Garden Rail April 2026

 

We travel to Arizona for our lead feature on the impressive Grand Central Railroad — a large, action-focused line built by a dedicated team of enthusiasts.

Remaining in the United States, we present a detailed model of a locomotive converted from a farm tractor. Created by master modeller Chuck Doan, this build showcases techniques used to achieve museum-quality results.

Moving to steam, Dave Pinnigar introduces Yvette, an articulated locomotive with notable engineering interest.

On the Workbench:
• Scratch building Churchwater Slate Railway rolling stock
• Re-purposing a control unit from a toy
• Converting a toy lorry into a locomotive
• Building platform barrows
• Seasonal tasks for garden railways

We also include a preview of the upcoming National Garden Railway Show, along with the latest new products for large-scale modellers.

Garden Rail is available from all good newsagents, and the online store: www.world-of-railways.co.uk

It IS quicker by train

 

Spotted on Quorn station. Even if it's not quicker, at least you can have a snooze, or read a book...

Rapido Fireless locomotive

I've been hoping to blag one of these since the model was announced. With my interest in industrial locomotives, Rapido producing a RTR fireless loco ensured this was always high on my list. Fortunatly, there are a number of projects to be carried out on this model, so it has made its way into my clutches. 

The livery is, I think, the best of the batch, overall green with a BP logo. It's the World of Railways exclusive model. 

In my hands, I notice that this is a heavy little beast at 130g, there's a lot of diecast metal in here. 

The pack contains details, which appear to be cab doors. Not sure if these will get fitted, but they would change the look of the model, so I really ought to give them a go. We'll be leaving one open so the ModelU crew can be seen clearly. 

Underneath, there are four wheels, and some simulated inside waggly bits. A nice touch. Obviously, it runs impercably, annoying for those of us who have spent hours trying to make kit-built locos work so well. 

Talking of kits, it's odd that there has only (to my knowledge) been a single one in all the years I've been modelling, that being from Impetus Models. I'd have expected much more interest, is this prototype just too esoteric for the modelling community? Not in RTR form, as it's selling well. 

For various reasons, I have dug out my boxfile layout, and of course, posed the loco on it. 

 You can read more about this model on the Rapido website. 

Midlands show haul

 

I don't need any more kits, but when you find Northern Finescale Gauge 1 wagons at a bargain price, it seems churlish not to add a couple more to the rake. With the range now history, I reason that if I decide I don't want them, well, someone will take them off my hands. 

There's a 16mm scale 1950s teenager with a camera - a seconds from The Gauge Gallery. I think he looks fun, and you may well see him appearing in various places in the future. 

Finally, a gas canister connector. It's what you buy when purchasing cheap gas from a trader, and reaslising that none of your existing adaptors fit...

I don't need any more books either, but adding to my collection of Peter Jones Garden Railway Guides brings me closer to a complete set. Tag's Live Steam Workshop is a Garden Rail publication - so I ought to own a copy, and I'm sure I'll learn something from it. 

Odder, is The Plynlimon & Hafan Tramway, a bargain at £4.50.  The tram loco "Victoria" has always intrigued me, and there's a plan of it in there, along with lots of other locos and rolling stock. And I love plans. 

Midlands Garden Rail Show 2026

 

Time was against me this year. My two days of wandering were trimmed to one due to other commitments. Not to worry, I cracked on, and talked to all the trade, as well as enjoying a little of the layout. 

According to the people I chatted to, Saturday was busier than it has been for years. Sunday seemed to be about normal to me, so I'd say this is very good news for the hobby. Busy shows hopefully mean the trade take some cash, and there are loads of people enjoying themselves. 

Over the years, the members of the 16mm modular group have been upping their game, with some stunning models, full of detail, and worthy of being layouts on their own. 

Another star was Brunel Models Gauge 3 of Ross-on-Wye station. Part of a much larger layout, one I'd love to see!

Among the layouts, Loft City Central has been expanded considerably, but now takes half a day to set up!

Little Phil had to make do with a sausage roll, as the Saturday crowds had depleted the stocks of cake. 

I've been experimenting with shooting video on my phone, so see if it's good enough for social media. The results don't look too bad to me, what do you think?