Magazines - Part 2
by Phil Cooper
Hello, OK today we continue to look into the many publications devoted to model trains and real trains. This time I’m going to tell you about Hornby, Railway Modeller and Rail Express. First up is Hornby and I’m surprised that, bearing in mind it’s title, it Is very positive about the opposition. It’s obvious that the magazine simply wants to motivate people, even Bachmann modellers, to join the hobby and, to me, that’s a good thing.
Hornby Magazine:
Hornby has 66 full page of adverts in it’s169 pages. All the articles are well written and informative. It starts with a 10 page “update” which includes news on Bachmann’s winter plans for it’s “009” gauge, Double Fairlie. I must come clear and I know this may offend many readers but I have to admit I don’t have too much of an interest in steam locomotives-too many milk churns, Morris Minors and small MG convertible motor cars. I prefer the more modern diesels and electric speed machines such as Eurostar and the GWR Class 800 and I can’t wait for the new Hornby Azuma.
I just hope I can afford Hornby’s new model which is due in Spring at a cost of £434.09. There are several pages of “showing you how” all with good photos of each stage. For many people the first building to create is a signal box and Hornby details about details to make your box very special with lighting and even sound! Included in this month’s issue is a chapter on applying tansfers to your running stock.
Time for a plug-Tracksidesigns.co.uk has a huge array of signs and adverts available for you. Have a look-
tracksidesigns.co.uk and search “signs”. You’ll find them available in “N”, “OO” and "O" scales and they’re very good.
There’s also an article on how to improve Hornby’s Class 92. I own a Hornby Class 92, “Brahms”. I have banana fingers and a hand that shakes (following a stroke) and my 92 is the most difficult loco to place on the track. I have no choice but to use a re-railer. The article doesn’t mention this problem which is apparently down to the bogies. I must also say that when I eventually get it on the track it is very smooth and has the best lights I’ve seen on any locos. It looks great out on the track.
As with the other magazines Hornby has many new model reviews. Some of these reviews are accompanied with information on the real thing such as the review on Bachmann’s Double Fairlie. All in all there are 20 pages of reviews including 2 pages of book reviews. Also included is a very positive review of Heljan’s Class “O” Class 40. I’d love to have an “O” gauge layout but the cost of the locomotives is too much for my piggy bank. They do look good in this gauge. It emphasises the power. I almost forgot to mention n a terrific article on celebrity modeller Pete Waterman’s Leamingston Spa’s “O” gauge layout. The accompanying photos are excellent and as close to life you can get.
Also in this month’s issue are reviews of magnetic couplings and station signs. Once again, look in on tracksidesigns.co.uk and search “station signs” for a huge number of products which will enhance your layout. I have discovered in my 3 years in this wonderful addictive hobby that it’s the little details that make your layout come to life.
As with the Double Fairlie story Hornby always include articles on the real thing. This moth there is a story about the Swindon works with some fabulous b&w photos.
Railway Modeller:
This one has 69 full page adverts in 110 pages, the highest percentage but I like the adverts which I always check for bargains. I know the hobby is getting more expensive by the week but there are still bargains to be had. And, of course, eBay remains a source of cheap icons – have a look at my earlier blog, “eBay. Is it worth it?”
Firstly RM has 6 pages of club and society news. The only magazine to do so. RM has many articles on reader’s layouts and they’re very good and will give you some ideas. There are many photographs -again good for inspiration. Each month there is an article, “Plan of the Month”. I don’t think they’ll ever want mine but all these layouts articles are very well written with excellent photos.
January’s edition is accompanied by 2 free back scenes and an article on how to use them. Personally I thought the free backdrops weren’t great and I think they are there to support the article and to inspire readers of what can be achieved with better back drops.
Their model reviews this month include a review of Bachmann’s Double Fairlie.
I get all the magazines which infuriates my partner who is always telling me off because of the cost of my addiction.The Bachmann review identifies that I don’t really need to take all these magazines because of duplication and I have to admit that if I had to end one of my subscriptions it would probably be RM. Sorry, Peco! That’s me off their Christmas card list. Again!
Other reviews this month include a McIntosh 812 Class 0-6-0 in the colours of Caledonian Railways. Squeezed in amongst the 4 steam locomotives is a review of Rails of Sheffield BR Gas turbine no. 18000 . All the reviews are well written and perceptive.
Today’s magazines carry reviews of Station Signage this month but, once again, I will point you to tracksidesigns.co.uk to buy excellent station signage.
There are reviews of 3 books in the current issue including “How A Steam Locomotive Works”. You’ve probably guessed that one’s not for me but I’m certain that will be of great interest to steam lovers. There are 3 pages of news from the various model suppliers. You won’t be surprised if I tell you that Bachmann’s Double Fairlie gets another mention.
So in my mind the top 4 are:
- 4 Railway Modeller
- 3 BRM
- 1= Hornby
- 1=Model Rail
Obviously when Bachmann produce magazines devoted to the Double Fairlie they will go straight to the top.
Now to the real thing and we start with Rail Express: It has 26 pages of full page adverts in it’s 89 pages. It also includes a generous 12 pages to modelling. Amongst the reviews we have 2 pages of Irish Railway Models’ CIE/IR A/001 class. I’m not sure if the gap between “IR” and “A” was deliberate!
There is a page of Bachmann’s re-issues but , thankfully, no mention of the Double Fairlie! Maybe next month. This magazine includes articles on various trains and also the train infrastructure which I particularly enjoy. All of the photos are high quality and I was glad to see it gave a mention and an article on the new service between London and Edinburgh from Lumo.
This service is taking on the airlines. It’s great and reduces the dreaded carbon footprint-Greta Thunberg will love it and, hopefully won’t get very angry again.
There are vey readable articles on various aspects of the real railway system including “Units” on DMUs, “Coaches”, ”Preservation”, “Shunters & Industrials”, “Wagons” and “Railtours”. These are all accompanied with outstanding photos which are interesting to modellers. In the current issue are 3 feature articles. All are well written and very enjoyable.
Like Modern Railways Illustrated this, to me, is railporn! I need more.
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The views and opinions expressed within the content are solely the author's and do not reflect the opinions and beliefs of Trackside Signs or its affiliates.
