R486 Town Bank in The Collector

My quest to build all the 1980s and 90s Hornby "Made in West Germany" kits continues, with one of the lesser-known models, R486 Town Bank, in The Collector. 

To be honest, I thought this would be a nice quick kit to build, commensurate with the tight deadline I was working under. As it turned out, it is a bit more involved, thanks to the corner shape. When it comes to the roof, I needed to come up with some techniques (in the article) to hold on to everything while the glue dried. 

One of the most interesting points is that the box describes the model shown as "enhanced". It's not; it's an early scratchbuilt prototype. Look at the brickpaper covering and dormers that don't match the ones in the kit. That cash machine is better than we get in to the box too. 

What it doesn't show is the red telephone box also included. Quite a nice kit too.  

For speed, I made extensive use of acrylic paint pens, and they were very handy too for window frames and doors. 

This is a nice kit, that could form the basis of a detailed model. Inside the doors, which I modelled open, there is a bit of interior. Given time, more could be scratch-built, so the blinds were superfluous. Or perhaps it could become; a trendy wine bar?  

Scenic work in the October issue of BRM

 

Plenty of Phil in the October BRM, and in some interesting scales. 

We kick off with building a couple of N gauge (OK, 2mm scale) garden sheds from Metcalfe kits. They really are tiny; that's a 10p piece under one of them.  

Why am I building sheds? Well, I needed them for a diorama. 

We're taking part in the "Make a Scene" competition, so I was presented with a pack and told to go away and make something with it. Digging through my stash of N gauge materials, I found the makings of a bungalow, and an allotment. 

In the pack are some interesting scenic materials, so I set off and produced something simple, but I hope, very achievable.

My camera has been out, and sticking with the N gauge theme, the first layout is Ambleton Vale. 

Chock full of interesting details, this is the first layout I've seen with a racecourse. 

Next, we step up a scale to 3mm*, with Hanton Tarrant.  

*That's proper British 3mm scale. 1:100, not that upstart TT:120.

It's a scale I love, and with boats and a rhinoceros. Can't go wrong there.  

With my reviewer head on, I take a look at Rapido's 009 wagons. 

And finally, for BRM TV, I explain colouring bricks.

 

I got some Gauge 3 into September's BRM!

 

You could say one of my practicals in BRM is a bit rubbish - well I was asked to take a modern dustcart, and work it into a diorama. The good news is that as well as the modelling, I've written a little history of wheelie bins!

As a bonus, I've modelled a man using a manhole to come up from under the road. 

In the four-step section, my first coach makes an appearance, being fitted out with passengers. Timely, as there is a little discussion floating around wondering if model buses should be available with passengers fitted in them. 

My camera has been out for a couple of cracking layouts. 

First, we have Temple Bridge in OO. The moment I saw this at Stafford show, I wanted to shoot it. The builder has really nailed the London atmosphere. Not just a terminus station and loads of yellow bricks, but with a small factory tucked in the middle of the scene. While there are less of these today than in the past, they are still a feature of the capital.  

Next, we have Littlecliff on Sea, in Gauge 3. 

I know, shouldn't Gauge 3 be part of the Garden Rail remit? In this case, I lobbied hard to say it was a BRM subject. This is one of the most detailed layouts I have ever seen. I'd go so far as to say it will be in my top five model railway layouts, I have ever seen. And I've enjoyed looking at a lot of layouts. The modelling is stunning, the atmosphere perfect. My only complaint is that it took its builder only six months to create. 

Seriously, this is a layout worth buying the magazine for on its own. Who knows, maybe the photos will inspire a few modellers taking flight from the smaller gauges where there is a lot of RTR, to consider larger scales because of the detailing possibilities on offer. 

Remembering the Little Chef

 

I loved visiting a Little Chef restaurant. 

An Olympic Breakfast was a thing of beauty, especially if you were heading back home after an exhibition. Obviously, this wasn't always prefect; it was in the car park of one of these establishments that someone broke into our van and stole my stockbox, toolbox and camera bag thirty years ago.  The story of dealing with the insurance claim formed the basis of my first ever paid for article though, so silver linings etc. 

For The Collector, my latest project is turning Hornby's 1990 "Roadside Restaurant" into my favourite eating establishment (OK, favourite while on the road. Nothing much beats the cafe as Sea Lion rocks). 

Presumably, for licensing reasons, the kit isn't branded with the LC logos, but that wasn't going to stop me, and I made up my own sheets to cover the awnings and brand the walls. 

If you prefer not to remember Little Chef, other businesses have taken over their premises on the A1.  

And if you can't find an original kit, the model is still available from Gaugemaster, now called the Fordhampton Happy Chef Roadside Diner  

Coal, steam and Deltics in the August BRM

 

There's more practical Phil in August's issue of BRM than we've seen in the last few months. I start by showing how to add coal to a coaling stage. It's the same process as adding coal to a locomotive tender, something anyone can do to produce an immediate upgrade to their models. 

Diesel fans aren't forgotten, with a quick detailing article based on the Hornby Railroad Deltic. 

 I'm not going to claim this is anything other than a beginner-friendly quick fix. Whatever you do, this model, dating from 1977, is too small in many dimensions. However, it's ideal for anyone who just fancies a good-looking loco to head up an express train. Fitted with sound, the price of around £130 is very appealing, so much so that I can't find one for sale right now!

Finally, I've been looking at fireless locos. 

 If you run one of these appealing beasts, your layout should include a charging point to fill it full of steam (and superheated water), so I did a lot of digging and tried to create something easy to build and authentic. 

The camera has been out again, this time for the 009 layout Bryn Coeden.

 

Vents, and lots of layouts in the July BRM

 

There's not a lot of practical from me in the July issue of BRM magazine, but I've not been idle. 

On the workbench, there are some tips on building a laser-cut kit, in this case a rather nice roof vent. 

But, I have been very active with the camera.

We start with Donaghadee Railway Station in OO. 

 Next, Andrews Yard in O.

 Rhinefield Junction in N. 

 And finally, The Causey Arch, again, OO. 

 Don't worry, I'm back at the workbench for next month!

'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/ 

We go eco in June's BRM

 

I like making things, and in this issue, the thing I made that gave me the most satisfaction is a ground source heat pump. 

Given a pack of solar panels, I needed to turn these into a four-step project, and so I've gone full eco on an old Hornby kit. Panels, heat pump and an electric car charging point. Not sure I've ever seen this modelled before, am I a trailblazer for green model railways? 

The camera has been out again, too. 

Venture Park (OO)

Pedwardine Forest (OO)

Porthllechen (OO9)

 BRM Magazine is available from all good newsagents, or our online store. 

 

 

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/

Dirty and stoned - BRM May 2026

 

May's issue of BRM has landed, and there's a few Phil pieces in there. First up, I've taken the exclusive World of Railways fireless locomotive, and given it a gentle coat of muck. These things wouldn't get too dirty; there's no muck coming out of the top for a start, so the work is all carried out with powders. I'll admit to being very pleased with the end result, although when you read the article, the model had to come to pieces first, which is a story in itself. 

The four-step piece this time involves loading a wagon with stone. 

We had a bit of a discussion about this on RMweb. Contemporary photos show the stone loaded loose, possibly with some straw, so that's what I've done. But first, I had to make the stone itself. 

My camera has been out to shoot: 

Bournemouth East (OO)

Chaddesley Corbett (N)

Jeffrey Lane (OO)

British Railway Modelling magazine is available from all good newsagents, or our online store. 

Help, my lorries got no wheel! In April's BRM

 

 

On my workbench in the April issue, I've taken an Oxford diecast Christmas lorry, and ruined it. Off comes the festive lettering, and one of the wheels. On goes dirt and graffiti, plus a pile of bricks to prop the thing up. 

There is also a wooden shelter - from a Scalemodelscenery kit whose construction defeated me, but I built it anyway. Well, bodging is an important skill...

The camera has been out for three of the four layouts in this issue: 

Broadwell lives in Cardiff, and is an impressive club-sized tail chaser with a very familiar station building. 

As well as the material on the page, the layout appears on BRM TV. 

Next, a first for me, T gauge, with the Ock Valley. 

Finally, a fun micro layout, Broad Arrow in 009. 

 BRM magazine is available from all good newsagents, or our online store: www.world-of-railways.co.uk

Supermarket customers will, I think, find it bagged with Garden Rail, which has a DVD on the cover.  

A dirty little hut in Spring's BRM

 

It's been a busy time, so I've only a single practical in the Spring issue of BRM magazine - weathering the little metal hut that I built in the last issue. 

I have been out with the camera again though. 

First, we have Canalside in OO.

The simply stunning Clyre Valley Railway in 009. 

 Finally, Barnwood in N. 

 You'll notice that two of these layouts have boats on them - happy Phil!

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. 

A hut and a warehouse in March BRM

It's all buildings from me in the latest issue of BRM. 

We start with a little etched brass hut from Severn Models. 

I've tried to demystify working with brass. There's no soldering for a start, which always puts people off. 

Then a bigger build, with a canalside warehouse. 

I really enjoyed this build, handy as it took place over a weekend around Christmas, as the planned project turned out to be a bit of a disaster and ended up in the bin. In its place, we have this Plastikard wonder, which I'm really pleased with. 

The camera has been out, firstly for Bristol Avon Bridge in OO. 

If you remember blue diesel days, this is a properly nostalgic model. I do, so the shoot was a bit of a memory-jogging moment. The photo here isn't the most impressive, but I remember seeing views like this in the 1980s. It just takes you back to the moment. 

Sticking with blue bangers, we have the stunning, O gauge, Invermire. 

If you know Scottish railways at all, you will recognise the scene around the viaduct. I had to stop myself from taking all the pictures here - but those I did are some of the most attractive photos I've ever taken, and look brilliant on the pages of the magazine.

Subscribers can also enjoy watching trains running on  BRM TV. 

BRM is available from all good newagents, 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.  

2025 - The work projects

Plenty of projects for work again this year. Let's have a quick run-through. 

In the early part of the year, I was finishing off my NG7 layout. This gave me the scope to work on a lot of scenery on the page, and a few larger-scale (in BRM world) little projects, such as a K6 telephone box. 

The following month (with 13 issues a year, the dates get confusing) I'm back to N gauge for a rather nice windmill kit. 

And it's back to 7mm scale for a track cleaning wagon conversion. 

Over on the DVD, I was looking at track cleaning more generally. 

Moving back to the NG7 layout, one of my favourite projects was the station building, kitbashed from the excellent Dapol kit. 

To go with this, I made ferns from a laser-cut card kit. 

We also get some rolling stock from a Peco kit. 

We'll need some people, and I painted them up on the May DVD. 

A nice little standalone project was a duck pond in the June issue. 

There's also a quick build of a platelayers hut kit. 

June marked the start of a quieter period of workbench activity, so my only project was to make a Peco lamp work. 

 July saw a rare TT:120 project - renumbering a locomotive. 

Something a little different, a personal departure board, which I reviewed, and then we gave away as a competition prize.

Moving to August, and I'm making proper finescale track. OK, just a short length, but hopefully, a few people were tempted to more. 

I like cranes, and was pleased to be able to build a simple Coles rail-mounted example in September. 

For BRM TV, I took a look at a Dyna-Drive fitted model. Something that most people would never have heard of!

If you have a suitable scrap wagon, such as the World of Railways exclusive pack from Accurascale, I added a simple load in October. 

November, and I built the classic Peco kit for a horse-drawn dray. I think this one looked fantastic on the page. For an old kit, it's still a good-un. 

 December arrives, and I dabble with some N gauge rolling stock.

 There's also a World of Railways exclusive building. 

 

Bought and built in under four days, for the January issue, we have this nice little shed. 

We finish the year with the February issue, where I'm back to N gauge, and the perfect addition to the top of your bridges. 

I even manage a modest 4mm scene with some Skytrex skips. 

With its increased pagination, Garden Rail also needs me to build a few things. The biggest of which has been a battery-powered steam railmotor from a Timpdon kit. 

There have been several more, but I don't have time to dig back through and work out what I've built. Well, other than the "Layout in a Day" feature at the National Garden Railway Show. 

For the Hornby Collectors Club magazine, I've been working my way through some classic Hornby kits from the 1980s.

It's been very interesting both sourcing these kits, and then building them. Several are still available in slightly different forms too. Me? I just like to show that kits aren't just for collecting, they are for building!

I've also carried out a few TT:120 projects for their house magazine. 

It's an exciting scale, with new products appearing all the time. As I write, I've just submitted my latest, using some new models that appeared this year. Who knows what we will have in 12 months time? 

All this though, has been dominated by the saddest event in my work life. The loss of my friend and colleague, Andy York.  

From a practical point of view, I've had to take over processing all the layout photos for BRM, often a week's work for a single magazine. I'd already been out and about with my camera a lot, but now those duties are mostly mine too. This is why my appearance on the page with practical projects has been limited, although we're trying to build it up again. 

Moderation on RMweb, something I helped out with in a small way, is now mostly my problem. Much of the time it's not too onerous, but every so often things spiral, and no matter what I'm doing, I need to step in. Andy used to spend vast amounts of time herding the railway modelling cats, and there's no way I can match that effort, which sometimes shows. The forum is something people are very passionate about, and I'm keen to maintain Andy's legacy. 

Personally, I've lost my safety valve. Who do I ring up when I need to rant about work, or the hobby? It has to be someone in the firm. That someone used to be Andy. I've not managed to fill that hole yet. I probably never will. 

A long post, and I still haven't mentioned shows attended and many other jobs, but if you are still with me, thanks for buying the mags and keeping me in a job. Don't forget, I'm only on the end of an email if there is anything I can do to help you enjoy your hobby more. And no, I don't mean make toy trains cheaper...