September issue of Garden Rail out now.

 

 

Garden railways are never finished, and the 16mm scale Snape & Thornton Watlass Light Railway proves it! In our latest issue, builder James LePage reveals how his much-loved line has evolved over the years, the lessons he's learned, and what's next for the railway.

Plus, on the workbench:

• Building Corris vans with a modern twist
• Constructing a narrow gauge tanker kit
• Bole Laser Craft's beautifully detailed Welsh station
• A battery-powered Double Fairlie complete with sound and smoke
• Dinorwic slate wagons from resin kits

Also inside, enjoy stunning photography of James Gilchrist's impressive 7/8ths scale railway, catch up on the latest product news, and plan your next outing with our comprehensive events guide.

Packed with inspiration, ideas, and practical projects for every garden railway enthusiast! 

Garden Rail is available from all good newsagents, or our online store.  

August Garden Rail on sale

From Swindon to, anywhere but the GWR!

Malcolm Holland’s Tidewater & Teslin railroad might live in Great Western territory, but this model is about as far removed as you can get from anything Brunel built.

On the workbench: log carriers, a run-down slate wagon, an estate railway loco, and possibly the fastest wagon kit you can buy, plus a stunning Gauge 3 Southern N Class.

Also inside: John Turner models, twin 16mm Baguley Drewrys, and postcards from the ultra-realistic Shade Gap line.

All that, and the latest Product News for larger scale modellers.

'Layout in a Day' in Garden Rail July

Can you build a garden railway in just 8ft x 6ft, and do it in a single day?

In our July issue, the Garden Rail team proves the answer to both is yes - as our ‘Layout in a Day’ wowed visitors at this year’s National Garden Railway Show.

Also in this issue: metal 3D printing, making the most of Mostyn vans, personalising a Mini Plant locomotive, building a sheep wagon, a manrider for your permanent way staff, and a 16-ton mineral wagon for Gauge 1.

Plus reviews of Gaugemaster’s G scale BR diesel, a 16mm De Winton, and a look at a garden line powered by clockwork — along with all the latest new products for larger scale modellers.

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

Garden Rail June

We have the technology – or at least Uwe Richter does. His German garden line may have started as a clever way to use up spare paving stones, but it can now run autonomously, or be handed over to younger modellers for hands-on fun the whole family can enjoy.

Overlooking the Isle of Man, we visit the Little Angel line through a series of postcard-style views charting its development. Staying with the Manx theme, Dave Pinniger builds his first steam locomotive kit – a “Caledonia” lookalike.

On the workbench:
• DHR Class One locomotive
• Budget-busting radio control
• How to paint a FR Fairlie
• Slate waste wagons
• 3D scanning for club members
• A springtime scene
• Designing a layout for the BBC Gardeners’ World show

Plus all the latest products for modellers working in the larger scales.

Garden Rail is available from all good newsagents, or online: https://www.world-of-railways.co.uk/

NGRS 2026

 

You won't be surprised when I say this was a busy one. Since Warners are looking after the trade now, I was able to get in early on the Friday, but ironically, other than setting up my tables, I couldn't take advantage of this to get cracking with the "Layout in a Day" build. 

The plan this year was that Andy, from Amazing Little Trains, would be supplying the 45mm gauge track, to demonstrate the DCC system he imports. And Andy wasn't due until the official get-in time of 2pm. 

Still, once he arrived, we got stuck into laying track and quickly had a working layout. In total, three hours build time saw a fully working garden railway, with loops and sidings, created. I'd also laid an oval of 32mm gauge track (I'll blog about this later) to keep what the Association calls "The True Gauge" visible. 

When the day dawned, it was pleasing that the number of pre-booked tickets, was within 100 of the TOTAL attendance the previous year. By the end of the day, over 1500 visitors had been through, a 25% increase. 

I'd recruited Amy and Ben Bucki to run the layout so I could wander around properly. This they did to great effect, with Andy joining in too. Lots of people, young and old, ran trains using the fancy DCC phone-control system, and they had a great time doing it. Our sounds competed with the Marble Express at the other end of the stand, especially the diesel that made ice cream van noises!

I didn't get to wander as much as might have liked, there being far too much chatting to do. Apologies if you couldn't get to me, perhaps I need to have a full-sized Little Phil made to help!

What I saw, was a very busy show with some fantastic models on display. Everything from a £45 loco kit (PS Models sold out of those) to £5000+ steam locomotives. People were buying too, with a few stands stripped of items. All good news for the hobby. 

I was very happy, and not a little relieved as I always am. The layout looked great, and proved that you don't need a huge amount of space to build a garden railway. For the first time, thanks to Andy, we put on a proper garden line, not just a couple of circuits of track. Anyone could enjoy operating it as the plan offered plenty of play value. 

So, another good year. All being well, we'll do it all again. I hope so, as I've recorded a load of video for next year's promotional efforts. Well, the marketing team have their work cut out beating this years attendance figures!

 

Garden Rail May 2026

We head down to the allotment for some fast vegetable action as Tom Taylor's once modest railway has grown to become a popular attraction with regular open days. 

On the workbench: 

• Ice cream barrow build 
• Instant elevated railway 
• Spring garden tasks 
• Darjeeling Class One locomotive kit

If you fancy a small RTR battery-powered locomotive, we test Woodleigh Engineering's 'Igor'. 

For vintage steam fans, there is a good look at Finescale Engineering's Hunslets. 

And don't miss our essential guide to April's National Garden Railway Show – the UK's biggest event for modellers in larger scales!

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

Garden Rail March 2026

Is a garden railway ever truly finished? 

Probably not, but that’s half the fun! The Tinto Valley Light Railway is a perfect example. It’s still evolving, but looking fantastic, and its builder Richard Ashton has learnt a lot along the way.

If you’ve ever dreamed of running your models on a big railway, check out the line at Buckingham Railway Centre. They’re always looking for volunteers, and it’s an amazing place to let your engines really stretch their legs. 

On the Workbench This Time:

• Building twin open wagons in wood and plastic
• Improvising a military train • Smart steaming bay designs
• Assembling a WC kit
• Winter jobs for the garden
• Turning a toy Toyota truck into a weathered model masterpiece
• Two loco builds: a Go-Go diesel and a battery-powered steam engine 

Plus: All the latest news for large-scale modellers!

 Garden Rail is available from all good newsagents, or the online store. 

Garden Rail - February 2026

Beat the winter blues with a trip to sunny Wiltshire! We visit Ian Folland’s incredible 7/8ths scale Chalke District Railway. Join the slow worms basking in the sun to enjoy realistic trains and the gorgeous scenery of this wonderful garden line. 

But that’s not all! In this issue: 

• Explore the 16mm Blackwater Valley Railway 
• Discover a nursery with its own 2ft gauge railway for garden plant lovers 
• Our new train game, coming to a show near you soon. 

On the Workbench: 

• Building a high-level garden line 
• A diesel servicing point for your locos 
• Kippo Models’ stunning Gauge 3 engine shed

 Plus, the latest Product News for large-scale modellers – including Roundhouse’s brand-new steam locomotive! 

Garden Rail is available from all good newsagents, and our online store.  

My 100th issue of Garden Rail!

 

In my 100th issue as Editor, 

Did you know? The Lynton & Barnstaple line, once nicknamed the “toy train”, has its very own 16mm scale model railway! Pete Chandler takes us behind the scenes, and shows how you can get involved.

On the workbench this month:

• Building a 5-inch gauge loco
• Chassis for our 16mm Planet diesel
• Scratch-building a Gauge 3 steeple cab
• Welsh slate wagons
• A micro layout for your office corner
• Repairing an LGB point

We visit the Wernigerode model village, a G-scale stunner. 

Out in the garden, we’re exploring lineside planting ideas and sharing tips to encourage youngsters into our hobby.

Plus: All the latest news for large-scale modellers!

Available from all good newsagents, or our online store.  

Garden Rail December

 

We start off with a visit to the Butterley Garden Railway Association, where the magic of miniature trains meets public wonder. How many future modellers have walked away from their line at the Midland Railway Centre thinking, “I want to build one too!”?

Then we journey to the legendary Compton Down Railway, revisiting Peter Jones’ iconic creation through the eyes of his daughter Kes – a tribute to one of the hobby’s most imaginative builders.

On the workbench this month:

• Mini dioramas with maximum charm
• A laser-cut carriage shed
• Replacing Taliesin’s safety valve
• Scratch-building a classic tin hut
• Small wagons sized for little locos
• Planting tips to prepare your line for next year

Plus: Our Christmas Gift Guide is here to help you find the perfect present for the railway enthusiast in your life - and don’t miss the heartwarming tale of how Eddie Castellan was reunited with a beloved steam locomotive.

Garden Rail November 2025

 

Think big – and not just in your back garden! This month, we spotlight Warton Road, a stunning Gauge 3 layout that’s too impressive to stay at home, you can catch it live at the National Festival of Railway Modelling at the NEC this November. Until then, dive into its story in our latest issue.

Also inside:

• England locomotives in 16mm scale – classic charm in miniature
• Design your own station nameboard – easy step-by-step guide
• Laying solid foundations – essential tips for your garden railway
• Build a budget Hudswell-Clarke loco – great results without breaking the bank
• Chelfam station – a masterpiece you can recreate
• A mobile pub for your line – quirky, fun, and full of character

Plus, this month’s Postcards from the Vale of the White Horse Railway, all the latest product news for large scale modellers, and our biggest competition ever – win a Gauge 3 steam locomotive worth £2495!

  

Garden Rail September 2025

 

From Word Search to Garden Railway: A competition win sparked Adam Jovanovic’s passion for garden railways. Today, his outdoor layout is rebuilt annually - each time expanding in complexity and creativity.

In the rest of the magazine:

• Discover the story behind the Cheddar Samson steam locomotive.
• Step-by-step guides to building a D&HR open wagon and a track-cleaning tanker.
• Explore the latest offerings from Woodleigh Engineering.
• We complete our electric steam railmotor build - though not without a few surprises!
• Use JigStones to craft stunning model buildings.
• Add automatic lighting to your layout for realistic night-time scenes.

Special Feature: Rail200 Celebration - We join the Gauge 3 Society for a spectacular procession of locomotives through the ages, marking 200 years of railway innovation.

Plus, stay up to date with all the latest model railway product news.

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

Garden Rail August 2025

 

What do you bring back from your summer holiday? Andy Christie came back with the inspiration for his garden line – The Olive Branch Tramway. The 45m gauge railway now basks in his Midlands garden, looking stunning, and appreciated by his friends.

With summer upon us, we also take a trip to Bekonscot to enjoy their huge Gauge 1 railway, which runs among the amazing miniature buildings. Just the place for a day out with the family.

In the rest of the magazine:

• We look at the history of Roundhouse's Pooter locomotive
• Build the FR's horse transport, and some coal wagons
• Make 7/8^th scale figures
• Start the construction of an electric steam railmotor
• Create remarkable buildings

There's also a tiny, but very satisfying layout from the USA, and all the latest Product News.

Garden Rail is available from all good newsagents, or the World of Railways store. 

Garden Railway Specialists open day 2025

 

Too hot for tweed!

Despite representing Garden Rail at GRS's open day, with temperatures in the 30s, I had to dress appropriately. After all, while the shop is air conditioned (lovely) under the gazebos outside, where a lot of the fun is, it was toasty. Short-sleeved shirt and factor 50 being the order of the day.  

Both days saw a lot of chat - handy, as that's what I was there for. So much, that I didn't get a look around the shop until the second day. 

There was a lot of high-end LGB in display, and a reasonable amount of it went out of the door. Who says there is no money in the hobby? I'll admit, I can see the joy of owning this stuff. It's beautiful. OK, a lot of money, but then you get what you pay for, especially when you remember, LGB refuse to ship manufacture to China. 

I think my favourite is this LGB "Spreewald" 2-6-0 tank, which had been converted by GRS, to battery power, controlled by a Fosworks transmitter. It strolled away on the test track, with all sounds and lights working. The install is incredibly tidy too. I could be very tempted by one of these, a lovely looking loco. 

Outside, on the steam test track, I had the chance to play with a few locos, including the new Rounhouse Peggie - a saddletank version of Millie, which I reviewed for Garden Rail a few months ago. I liked the review model, but feel that Peggie is even better looking. It's nicely made, and although manual control only, well behaved, and better as she ran in. 

One highlight of this day is the cake, but this was eclipsed this year by a Thai curry made by the owner's wife - not too spicy (good) and very tasty. Willpower kept me away from second helpings, but i was one of the few to resist!

Garden Rail July 2025

How many kinds of sweet steam engine run, in an English country garden? Mark Nixon will tell us of some that he knows, as he describes his line. 

We've a busy workbench this month: 

• Building a laser-cut kit for a 16mm scale WHR coach
• A removable viaduct
• 16mm scale Ruston 20DL ‘Susan’
• Gauge 1 tram engine for beginners
• Private owner 16mm scale covered van

There is the first, in-depth look at Garden Railway Specialists new NGG11 Garratt locomotive, as well as all the latest product news for modellers in larger scales. 

Available from all good newsagents, or online: https://www.world-of-railways.co.uk/ 

Layout in a Day in the latest Garden Rail

How fast can you build a garden railway? It turns out, that three and a half hours is long enough for our team. That's how long it took to put together our temporary line at the National Garden Railway show this year. You could do the same in a flowerbed at home. After all, everyone should have a garden railway!

On the workbench:

• Motorising a classic Airfix kit
• Turning a sherry box into a station building
• Building a private owner van
• A novel replacement for LGB couplings
• Planting Thyme on your lineside

We take a look at some rare steam locos, and of course, a bumper news feature from the NGRS.

Garden Rail is available from all good newsagents, and our online store. 

National Garden Railway Show 2025

Three and a half hours work, and I'd built yet another garden at the Stoneleigh 16mm Association show. An extra three feet added to our display length allowed me a bit more flexibility with the track design. At least the 32mm gauge enjoyed some straights this time!

The trains ran pretty much flawlessly all day - working on the IP engineering coach seems to have solved the problem there. In fact, all the 32mm stuff worked well. 

On the 45mm, I tried the new Porter with some Hartland Loco works wagons, and found them less than reliable. It seems having a coupling hook on each end means they can shove each other off on the R1 curves. Should I remove the hooks? After all, they work fine on the more generous curves outside on my line. And I like the idea of two hooks for each coupling, less chance of unwanted uncoupling. 

My feeling is that the show wasn't as busy as previous years. The gaps semed to be local modellers. Everyone I talked to seemed to have travelled a distance. A friend on another stand had the same exprience. Where were the locals? 

It's a pity, because otherwise it was an excellent show. There were several layouts I'd never seen before. The trade was good too, I can't think of many who weren't there. 

Our stand was pleasently busy, with some subs sold, and lots of chat. I've, hopefully, inspired a few people to write for Garden Rail, on some very interesting topics. A fuller report will be in our June issue, complete with photos.

The "Garden Rail Flyer" appears in the May issue of Garden Rail

 

Garden railways don't just appear, they grow over time. Paul Duncan may only have a modest garden, but the G scale Woodlock Railroad has developed over a decade, getting better each time.

On the workbench:

• Restoring a Saltford Ruston
• Building a FR Quarryman's coach
• Rehabilitate a steam locomotive paintwork
• Improved track clamps
• Modifying a cheap plastic steam loco
• Building a propeller-powered railcar

We take a look at Merlin steam locos, and of course, there is the latest news for the large-scale modeller.

Turtles (not tin ones) in March Garden Rail

 

Garden lines have to contend with a lot, but as the name suggests, The Turtle Creek Line has a few unique challenges. Rabbits, horses, giant tortoises, and of course, an Australian Snake-necked turtle, are all part of the scenery for this G scale line.

We take a look at Archangel's first coal fired steamer, 'Jack' and renovate a Locobox 'Isabel' steam loco.

On the workbench, we build an electric Harrods delivery van, and take you step-by-step through designing your first wagon for 3D printing. If you fancy some heavyweight building, our team reviews Model Engineer's Laser kit for a Talyllyn flat wagon.

Finally, we include a FREE showguide for the Midlands Garden Rail show.

All this and more, including all the latest product news, in the March issue of Garden Rail. 

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