Opening the box - With the arrival of summer weather, the Editor has been out and about looking for inspiration on the full size railway but found his interest wasn't always welcome...
Window shopping - Starting this month Ben Jones's news section has been expanded to bring you even more news of new products and developments in the hobby.
In the Vale of Lune...This month's layout that never leaves home features The glory days of the LMS West Coast Main Line as represented in 'OO' in Alan Ronalds' purpose-built railway 'shed'.
Model Rail on VHS and DVD - We've now got more than a dozen Model Rail video programmes plus our Airbrush Expert special, and they are now available on VMS tape or DVD. Full details of contents and how to order your copy.
A good retainer - The next development of our 'TTF' is completion of the retaining wall at the back of the station area. Chris Leigh provides some background to the real thing and completes our model using cast plaster wall sections
Model Mail
Cattle by rail - 3 - Steve Banks continues his examination of cattle traffic in the post-grouping era
Long and Low - In the quest to improve the running of Lima locomotives, High Level Models has produced a revised drive system. Darren Sherwood shows how to install it in a Class 33.
The Model Rail Shop Front - Our reader offers page brings a selection of products to help your modelmaking plus some exclusive kits and novel materials.
DCC - the way ahead - Phil Grainger brings his latest update on Digital Command and Control, the use of computer technology in model railway operation.
Signs of the time - Ben Ando shows how to use a computer and Microsoft Word to produce minature station signs for 'N' gauge layouts
Inspirations - Pip Dunn presents a selection of prototype photographs illustrating the latest Class 87 livery and the Class 35 'Hymek' a 'OO' model of which has been announced by Heljan
Chiltern Heritage - just a month after the prototype entered traffic, Chris ^eigh completed his model of the re-engineered Class 121 ^nit is service with Chiltern Railways.
True, finished, 'Brit' - Dave Lowery rounds off his series of articles on building the DJH '0' gauge 'Britannia' with a look at the main assembly and the finished model and its appearance in Model Rail programme 13.
"Oh, Sam! What a little beauty!" - There's more progress on building the Aster gauge 1 live steam Thunderbolt as Darren Sherwood tackles the boiler of the model.
Q&A - Major contributions from readers answer some recent queries about Hornby Pullman cars and overhead line equipment, among other topics.
Little Minks - Step-by-step construction of an easy-to-build plastic wagon kit to expand the fleet of GWR modellers.
Reviews - New models in 'N' gauge plus a host of parts and materials for various scales come under the scrutiny of our independent, unbiased reviews.
Voyager, Voyager burning bright...The Bachmann Voyager has white lights at both ends. Tim Hall tackles the job of making the rear lights red.
Exhibition Diary - All the dates and venues for this month's model railway shows.