to great effect. Letters and "Portfolio" completes the line up,the final pages appropriately being two beautiful views of the late Bob Barlow's own "Ynys Gwyntog".

Paul Karau    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2023]    Magazine    44 pages

Edited by Paul Karau, who encourages potential contributors to submit their material and reflects on the incredibly high quality of contemporary ready to run stock. Features include a further retrospective on "Nonsuch to Ruxley" including the current state of the surviving "Ruxley", Gerry Beale loads a "Macaw" with timber, T. Pott outlines his long established spraying techniques, Barry Norman relates the creation of J15 No 65442, and Stephen Williams refines a Hornby Hawksworth corridor second. Dave Roome shares his wonderful 1970s "Underhill Yard" layout and Chris Cox describes the creation of his "Greyhound Place" buildings for his Bermondsey model. Other features are small suppliers forum, portfolio, real modelling(?) and Alpha Mill at Slattocks Junction. No letters though - get writing!

Jerry Clifford    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2023]    Magazine    40 pages

Edited by Jerry Clifford, who muses on the benefits of adding a bit of machine toolery to one's modelling armoury, not essential but potentially beneficial and not necessarily that difficult to get useful results without a lifetime spent in machine shops. In the main magazine, Bob Isgar relates the development of his convincing "Tendring" layout in 2mm scale, plus the diesels to populate it, Richard Ellis builds a magnificent 7mm scale Midland shed for Dave Hunt's locomotives and Jerry outlines his own "Magnum opus" Bath Queen Square in 2mm scale. Gerry Beale reviews the magnificent new Siphon from Accurascale, his example representing one of the diagram 059 post war conversions, and Richard Lloydall more or less scratch builds a wonderful Cambrian Railways bus from the early years of the last Century in 4mm scale. There is a decent selection of letters, MRJ Portfolio, small suppliers forum and an interesting section of extended tributes to Pete Johnson from his modelling friends. All of them great appreciations of a much loved and fine modeller, who left us much earlier than any of us ever ought to.

Paul Karau    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2023]    Magazine    44 pages

Edited by Paul Karau, who in a piece that will resonate with many of us reflects upon a lifetime of interest and participation in the hobby and the astonishing advancement that it has undergone. Leading the articles is Mike Knowles wonderful "Frodsham West", atmospherically ordinary BR Blue, followed by an update from Geoff Tiffany on the station roof for his Dewsbury layout, a Manning Wardle and its promising cement works from Stephen Hannington and then a wonderful bit of modelling of early Bricklayers Arms from Chris Cox. Peter Kazer describes and models variations in narrow gauge track, Trevor Pott finishes off his late friend John Hayes' "Aberdare", there are letters, a preview of expoEM and a brief note from Karl Crowther marking the melancholy news that Peter Johnson has departed us all.

Jerry Clifford    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2023]    Magazine    44 pages

Edited by Jerry Clifford, who has some good news about various of Iain Rice's layouts which are set to burst upon the exhibition scene again. Features include progress on Gerry Beale's Maiden Newton layout in EM scale, various of Jerry's 2mm projects including his splendidly bijou Midland turntable and a Stirling O class named Nancy - really! The Cardiff 4mm Group's very lovely "Pencader" in EM scale, more 2mm locomotives from Maestro Greenwood, adapting tools and hacking servos from Bob Isgar, a healthy letters page, and an extended set of fond recollections of the much missed Tony Reynalds.

Karl Crowther    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2023]    Magazine    44 pages

Edited by Karl Crowther, who after recounting his modelling "journey", goes on to recall his friend Tony Stoker and his "Bristol and Exeter Extension" railway. Featured in detail photographically and described by Ted Burt, this truly was a "Layout of a Lifetime". David Beale builds some beautiful 4mm PO wagons in wood, of all things, Brian McCulloch makes a career change and sort of steps into Geoff Taylor's shoes with his "Braeside Models" venture, Karl updates us on his own "Kentside Branch, describing the signalling of his lakeside line, really well done and ever so believable.There is also a very nice photographic feature of "Canada Street", appearing at "Expo EM" shortly, followed by a feature on the stonework for Slattocks Junction. In other features the sad passing of Tony Reynalds is noted in a very nice recollection from Keith Ettle, another legendary Bristolian who makes an appearance round these parts from time to time. Other snippets include letters, a very intereresting recollection of Salanson's and its part of Bristol from Doug Banham, the note that the late John Hayes "Wallingford" layout is up for careful fostering, and news of really useful rivets from the genius that is Steve at Railtec in small suppliers forum. How Steve gets done half of what he achieves is completely beyond me, he is a phenomenal worker and very talented to boot - a future "legend" in this hobby I am sure.

Steve Hall    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2023]    Magazine    44 pages

Steve Hall is in the editor's chair, introducing his issue with as nice an editorial as I have ever read, and following it up with an extended tour around his own completed "Drighlington" model railway. In other articles, wheels are re-invented, Pendon has acquired a most attractive Gloucester Carriage and Wagon signal box, Tony White reveals his talented tiny tender tricks and more or less bringing up the rear is a characterful BR brake van. Plus letters, small suppliers forum, some other inspiring pictorial features and Michael Rumsey records the passing of a true hobby legend, Ken Payne, who died in his hundredth year on December the 12th last.

Jerry Clifford    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2022]    Magazine    44 pages

Edited by Jerry Clifford, this issue marks the very sad passing of Iain Rice on October 8th, a few days short of his 75th birthday. Apart from Jerry's editorial, which places Iain's name rightly amongst the hobby's "greats", there are some really lovely photographs of Iain and his layouts, together with a nice collection of memories and thoughts about Iain from a number of contributors. The content otherwise features a very enjoyable retrospective article on "Great Bardfield" from its creator Dave Hawkins, a most appealing "Lockdown Loco" article from gentle genius Laurie Griffin - how he made use of recent "unexpected time", "Radstock" a fabulous coaster of the Somerset and Dorset Railway modelled in no less than two scales by maestro modeller Gordon Gravett, a 1:50 Corpet Louvet 0-6-0 by the same hand, "Port Jubilee" from Anthony Yeates, a beautiful and clever minimum space 2mm layout with shades of Neil Rushby's "Shell Island" and Steve Cook's "Dungeness Siding", and, takes a breath, Jerry Clifford's clever re-working of "Highbury Colliery" in an article that features some astonishingly good track level photographs - the Somerset and Dorset lives again!

Paul Karau    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2022]    Magazine    40 pages

Edited by Paul Karau, who reflects upon the kindness of individuals within the hobby and recalls in particular the generosity and spirit of recently departed John Dornom, whose genius adorns the cover. There follows a charming 1963 photographic review of "Ruxley", a layout by the Epsom and Ewell MRC that inspired a young Paul Karau on to his finescale journey, still impressive all these years later. Other features include a trio of practical modelling articles from the pen of T. Pott, Stephen Williams continuing the story of developments at Faringdon with some excellent gardening, a lovely small 7mm scale layout from Albert Cotton and Tony White building neat tenders. Finally an appreciation of the talented John Dornom, 1950 - 2022.

Paul Karau    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2022]    Magazine    40 pages

Edited by Paul Karau, who muses on a model's ability to capture feel and atmosphere and thereby introduces the main feature in this issue; a beautifully illustrated account of the thinking and influences behind Kier Hardy's magnificent "Hornsey Broadway". Peter Kazer constructs the diminutive "Spooner" in 1/32 scale, Trevor Pott invites us on to the "Torbay Express" for a final time, we catch up on developments on Paul's own model of Henley on Thames and there is an extended feature on the modelling of the late Dick Petter.

Karl Crowther    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2022]    Magazine    40 pages

Edited by Karl Crowther, who celebrates the enjoyment of our being able to gather once more at exhibitions and the opportunities offered to all of us by the ever improving 3D printing. Features include a welcome update from Karl on his own Kentside Branch, an interesting piece on filming moving models from Richard Challis, part two of Peter Kazer's 2'3" wagons in 1/32 scale, Johnny Duffet with a really good piece on 3D printing and the results achievable, Ian Worthington updates us on his now static "Glaisden", and Pete Hill scratch builds an S160 in EM. Plus a review of the EM gauge society's Peco produced track system, a 7mm GW yard crane, beautiful photographs of Abergynolwyn village's TR yard, an early water crane and details of all the forthcoming shows.

Paul Karau    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2022]    Magazine    40 pages

Edited by Paul Karau himself, musing upon how nostalgia moves on and even admitting to admiring some recent models of the once ubiquitous "bubble" railcars that usurped his beloved Pannier tanks and coaches on the Henley to Twyford branch. Contents feature A "Torbay Express" for Churston from Trevor Pott, a compact O gauge line with an intriguing plan from Derek Haynes, Stephen Williams continuing to detail Station Road at Faringdon, beautiful 1/32 slate wagons from Peter Kazer, Richard Ellis building a convincing 7mm model of the Midland's Berkely Road and bathroom sealant and wagon tarps from Tony Hammond. Smaller features cover, vehicles and progress at Henley from Paul Karau, new RTR 4mm wagon offerings with Gerry Beale, David Lane's skillful modelling of High Wycombe's original station, Geoff Kent's Station Hotel for Dewsbury and finally remembering the irrepressible, wonderful and sadly late Grahame Hitchen.

Jerry Clifford    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2022]    Magazine    44 pages

Edited by Jerry Clifford, who muses on whether sheds are lofts, and cheekily purloins (not purlins, please note) my word "Shoffice", which is of course a cross between a shop and an office. A shed and a roof would surely be a "shroof" or something. I'll forgive him, it must be the strain of making everything in such a tiny scale, and Jerry's great skill in this regard is evidenced by the final part of his article on building his truly exquisite Kirtley locomotive. Sadly, this issue marks the passing of another small scale genius, Keith Armes, who is recalled by Tim Watson, Barry Norman and Jerry himself. Layouts feature Ian Smith's 1906 GWR 2mm scale Modbury and a major update on Robin Whittle's magnificent "Barrow Road". T. Pott was over for lunch yesterday and part of the fun was him pointing out to me on Robin's wonderful model where he and his mates used to stand when trainspotting! In other articles Peter Kazer delights with part 2 of James Spooner in 1/32, Simon Grande weathers in 2mm scale, Richard Ellis makes a delightful Parcels receiving office in 7mm scale and Richard Challis flies way above my head with part 3 of lots of fiendish relay based interlocking, which is clever beyond (my) imagination. And there are two letters too.

Barry Norman    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2022]    Magazine    44 pages

Edited by Barry Norman, whose editorial theme of trains in the night leads neatly into Jim Smith-Wright's masterful evocation of the night time railway through a stunning collection of images of the latest incarnation of "Brettell Road". James Wells artfully makes the Hornby 08 more mundane in P4, James Aitken applies the latest laser cutting and 3D printing to wagon construction, the late John Watson's friends describe the evolution of his last model, "Cratfield" accompanied by a stunning images of the finished result, Mike Osborne builds a Midland trolley wagon in S7 and Jamie Guest brings up the rear modelling overhead line equipment for his Lancaster Green Ayre layout in 7mm scale. Finally Bob Essery's sad passing is recorded with a well written obituary from his friend David Hunt accompanied by a personal "thank you" from Paul Karau.

David Hunt    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2021]    Magazine    44 pages

David Hunt guest edits this splendid "Midland" edition of the MRJ, in part to celebrate forty years of the Midland Railway Society. Formed by thirteen people who met in a cafe in Derbyshire, it now has over 500 members and as David explains is active in many fields. Bob Essery is the first name that will come to many of us when we think of the Society and "matters Midland", and he was one of he founding thirteen in that Derbyshire cafe. Sadly Bob Essery passed away on the evening of November 23rd, too late to be recorded in this issue, but he would I am quite sure have been very pleased with what David has assembled here. No doubt Bob will be properly recalled in the next issue, apart from everything else he had a large involvement with Paul Karau and many wonderful Wild Swan publications over the years. For myself, I enjoyed a number of telephone conversations with Bob after I acquired Wild Swan and always valued his insight, positive approach and generosity of spirit, he will be remembered and much missed. Going back to the magazine, contents are a great feature on the fabulous new model railway being built in the new "Museum of Making" at Derby, Stephen Lea affectionately describing his building and modifications of the Slater's 4mm scale MR wagons, notable layouts Heckmondwike and Chee Tor are recalled, a Buxton motortrain in 7mm scale from Mike Holland, a superb Midland "Gallery", all topped off by Peter Kazer's magnificent 1/32 scale "James Spooner" and finally Martin Wicks makes it into print improving Dapol vans in 7mm scale. Plus the estimable T. Pott on luggage duties, letters and the totally believable "Caledonian Road Junction" signal box from Bob Juleff.

Jerry Clifford    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2021]    Magazine    44 pages

Edited by Jerry Clifford, with an appropriately but cautiously upbeat look towards the future(!), the main layout feature is a really impressive scenic model of Moretonhampstead in 2mm finescale. This is followed by a virtuoso performance from Howard Bolton on his lever frame, PO wagons and a lovely Kirtley model from the editor, a "Toplight" in 4mm scale by Gerry Beale, a Midland wagon in (glory be) 1/32 scale by Richard Ellis, platform lamps for High Wycombe from Tim Peacock, Classical Jazz part three from Dave Doe and louvered Midland milk van in 7mm scale from Laurie Griffin. Also, sadly, an obituary to the towering figure of Don Rowland who sadly left us recently.

Barry Norman    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2021]    Magazine    44 pages

Edited by Barry Norman, who makes some thoughtful and forward thinking comments about the "virtuality" of recent shows and the benefits that this new approach has brought forwards. Rosehearty is the main layout feature, a pleasingly spacious looking 7mm location on the beautiful Moray Firth in earlyish BR days, which is followed up by James Wells tinkering with a Cavalex BBA wagon to great effect, after which Barry gives a nicely scratchbuilt J69 an effective makeover, including bicycle on the front! Lindsay Galloway continues his description of modelling Burntisland's roundouse, David Fishers opens the doors to motivation and a Bachmann BG, James Smith sledgehammers a Southern nut with 3D printing and CAD (sorry), banner repeaters for High Wycombe from Tim Peacock, a lovely extended piece on Paul Rhodes' very wonderful "Old Parrock", one of the very worthy winners of the "Cameo Competition", kit bashing bridge castings from David Wager and a couple of snaps of a breathe on Dapol Sentinel in 7mm scale, plus letters and small suppliers forum too.

Karl Crowther    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2021]    Magazine    44 pages

Edited by Karl Crowther and with a much brighter looking cover than of late, the lead article is a welcome and well illustrated visit to Hywell Thomas's Morfa Bank Sidings, reviewing recent developments on this most original and convincing evocation of the 1970s embers of South Wales industry. The other layout article is Karl's own "Kentside" lifetime layout project, wonderful shades of Arthur Whitehead and David Jenkinson set around the Lakes, a gloriously ambitious scheme with a lot of work carried out already. Other articles include Howard Bolton's unbelievable lever frame for Leeds City Station, a simple conversion of a Bachmann J72 to EM scale by Pete Hill, Tony White concludes his modelling story, Ian Worthington builds a big chimney for Glaisden and Adam Capman builds a an aluminium prefab in 4mm scale from an interesting kit. Plus letters, small suppliers forum and obituaries to Brian Rogers and Roy Link.

Paul Karau    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2021]    Magazine    44 pages

Edited by Paul Karau, happily recounting both his and some of his many friends modelling achievements over the last 10 months or so. Although this might have been the Christmas issue it is unmarked and without festive decoration or baffling quiz, but the contents are as interesting as they come. Professor Tony White conducts us through the first part of his modelling life, touching upon many familiar names and ideas along the way, while no less than two articles are devoted to wonderful Southern Electrics. Stephen Hannington pursues a fairly conventional route (by which I mean no criticism) while John Chick comes at the subject straight from the side of a fairly high wall. Alan Webber produces a densely populated Quad Art in 4mm scale, Geoff Forster reports on an artful move into 7mm scale with his "Bleddfa Road" essay, two postcards from Steve Hall's "Drighlington and Adwalton" and Lindsay Galloway models the roundhouse at Burntisland. An obituary to Paul King, more wagon loads from Trevor Pott, small suppliers forum and a healthy letters page complete the line up.

Martin Nield    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2020]    Magazine    44 pages

Edited by Martin Nield, this issue has a very good mix of articles I think. In "my own" scale of 1/32 scale there is an inspiring account of how Peter Kazer built Talyllyn No 4, in O gauge Simon Fountain discusses the locomotives he has built for "Blackberry Lane Shed", John Thompson builds some magnificent NER signals for "Port Solway", the editor reflects on his completed L&YR P4 "Eccleston" layout, Ralph Robertson builds the magnificent Alphs Mill for "Slattocks Junction", while Stephen Williams adds an advertising hoarding to "Faringdon". This article features one of the nicest colour pictures of the steam era railway that I have ever seen, taken on the Severn Valley line at Bridgnorth, just lovely. A decent letters page contains a wonderfully indignant letter from one John Bennet in Towcester which had me re-reading Tim Watson's piece from last month(!), small suppliers forum has a fab picture of auto trailer enhancements, and lastly Dave Rowe marks the sad passing of his wife Shirley with a beautifully written celebration of their life together. Moving, uplifting, funny and absolutely full of interest to anyone who has been in this hobby for more than five minutes, it brought to my mind the letter Dave wrote to Railway Modeller following some slightly fulsome obituaries to the once ubiquitous Cyril Freezer. It was candid, insightful, down to earth and bloody funny but also kind to the memory of a man who had spread a lot of joy amongst us all in one way and another. RIP Shirley, you are much missed by many.

Jerry Clifford    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2020]    Magazine    40 pages

Edited by Jerry Clifford, with an editorial that acknowledges the impact of Coronavirus but also reflects on the happy notion that few of us modellers and enthusiasts will have suffered boredom over the last few strange months, and that some of us might even have finished the odd model. Speaking for myself, I haven't been bored, and my own 1/32 brake van has made some progress - hopefully it will gain wheels and even some paint before the year is out. In the magazine there is a lovely retrospective on Copenhagen Fields, an article on "stay alives", kitchen table scratch building an Irish 4-4-0, the brilliant (EM) "Bottom Works Siding" (one of the superbest Cameo competition winners), a shop from St Erth beautifully modelled in 2mm scale, and bringing up the rear a Class 15 in 2mm scale from Bob Isgar. Plus letters, small suppliers forum and obituaries to Dave Alexander and Adrian Swain, who have both sadly left us.

Jerry Clifford    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2020]    Magazine    44 pages

Edited by Jerry Clifford, pre lock down, but with a very good advert on the rear cover from Sutton's Locomotive Works that is superbly post coronavirus. Maybe, in the hopefully not too distant future, "PC" may take on a whole new meaning - we can live in hope. Back to the trains; Dave Stone's beautiful "Sherston Abbas" headines this issue, Nick Mitchell puts stay alives in a 2mm scale shunter, a properly detailed and thought provoking article, Graham Tierney adapts the ever popular Ration "Iron Mink" to represent some Welsh cousins, a superb 2mm finescale "Castle" conversion by Keith Armes and Steve Martin, keeping things clean on "Copenhagen Fields" by Tim Watson, featuring some truly breathtaking panorama shots of the whole project, drawing your own decals by Andy Carlson and a Sentinel shunter in "S" by John Holden. Plus letters, small suppliers, a tribute to the late Fred Blackman and some nice "portfolio" shots including "Hornsey Broadway" and a North Eastern Railway directors saloon by Barry Norman. A great issue celebrating and showcasing a great hobby - very useful in these strange times for those of us lucky enough to be suitably afflicted!

Barry Norman    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2020]    Magazine    44 pages

Barry Norman is in the editorial chair, musing on the changes in attitudes and the "nuts and bolts" of model railway photography over the years. The main layout feature is a very atmospheric rendering of Killybegs on the County Donegal, beautifully created in the unusual scale of 10mm to the foot by Chris Romain. Brian Self creates an authentic Southern yard lamp for St Merryn, Geoff Haynes uses a Brassmasters chassis kit to EM-ify the exquisite Hornby SECR liveried C class, Andy Glover scratchbuilds an award winning model of Stoneswood MIll in 2mm scale, Graham Thompson continues building LSWR non corridor coaches from issue 275, Martyn Welch sets about weathering 7mm tank wagons and finally Lawrence Boul uses digital modelling to produce a beautifuly observed horse and gig, his example being in S scale. Plus letters, small suppliers forum and some exquisite "portfolio" shots of a wagon and a locomotive.

Gerry Beale    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2020]    Magazine    44 pages

Gerry Beale is in the editorial chair, sensibly suggesting that we embrace new technologies and high quality RTR rather than bemoaning a potential loss of craft skills. The the main layout feature is Dent and Dentdale in 4mm OO(?) by Ian Nuttall. Previously featured in Railway Modeller, "Railway of the Month" in November 2013, this exquisite and atmospheric layout has somehow previously passed me by. A terrific follow up to the late David Jenkinson's "Garsdale Road" and also acknowledging David's wonderful "Rails In The Fells" book, which must rate as the best Geography lesson that has ever been given(!) I'm sure David would forgive me, it is a book that inspired me and which I still go back to and it helped Ian to produce his breathtaking recreation too. Other features include Worseter locomotive shed, Gerry and Jerry building a 54XX in EM, using state of the art products from the trade, Rodney Cooper builds an exquisite GWR Diagram L autotrailer from a David Geen kit, Alan Brakenborough shows us a new halt on his achingly beautiful garden line and the irrepressible Dave Murdoch introduces us to his South Wearing Light Railway. All just about as good as it gets I think, plus a decent letters page and the usual features - wonderful.

Barry Norman and Paul Karau    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2019]    Magazine    44 pages

Edited by Paul and Karau Barry Norman, jointly musing on the Cameo and other layout challenges and the consequent starting of projects, or not. The main article features Mike Baker and Martin Finney's "Newton Heath Works", the winner of the Cameo challenge and a superb bit of modelling to boot, complete with working tipper wagons and a novel use for cat lit! Two lovely LSWR non corridor coaches built from Southwark Bridge etches by Graham Thompson, Stephen Williams developing suburbia at Faringdon, some superb signals in "Portfolio", Ty Dwr water column in 7mm scale by Peter Kazer and Gordon Gravett, (a really lovely bit of scenic modelling of a lost feature on the Talyllyn Railway) and Tim Peacock finishes some GWR standard water tanks. Also small suppliers forum, Trever Pott on wagon loads and a decent letters page, which includes a great piece of writing from Peter Hunt of Chuffs fame recalling Mike Sharman and the Tibetian National.... So thank you Peter and farewell Mike, singular characters both.

Jerry Clifford    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2019]    Magazine    44 pages

Jerry Clifford in the chair again with a gently mindful editorial which is partially written in the light of recent appearances of our hobby in the media I think. The main layout feature is Andrew Bartlett's wonderful N gauge "Blueball Summit", which I am very pleased to see in the pages of MRJ - a fantastically atmospheric rendition of Blue diesels and the West Country before BR's spree of depressing destruction in the mid 1980s, and just as I remember it all being. John Elliott introduces his new layout following the brilliant "Bradfield", Paul Bannerman builds Gordon Ashton and Gordon Gravett's clever etched chassis and fits it under the lovely Hornby "Peckett", a feature on some of the gems to come from the Cameo competition and Giles Favell discusses theatre and model railways - exhibition layout builders please take note! Simon De Souza scratchbuilds an exquisite Cavan and Leitrim van in 4mm scale, Richard Ellis shows us around his brilliant "Midland in Bristol" and Maurice Hopper extols the virtues of slow modelling. Finally, Iain Rice records the sad passing of the genial genius who was Mike Sharman, who did so much more for the hobby than is generally known, his range of wheels arriving on the scene just in time to make P4 more than just a theoretical dream. Talking to David White of Slaters' at Mike's funeral, he told me that he and Mike more or less started off developing the production of wheels together. After an evening that saw the two of them discussing the problems and possibilities of finescale wheels, morning saw Mike presenting David with a prototype wheel (after two overnight hours in his garage) and the rest, as they say, became history. Mike developed his range of wheels in 4mm scale, subsequently sadly lost, while David pursued the 7mm scale route to create the fantastic range that is available today.

Jerry Clifford    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2019]    Magazine    44 pages

Jerry Clifford carries the editorial honours, talking about multimedia modelling, and whether it is, or isn't (modelling). The main layout article is an ambitious and stunning depiction of South Pelaw in EM Gauge, a layout I had never heard of until reading this article, with a great accompanying text written by its creators. Giles Favell describes in detail the creation of his radio controlled mechanical horse, Stephen Hannington describes his "quickie" London suburban station "Surrey Arms", really effective and believable, and Jerry himself provides the only 2mm scale input with a description of his Midland Railway signalboxes for his Bath Queen Square project. Aside from letters and the diary, this issue also marks the sad passing of Richard Hollingworth, joint creator of Parkside with Andrew Hastie, amongst much else.

Paul Karau    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2019]    Magazine    40 pages

Edited by Paul Karau, musing on narrow gauge locomotives, this issue also contains Geoff Kent's continuing account of how he created "Black Lion Crossing", Dave Roome describes his latest, a convincing Scottish suburban survival in the 1970s, Trevor Pott contributes an informative piece on wagon loads and their wherefores, which we could all do with paying a bit more attention to I think. Other features cover some intriguing Wartime model buildings, Justin Newitt applying his etches and other magic to 4mm railtanks, a glimpse of Peter Kazer's latest convincing models of Hughes locomotives in two scales and finally some 4mm scale suburban development in rural Oxfordshire. Plus an obituary to ERH Francis, letters and the other usual bits.

Barry Norman    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2019]    Magazine    44 pages

Edited by Barry Norman, musing on the success of EM over the last fifty odd years and the exciting news that Peco are producing RTR track for the EM Gauge Society. The main layout feature is Geoff Kent's terrific "Black Lion Crossing", which is now completed as Geoff explains in his accompanying article. Freight only and partial as this layout is, it seems to me to have captured pretty much everything that one could wish for from a model railway, in addition to looking utterly believable. As with many of our projects, it has involved the participation and co-operation of friends in its construction, and the whole thing is a complete delight from beginning to end. In other articles, Tim Peacock describes building a Braithwaite tank for Aylesbury, Alan Whitehead revisits and details the catenary on his glorious 2mm scale Woodhead based model and Richard Ellis details old ground on his Midland in Bristol cameo. Aside from the usual extra features and letters, there is an interesting feature on Peco's involvement in producing the first RTR EM pointwork and finally a superb feature from Philip Harvey on his "Ambleden Station", showing that romance and imagination play at least as important a part in creating a believable railway scene than any amount of accuracy or precision will ever do. Oh, there is an update on the Cameo competition from Iain Rice too, don't forget that you can see the results of the challenge for yourself at "Railex" on May the 25th and 26th this year.

Gerry Beale    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2019]    Magazine    44 pages

Edited by Gerry Beale, musing on what makes us model what we model and the joys of catholic taste, main layouts featured are both Midland, Robin Whittle's epic P4 rendition of Bristol Barrow Road shed and a wonderful 7mm model railway depicting the Midland 100 years or so ago. Nothing so unusual about that you might think except that it is in the Antipodes and built by a genuine Australian gent. Actually, I think it is a type of model railway which we in the UK have sort of forgotten about as we all apparently strive for ever more accurate renditions of "scale", some of us apparently believing that only models of real places are "proper" models. What utter tosh, sez I, and Graeme Lewis, his wonderful writing and this layout are all real breaths of fresh air, so thank you and well done Graeme. Having upset everyone, the rest of this issue contains more stock by Gerry himself, Mark Humphries finessing a Pannier chimney, Rodney Cooper building a stylish DMU, John Darch doing a large Prairie, a superb bit of the old Talyllyn from Peter Kazer and an obituary to the incredibly talented Stewart Hine. And letters, one being illustrated with a very fine bit of North American modelling by my highly talented friend Dave Easto. As Bill Smarme has so often sung, there is nothing like a Dave...

Barry Norman    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2018]    Magazine    44 pages

Barry Norman is in the editorial chair, with an up to the minute and thoughtful muse on Channel Five's "Great Model Railway Challenge" and its relevance to the world of MRJ. He then contributes a complete constructional article on scratchbuilding a convincing J70 tram in 7mm scale from plastikard, complete with the imperfections and "dings" that etched kits can't provide - he also perpetuates the "Goodall Heresy" but in ScaleSeven waters(!) Mick Simpson does a rapid conversion of a Farish "37" to 2FS, Tim Peacock continues with his superb GWR buildings for High Wycombe, the down buildings this time, we take a look at Stuart Holt's out of the ordinary model of Culrain, Martyn Welch weathers some Dapol 7mm scale mineral wagons and finally Geoff Forster shows us his clever scenic fiddleyard.

Paul Karau    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2018]    Magazine    40 pages

Paul Karau is in the editorial chair and the headline layout is Richard Butler's rather wonderful "Westcliff on Sea", the Dorset Riviera as it never quite was. Peter Kazer is helping to recreate Towyn Pendre in 1/32 scale, Geoff Kent previews Black Lion Crossing which I enjoyed seeing earlier this year, Iain Rice takes time off Cameo layouts to delve back into his history on the "Cockfield Thunderbolt" while Kier Hardy exhorts us to stop fiddling at the back. Finally the letters feature the thoughts of the late W.S. Norris upon embarking on a significant new layout at the age of 62 - there's hope for me yet!

Gerry Beale    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2018]    Magazine    44 pages

Gerry Beale is in the editorial chair for what is quite a "Western" flavoured issue. Trevor Pott reflects upon fifty odd years of modelling Churston, from field surveys in the 1960s through to the current state of the hobby, while Robert Dudley Cooke describes the auto workings on his Kinstorre layout, heavily influenced by local workings around Plymouth. In the how to do it department, Mark Humphreys improves smokebox doors using precise high tech methods, Gerry Beale titivates the Hornby Toad while some bloke in Bath uses low tech methods to make the Titfield Toad in Gauge One, in slightly less time than T. Pott took to recreate Churston station. Finally Roger Bird describes his characterful recreation of Annascaul level crossing on the Tralee and Dingle Railway. No letters this issue, so if you have a worthwhile thought then why not send one in, I mean it's no good looking on RMweb for an interesting discussion on MRJ is it?

Barry Norman    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2018]    Magazine    40 pages

Barry Norman in the chair, gently sounding off about sound and the main layout article is Jas Millham's latest S scale essay "Abbey Street". Richard Ellis builds a convincing goods office in 7mm scale using MDF and DAS, Karl Crowther builds Parkside's Toad E in P4, Barry Norman makes an English Elm, Laurie Griffin shows how to make smokeboxes in brass, Mike Baker improves the Lionheart Pannier and Laurie Adams makes lots of point rodding in 2mm scale - incredible!

Martin Nield    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2017]    Magazine    44 pages

Martin Nield is in the chair for what is a festive edition, which has a bit of an operational theme to it, unsurprisingly(!) Plumpton Green is fully explored and illustrated, with particular reference to operation, while the next major article covers operating Midland Sidings by the estimable Westinghouse club. Forgive me, but on page 296 I was very pleased to see the hut I contributed looking suitably authentic (it is the grotty one with its back to you). Tony Wilkins then describes his fantastic working wagon tippler, Gavin Clark explains how he built his lovely Lancashire and Yorkshire signal box for Kerrinhead and Bob Essery contributes an Ellerton Road update. The very sad passing of John Spencer is recorded, the builder of Ryton Road and a superb "plywood wonder" with an unpronouncable name for Bernie Baker. Finally we have letters, well a letter really, from one Iain Rice who disusses Tony Wright's recent contribution in the context of OO and P4, informative and measured, it makes for interesting reading I think.

Karl Crowther    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2017]    Magazine    44 pages

Karl Crowther is in the editorial chair once more, and leads with a thought provoking and uplifting piece on the benefits that visiting exhibitions and involvement in the wider hobby offers us all. The main article is an update on developments on Hywel Thomas's wonderful "Morfa Bank Sidings" featuring a canal and locks running through the centre of the layout - jaw droppingly good modelling. Other features include an examination of the coal drops on Karl's Hebble Vale Goods, the award winning "Mill" layout by Jason Thomas and Chris Rogers (also with well modelled coal drops), a glimpse of Edge Hill and a retrospective on operation at Dewsbury Midland from Bob Essery. Constructional articles are Pete Jary on building a bunch of 7mm scale banana vans and Adam Chapman scratchbuilding a Swindon built Lowmac, an inspiring mixture of fretting out brass, plastikard wrangling and the odd commercial casting - all of which produces a superb result and makes me want to take the piercing saw of its hook and get going. In addition, small suppliers forum, diary, letters and an obituary to mark the sad passing of Chris Crofts back in February, the author of the seminal series on scratchbuilding wagons in MRJs 12-15.

Jerry Clifford    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2016]    Magazine    46 pages

The ubiquitous Mr Clifford is in the editorial seat for this issue, musing on another punch up on RMweb and the desirability or otherwise of modelling a preservation scheme, all quite surprisingly thought provoking. Dave Nicholson builds a superb timber viaduct in the style of Mr Brunel, T. Pott intrioduces us to the population of his Churston model, 2mm finescale layout in a weekend, kitbashing a 7mm 9F, coach building, some out of this World French urban modelling and the extremely nice Ballyconnell Road in 3mm scale, plus letters etc.

Karl Crowther    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2016]    Magazine    44 pages

Karl Crowther, in the guest editorial chair for the first time, kicks off a vintage issue with a thoughtful and interesting editorial. The Internet in general and specifically RMWeb are both referenced and the whole issue has a pleasingly contemporary feel to it. The layout features are a great mix of nostalgia and modern approaches to the hobby; "Metropolitan Junction" by the late Doug Williams and "Tollesbury Quay" by Martin Stringer, both fabulous models anyone's standards. "Doing" articles include an unusual scratch built shunter by Hywel Thomas and a choice bit of wagonery from Adam Chapman featuring the "Rumney Models" products from the talented Justin Newitt. Plus the usual features and a magnificent two sided preview of Kier Hardy's "Hornsey Broadway" . A vintage issue I feel, showcasing a great hobby in great shape.....

Gerry Beale    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2015]    Magazine    44 pages

Gerry Beale is in the editorial chair and refrains from controversy, discussing instead the pleasures and benefits to be had from the sharing of information amongst friends. Articles include an interesting piece on locomotive finishing by Malcolm Mitchell, Alan Brackenborough on finishing a 7mm scale autotrain and a very convincing 4mm Siphon G from Gerry which includes good prototype reference for these attractive vehicles. All plus articles on baseboard joins from Gordon Gravett, Howard Bolton on complex track formations and Bob How on cunning manual point operation. Other odd pieces and letters too, thankfully (I think) no reply to last issue's "intereseting" critique of Dewsbury.

Roy Jackson    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2015]    Magazine    44 pages

Suffering catfish Rivetman! After Gauge One on the cover of 235 we are treated to a stunning 5 inch gauge Southern plywood van of utter believability - so much for that "small scale only" tag eh? A cheeky but well observed editorial from Roy Jackson that promulgated a Kafkaesque thread of epic proportions on RMweb does not detract from an excellent issue, Doug Hewson on how he ceates and finishes his 5 inch gauge masterpieces, an update on Geoff Kent's "Black Lion Crossing" and an extended article on the excellent "Black Country Blues" - but one tangible result of the gloriously lunatic RMweb. And at the other end of the scale the letters page has an epistle that can only have been written by someone on hallucinatory substances and with a couple of OS maps firmly pla... ahem!

Jerry Clifford    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2014]    Magazine    42 pages

The editor for this issue is my friend Jerry Clifford, who has pulled together a diverse collecton of contributions including a short piece from some fellow in Bath working in Gauge One. Speaking personally for one moment, this my first "appearance" in Model Railway Journal is giving me a huge amount of pleasure (although I can see things I could have been done better). The largest article is John Greenwood's retrospective look back at his nearly 50 years of modelling culminating in his terrific North Cornwall system, great writing and models and a good bit of nostalgia too, whilst another character making a rare-ish appearance is Brian Harrap with his Quai 87. Plus old hands Laurie Griffin, Gordon Gravett, an aeorofilms piece, and the letters include more common sense from T.Pott and a reference to a joke on the Internet(!) If there is a theme running through this wonderful hotch potch then it is probably the joy of making stuff and I think that Jerry has written a particularly good editorial with this in mind, seasonal, fraternal, wise even - I certainly intend to take his advice over the impending festive season!

Paul Karau    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2014]    Magazine    44 pages

Paul Karau is in the editorial chair, musing on layout design challenges and their success at moving modellers from the armchair to the bench. The articles feature John Dornom detailing his very credible looking King, Stephen Williams taking us down the lane at Pendon in full colour, part two of the description of the very impressive Alloa layout in P4, A good preview of Scalefourum, advertising hoardings and a very clever and appealing "shunting plank" in 2mm finescale. All this plus Geoff Kent's garage, a 7mm scale West Country in Malachite green and the usual letters and reviews, something for everyone in this issue I think.

Paul Karau    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2014]    Magazine    42 pages

Paul Karau is in the editorial chair, musing on how memories can be evoked by smells and how unlikely that modelling will be able to do this, whilst "inside" Alloa features prominently alongside a very real looking trio of Kings in 7mm scale from John Dornom. Trevor Pott gives us the latest report from the platform at Churston and there are a good number of other smaller articles. The last rather oil stained issue is discussed in the letters page, Laurie Griffin's response entertains - I can just see Ozzy Osbourne listening to the "Lark Ascending" whilst eating coq au dansak and perhaps operating Jim Smith-Wright's New Street recreation - just a thought you understand..

Barry Norman    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2014]    Magazine    42 pages

Barry Norman introduces us to an issue which has a distinct whiff of fuel oil about it, being more or less completely populated by models pertaining to the diesel age and largely in the "Rail blue" era, reviled by many of us at the time but by now appearing oddly appealing. Simon Thompson introduces us to the locomotives of Aberbeeg, one of the most interesting and challenging layouts currently on the exhibition scene, Karl Crowther gives his Bachmann Class 25 fully sprung bogies using Ian Penberth's ingenious "Penbits" system, Jim Smith Wright is the exception to blue with a neatly crafted 317 EMU in Network South East livery and other articles examine Heljan diesels from a Scaleseven perspective and replicate Bass's canning line using a laser cutter. It is interesting to see a whole MRJ without steam, perhaps reflecting the fact that "modern image" modelling (sorry, I know that description drives lots of you crackers but I can't resist it) has by now moved firmly away from the "acres of Lima" phase.

Paul Karau    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2014]    Magazine    40 pages

Paul is in the editorial chair, musing on research driven modelling and the pleasures to be gained from immersing yourself in lunatic historical accuracy - speaking for myself I find the water very comfortable. Actual contents: Part three of Geoff Kent's lovely scratch building coaches in Plastikard, the Brassmasters story continues, more Gresley 02 from Tom Mallard, etching artwork, lots of nice filling in article-ettes and just for cheerful Kenton on RMweb there is more on making your own block instruments - ding dong!

Gordon Gravett    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2013]    Magazine    42 pages

Gordon Gravett is in the chair for this issue, which is characterised by particularly good photography - I especially liked the black and white work on Tucking Mill and the up close colour views inside Nottingham Goods. Jerry Clifford's "Tucking Mill" is the lead layout, Giles Favell shows us laminated glass glazing of diesels, Martin McDermott finishes off his very believable Class 37, David Nicolson builds floating pointwork in 7mm scale, Gordon shows us a great "Blue Peter" approach to producing wagon tarpaulins and Dave Barrett's very nice "Nottingham Goods" is fully described and illustrated by its builder. Don Rowland has provided another festive brain teaser and I should have said at the beginning that Gordon's editorial muses on the pleasures, nay the necessities, of a good deal of armchair modelling at this time of year, or at any time of the year really - Happy Christmas!

Paul Karau    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2013]    Magazine    42 pages

A vintage issue! Martin MacDermott's "Inter City" liveried Class 37 graces the cover and appears inside in some depth - a terrific piece of modelling, Eddie Ford describes the structures and rolling stock on his very believable P4 "Blackgill" layout, Martin Goodall forsakes his backscene to tell us about some technicalities of extending our properties to accommodate railways, Don Rowland reports on his radio controlled progress whilst Geoff Kent is still scratch building coaches. Amongst the balancing content there is a glimpse of a rather nice model of Henley On Thames by one P. Karau, a super photograph of John Spencer's quite sublime "plywood wonder" for Bernie Baker's Allt-y-Grabam Road" and more "Fencehouses". Paul Karau's editorial is a perceptive piece of writing that, it seems to me, perfectly captures and describes the huge pleasure that this hobby can deliver over the changing years of one's life - thank you Paul.

Roy Jackson    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2013]    Magazine    42 pages

Roy Jackson is in the editorial chair, articles include an innovative construction of a W1 for Retford, trackwork production for the lovely 2mm scale Fencehouses, a convincing modern image terminus and an extended article on scratchbuilding coaches from Plastikard by Geoff Kent.

Barry Norman    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2013]    Magazine    44 pages

Barry Norman discusses the increasing use of technology as applied to model railways in his editorial, with three of the following articles illustrating the point in differing ways. Other features include further upgrading and fiddling with the Lionheart auto coach, a lovely 7mm S&D branch terminus from Mike Baker and Martin Goodall guiding us through the painting stage of his backscene for Burford. Lots of letters, which I like to see, plus Chris Pendlenton doing something fiendishly technical with wheels.

Barry Norman    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2013]    Magazine    44 pages

Barry Norman is in the editorial chair of what I think is a really good issue. The cover picture is a stunning picture of Ken De-Groome's Metropolitan Bo-Bo in 7mm scale and the resin casting of the roof of this model forms an interesting "hands on" article. Inside are more delights; weathering with acrylics featuring a German WW1 flying ace and American narrow gauge, building functional block instruments (don't look Mr Vanns!), a high fidelity upgrading of a Slaters 7mm PO wagon, the very excellent Martin Goodall holding forth on a backscene for Burford, improving Bahmann "Peaks" for Bradfield Square and a tantalising "taster" of what looks to be a stunning 7mm model of Llanberis LNWR. Plus letters and some other good stuff - top comic!

Paul Karau    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2012]    Magazine    40 pages

A great Christmas issue, the striking cover picture depicts the Prototype Deltic leaving Chris Pendlenton's atmospheric North Shelds layout and inside Paul Karau provides a thoughtful editorial. Articles include putting a P4 chassis under the lovely new Bachmann "Bulldog", scenic work on the breathtaking "Fencehouses", building block instruments and the aforementioned Chris Pendlenton striving for concentric virtuosity in the wheel department.

Paul Karau    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2012]    Magazine    40 pages

Paul Karau is in the editorial chair, with a gentle musing on the joys of participation and community and two new Wild Swan modelling books are announced, Geoff Holt's "Locomotive Modelling" and Peter Kazer with his personal "Narrow Gauge Adventure". Content-wise we are introduced to another Seventies masterpiece from Kier Hardy, there is more on Roger Bird's exquisite Schull and Skibbereen, Bradfield Gloucester Square part three, Don Rowland sets out with P4 radio control aged 82 and much more besides.

Gordon Gravett    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2012]    Magazine    42 pages

Gordon Gravett is in the editorial chair for this issue, Andrew Ullyott's Wheal Elizabeth headlines the layouts, Robert Dudley Cooke re-lives the glory days of Super Saloons along his sea wall whilst the scenic secrets of "Fencehouses" are revealed by Alan Pearson. Two millimetre scale and "high fidelity" apart, this last is notable for two rare scenic features in any scale, a disused trackbed and burnt out areas of grass - quite sublime . Plus more Bradfield Gloucester Square, floating 7mm track and Laurie Griifin usefully reviewing chassis alignment jigs and aids. Top model railway comic

Gerry Beale    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2012]    Magazine    42 pages

Edited by Gerry Beale, and thoughtfully themed around what constitutes "finescale modelling" in the current era of superlatively good ready to run models. A good mix of articles including a very atmospheric model railway called "Bradfield Gloucester Square" and an exquisite 6mm to the foot model of the Schull and Skibbereen Railway, amongst much else.

Roy Jackson    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2012]    Magazine    38 pages

Edited by Roy Jackson, a good selection of articles including an interestingly part built layout by Geoff Kent, more Woodhead in 2mm scale and an unusual 7mm scale follow up to "Weekday Cross" of some years ago. All that and a gentlemanly punch up in the letters page too.

Barry Norman    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2012]    Magazine    44 pages

Barry Norman's in the chair, there is more from Jas Millham's Yaxbury - always welcome in my opinion, a breathtaking gravel barge (what else?) from Gordon Gravett, Jerry Clifford's Highbury Colliery in 2mm scale is extremely tastefully re-presented and some young blade called Cook performs weathering wonders on a Gauge 3 wagon.

Paul Karau    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2011]    Magazine    44 pages

Paul Karau appears again, introducing Geoff Forster's rather special EM scale "Penhydd", which is a skillfully modelled masterpiece of composition. There is also some excellent 2mm scale cleverness, Redhill Engine shed by Geoff Taylor and Karl Crowther on brake vans bringing up the rear.

Roy Jackson    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2011]    Magazine    44 pages

Edited by Roy Jackson, this issue features the very atmospheric 7mm layout "Hedingham" built by Alan Turner (that I had never seen or heard of before) Dewsbury mainline also in 7mm scale and Martin Goodall's further splendid pontifications on townscapes and layouts - this time touching on breweries and mills.

Paul Karau    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2011]    Magazine    40 pages

Edited by none other than Paul Karau, contains a very readable treatise on building placement by Martin Goodall, more iron ore hoppers, a horsebox and the first part of a very good article on building from scratch by Geoff Holt. Also features a very posh advert for Camrail just gone, a perfect souvenir of what was a very good show.

David Lane    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2011]    Magazine    44 pages

Edited by David Lane, editorial is spot on in my opinion and content about as good as it gets, Whitchurch Road is awesome and very un RTR.

Barry Norman    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2011]    Magazine    44 pages

Barry Norman again, Peter Kazer's exquisite"Owd Ratty" in detail, featuring some of the prettiest of Manning Wardle's prodigious output, more St Merryn and a detailed look at Richard Webster's stunning new "Lionheart" models.

Steve Hall    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2010]    Magazine    40 pages

Asking whether it is better to travel in hope than to arrive, guest editor Steve Hall goes on to introduce his current model railway project the size of which is reminiscent of the late David Jenkinson's "Little Long Drag". Other articles cover signal modelling, Barrow Road part two, a very attractive inspection saloon and much else.

Gerry Beale    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2010]    Magazine    60 pages

An enlarged anniversary issue edited by Gerry Beale, one of the two original editors of MRJ. Following a brief recollection of the magazine's origins and a well deserved tribute to Paul Karau, Gerry describes his pragmatic return to 4mm scale. Articles are largely constructional, featuring a number of models relating to Gerry's own Maiden Newton project. A vintage issue - even includes a drop of Gauge One...

Barry Norman    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2010]    Magazine    40 pages

Edited by Barry Norman, this issue is a celebration of the "Half One" society, otherwise known as S scale. A good mix of inspirational modelling and some "how to do it" articles, Maurice Hopper explores the possibilities of resin casting and Robin Fielding impresses with a very neat fiddle yard idea.

Martin Nield    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2010]    Magazine    40 pages

A good solid "Northern" issue, Martin Nield is the editor and his theme is operating, backed up by an article on his ongoing L&Y layout later in the issue. Also features the colourful "Lowburn Park" NER in P4 and a truly breathtaking 2mm model of the "Victoria Viaduct" on the Leamside line, about which I was previously ignorant - what a structure!

Martyn Welch    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2010]    Magazine    40 pages

Edited by one Martin Welch (who is as delightfully off beam as ever) and featuring a jaw droppingly good representation of the Great Western in South Devon layout of apparently Pendonesque proportion and quality. Peter Denny obituaries plus Debenham finale and and hopper wagons.

Chris Pendlenton    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2009]    Magazine    40 pages

Chris Pendlenton "in the chair" for this issue, its been snowing at North Shields and we are taken to see the busy parcels traffic before Christmas - fantastic. Other articles cover equally ambitious and effective P4 layouts and there is a Christmas quiz.

Chris Pendlenton    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2009]    Magazine    40 pages

Chris Pendlenton "in the chair" for this issue, its been snowing at North Shields and we are taken to see the busy parcels traffic before Christmas - fantastic. Other articles cover equally ambitious and effective P4 layouts and there is a Christmas quiz.

Don Rowland    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2009]    Magazine    40 pages

One of better issues of recent years, Don Rowland is in the chair and articles include "Blea Moor" then due to appear at Warley for a potentially final appearance.

Roy Jackson    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2009]    Magazine    40 pages

Featuring Roy Jackson as guest editor, building 2mm scale Wath electrics by Alan Whitehouse and including what must rank as one of the best letters ever published, from Dave Rowe recalling the late Cyril Freezer.

Tim Shackleton    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2009]    Magazine    40 pages

Tim Shackleton's last issue as editor, featuring what can only have been a valedictory editorial, when viewed in hindsight. Articles include "Welton Down" and Cyril Freezer's passing is marked.

Tim Shackleton    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2009]    Magazine    40 pages

Featuring portakabins for "Widnes Vine Yard" on the cover, incredibly well modelled but making for one of the the least visually appealing MRJs ever produced in my opinion. Articles inside are varied and interesting however.

Tim Shackleton    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2009]    Magazine    40 pages

Tim Shackleton waxes lyrical about Class 66 movements at Ipswich, "pictures at an exhibition" is pleasantly diverting and significant layouts in both P4 and EM are featured.

Tim Shackleton    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2009]    Magazine    40 pages

Featuring Mike Anson's "Western Road" diesel depot, part two of Chris Pendlenton's Deltic article (covering body mods) and a really believable scratchbuilt "Pannier" in 4mm scale.

Tim Shackleton    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2009]    Magazine    40 pages

More iron ore hoppers, Coventy in 7mm scale and Chris Pendenton's Deltic of impeccable mechanical verissimilitude - rather him than me.

Tim Shackleton    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2008]    Magazine    40 pages

The last issue of 2008 featured "Night-time on Dubbieside" plus the usual mix of other finescale fare.

Tim Shackleton    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2008]    Magazine    40 pages

Good BR Blue issue, Kier Hardy's very informative article on detailing an "03" and a colour pictorial feature on Hywel Thomas's magnificent "Morfa Bank Sidings".

Tim Shackleton    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2008]    Magazine    40 pages

Largely featuring Gordon and Maggie Gravett's stunning "Pempoul", with Alan Whitehose's exquisite "Mini MSW" tucked in at the end. Tim in moderate doom and gloom mode re. exhibitions.

Tim Shackleton    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2008]    Magazine    40 pages

Summertime saw the editor extolling the virtues of editing whilst Gerry Beale S&D-ified the new Hornby Black 5 and Midsomer Norton South was featured in 2mm scale.

Tim Shackleton    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2008]    Magazine    40 pages

Featuring Barry Norman's take on Kier Hardy's "Wibdenshawe" and a return visit to Jas Millham's S scale Yaxbury branch. Tim Shackleton suggests modelling in the dark.

Tim Shackleton    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2008]    Magazine    40 pages

Spring 2008 saw "The Big Freeze" featured, John Dornom's breathtaking 7mm diorama of mother and son waiting for an autotrain in the snow. Also lots of stuff on iron ore hoppers and first glimpses of "Pempoul".

Martyn Welch    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  2001]    Magazine    44 pages

Very slight tear on rear cover by lower staple, otherwise perfect, new stock.

Bob Barlow    [Publisher:  Cygnet Magazines  1998]    Magazine    40 pages

A particularly interesting issue, containing an article which tells the story of the famous "Kitmaster" construction kits - way ahead of their time, and still selling well in some instances. Also included is the "Stoke & Matlock Railway"a very nice free-lance light railway line in 4mm scale.