24Trains.tv is proud to present this 17 part series from Telerail from the United Kingdom about model railways.
This extensive series covers everything that has to do with the beautiful model railway hobby.
You can now watch this wonderful series, originally released on DVD, here at 24Trains.tv!
English spoken. Credits: Telerail (UK)

Model Rail - For ALL Britain's sharpest railway modellers-cover.jpg

Model Rail - For ALL Britain's sharpest railway modellers

Volumes 1-4

In this first Model Rail video programme, you'll find loads of inspiration for your model making, whatever your scale or gauge. Throughout the programmes we've shown aspects of model railways which are not easy to show in magazine illustrations and we've gone behind the scenes to full size and miniature locations, which are not normally accessible to the public.
Here are just some of the highlights: Tetley's Mills Dave Shakespeare's superb '00' layout that never leaves home was featured in Model Rail in 1997. In the July 1999 issue we've returned to see the transformation that's taken place in two years. Using modern miniature cameras, we step aboard the locomotive for a unique view of this impressive layout based on an imaginary West Yorkshire town.
Join us for a unique trip, over the viaducts and into the tunnels of this miniature world. Easy Air Brushing We've taken the video camera to Dave Lowery's workshop for an expert demonstration of air brushing. Dave shows, in easy to follow steps, how he prepares wagon bodies for painting, before he loads and uses the air brush, and applies the transfers. An air brush is a lifetime investment, so Dave shows how to clean and maintain it, too.
Getting ready for Summer Trevor Jones is an innovative garden railway modeller who introduced us to his revolutionary 'rubbercrete' - a concrete mixture you can plane or nail - in the Autumn 1998 Model Rail. He's gone on to demonstrate a whole series of techniques for garden railway construction. Now he reveals how he prepared his scale three miles of '00' layout for summer operation. Inspirations Galore!
Our 'Inspirations' pages provide detailed views of prototype railways as an aid to accurate modelling, so here's a round up which includes Bulleid light 'Pacifics', Class 52 'Westerns', Class 59s and 66s at work, container trains and - in a preview of the next Model Rail, a look at the transport of timber by rail. Bekonscot - A Driver's Eye View Visit Bekonscot, the world's oldest model village. Be inspired by 1930s scenes and ride with our miniature digital camera on a gauge '1' railway where the locomotives cover 12,000 scale miles in a season. Running time approximately 85 minutes. English spoken Credits: Telerail (UK)

Volume 1

In this second Model Rail programme you'll find loads of inspiration for your model making, whatever your scale or gauge! Here are some of the highlights: Graham Farish - Dorset's 'Crewe works' It really is a railway workshop in miniature! Romany Works, near Poole is the home of the last full range of ready-to-run model railway equipment to be built in Britain. Here, Graham Farish turns out 'N' gauge locomotives, coaches, wagons, track and accessories just like a full size railway workshop.
There's computer aided design, precision tool making, metal casting, injection moulding, painting, printing and painstaking assembly. Our cameras went behind the scenes for two days to see just what goes into Britain's smallest ready-to-run trains. Wallsea - East Coast Main Line in 'O' gauge More than 30 locomotives of North Eastern and BR designs provide a prototypical train service on this imaginary section of the ECML which includes a splendid outdoor model of Digswell (Welwyn) viaduct.
Running from garage to garden to shed, the layout features two locomotive depots plus fully working semaphore signals (with lights) and authentic operation. Inspirations - old and new Our hugely popular selections of prototype photographs to support modelling features are supplemented by video footage from archive film and present day location shooting. In this section we examine the A4s and we've an exclusive preview of the new EWS Class 66s and 67s now being delivered from Spain.
Blackpool - trams by the seaside Alan Catlow's exhibition layout (Model Rail, July 1999) provides a classic background against which to display his superb scratch-built Plasticard tramcars. Bala See the trains move on Keith Jaggers's superb evocation of 1930 rural Wales. Our cameras go to the lineside on this '00' model of the Bala Junction- Bala branch based on 20 years of research and construction. Weathering your models If you're seeking realism, nothing works better than weathering but it's more than just slopping some 'dirty turps' on your best locomotive.
Model Rail editor Chris Leigh shows some examples of different types of weathering and demonstrates techniques using weathering powders and paint - dry brushed and sprayed.
Running time approximately over 70 minutes. English spoken. Credits: Telerail (UK)

Volume 2

The linking theme of this programme is a series of site visits to level crossings, ranging from hand-operated swing gates to modern lifting barriers. We visit three crossings with traditional gates and three with lifting barriers and they are all very different, offering loads of potential variety for you model making. Nigel Harris, Model Rail Managing Editor, introduces the programme from Oakham - prototype of the celebrated Airfix/Dapol plastic signalbox kit. 
Starting with baseboards You don't have to be an expert carpenter! Chris Leigh shows how the baseboard frames for Model Rail's Total Test Facility modular layout are being being built - easy carpentry for you to follow. He shoes how the frames are built in a simple jig to ensure that they all turn out exactly the same. 
Radio-controlled '00' - a Great Western 'eye opener' We go behind the scenes at David Clarke's unique Hallgates '00' layout where trains operated by radio-control run under fully authentic GWR signalling. Semaphores and colour lights are controlled from 210-lever signallbox. We see the layout in operation and our minicam provides a unique driver's eye view. 
Military precision - how to model MOD traffic In association with the May 2000 issue of Model Rail which contains a special feature article, we take a look at military railway traffic and the operation of special trains for the Ministry of Defence including a behind the scenes glimpse of the MoD railway at Bicester and Marchwood. 
Over the top - how to build the finest footbridges Most model footbridge kits are designed for ground level mounting and are much too high when fitted on a station platform. Chris Leigh shows how to build and modify a Hornby kit to make it wider and lower - just like the real thing. 
Prototype inspirations the 'A3' 4-6-2s and Deltics To link with the March 2000 and April 2000 issues of Model Rail we present a selection of archive footage featuring Gresley's 'A3' 4-6-2s and the ever-popular 'Deltics'. 
Instant rust and coal We round off with a look at coal traffic in the steam era and a remarkable new product which allows you to add real rust to your models - even on plastic wagons! Level crossings We visit Oakham, Uffinton, Bainton, Tailington, Helpston, Woodcroft and St James Deeping. Running time approx 90 minutes.
 English spoken. Credits: Telerail (UK)

Volume 3

Nigel Harris introduces this programme from Pendon Museum in Oxfordshire where more than 50 years' work has gone into recreating rural Berkshire as it was around 1930 in 4mm:1ft scale in stunning detail. We take a close look at the museum's superb layouts, trains and cottages and see progress on the celebrated Vale Scene.
Making tracks! Continuing construction of our 'Total Test Facility' office layout, Chris Leigh shows how to lay flexible track which looks good and enables your trains to run well. Following up our survey of track ballast products in Model Rail July 2000, we show how to add loose ballast for realistic appearance.
Llandudno Junction in 1961 This layout was first featured in Model Rail September 1999 and we're delighted to return to see Chris Evans demonstrate his fine 'OO' layout. It includes a complete set of authentic locomotives and trains to enable exact operation for one full day in 1961. Llandudno station, the junction, motive power depot and even the Conway tubular bridge are included in this remarkable 'OO' layout which occupies one room.
Getting heated! Dave Lowery shows how easy soldering is, once you've learned a few simple techniques and tips. He's building an 'O' gauge Class 66 diesel locomotive and demonstrates techniques for soldering small white metal castings and large pieces of brass.
Pendon Perfection! We featured some of Pendon Museum's charming models in Model Rail May and June 2000. Now we can take you behind the scenes at this museum of miniature landscape, to see progress on building the Vale Scene's 'EM' gauge railway plus close-ups of detail you'll find both staggering and inspirational. The Dartmoor Scene and Madder Valley are also featured.
Prototype inspirations Our prototype coverage using archive footage includes cement trains, Stanier '8F' 2-8-0s and Class 26 diesel-electrics. On the Spot We pay a brief visit to Isambard Kingdom Brunel's GWR station at Culham to complete our coverage. English spoken. Credits: Telerail (UK)

Volume 4

Volumes 5-8

Introduced by Model Rail Managing Editor, Nigel Harris, from the English Welsh &amp; Scottish Railway diesel traction depot at Toton, this programme takes a behind the scenes look at this main EWS workshops with ideas on how to model a diesel locomotive depot and the buildings and details to incorporate. Our cameras were given free reign to record depot activity and maintenance work. Wychnor '0' gauge Model Rail was invited to record the final operating session on the Wychnor on Trent '0' gauge Group's layout before it was dismantled while major building refurbishment took place. This superb layout that's big enough to handle even an LMS Beyer Garrett, will be re-housed in a smaller room and so will never again be seen as you see it here! Scenery basics Chris Leigh shows how to build a basic landscape using polystyrene tiles and plaster bandage and goes on to demonstrate how to finish realistic hills. He adds detail, including gorse bushes and poppies while Darren Sherwood demonstrates a novel technique using sea moss to make lifelike trees. Whiter than white! China Clay traffic old and new. Our 'operations' feature examines the working of china clay trains which originate in Cornwall to carry the whitener used in paper and pottery throughout the UK and overseas. From Beattie well tanks and 'clay opens' to modern 'CDA' wagons and Class 37s, we provide all the details you'll need. Prototype details: Chris Leigh adds a new smoke box door to the Hornby Southern Region rebuilt 'Merchant Navy' and Darren Sherwood shows his Alexander Models Class 17 Clayton. We've archive footage of the real thing, too. Top tips on how to model in card. Once you can build a basic structure in card, there's no building you can't tackle. A modeller's guide to Toton Recorded in 1998 and 2000, we look behind the scenes at Toton traction depot. Running time 90 minutes approx. English spoken. Credits: Telerail (UK)

Volume 5

Introduced by Model Rail Managing Editor, Nigel Harris, from the new Bombardier Virgin voyager commissioning depot at Crofton near Wakefield, this programme takes a close look at the Virgin Cross Country fleet from Class 47s through HSTs to the new Virgin Voyager DMUs. These 125 mph four-car units are about to transform Virgin services on non-electrified routes. The Strathmore Route Model Rail went to the Isle of Mull to see this superb evocation of the railway through Perth as it was in the 1950s. Authentic operation is the hallmark of Roger Nicholas's layout and our miniature onboard camera gets to the heart of the action as the midday trains arrive and depart. Windows - clearly explained Continuing the construction of station buildings in card for his Savernake baseboard of Model Rail's 'TTF' office layout, Chris Leigh shows how he produces windows and doors, including the 'stone' surrounds. Prototype inspirations Archive footage of Class 86s and LMS 'Duchess' 4-6-2s at work. Virgin Fleet A close look at the Virgin Fleet from Class 37 to the new Voyager. Multi-layer masking and spraying Dave Lowery demonstrates the art of complex masking to spray a Class 37 in Railfreight gray colours. Buildings for Tetley's Mills Master modeller Dave Shakespeare shows how to build stone structures in Das modelling clay. Running time 80 minutes approx. English spoken. Credits: Telerail (UK)

Volume 6

In the 1950s Gainsborough Model Railway Society acquired a Victorian school building and built a massive '0' gauge layout therein. Their inspiration was the King's Cross - Leeds main line and their project included representations of the main features, including King's Cross, Retford, Doncaster and Leeds Central stations. This is one of Britain's great heritage model railways, ranking alongside Beckonscot and Pendon but very different from both. Model Rail's Nigel Harris takes you on a guided tour of the layout and explains the background to the buildings, locomotives and rolling stock. Gainsborough Model Railway We take a tour of the layout following trains from King's Cross to Leeds and examine some of the 100 plus locomotives which range from goods 0-6-0s to 'Pacifics' and the 'W1' 4-6-4 plus all the steam age atmosphere of the East Coast main line. Finishing touches Dave Lowery completes a locomotive repaint by adding transfer and lining with a bow pen. Chris Leigh roofs a station building. Dirty does it! Darren Sherwood weathers a Hornby tank wagon for that extra special touch of realism. Falworth George Woodcock's '00' modern image layout is compact, well detailed and authentic. Plus: Bachmann Turbos and a Class 25 examined. Archive footage of 'Hymeks' and 'N' 2-6-0s. Running time 80 minutes approx. English spoken. Credits: Telerail (UK)

Volume 7

In 2000 the Great Western Railway museum in Swindon moved to a new location inside the historic locomotive works site. Nigel Harris takes a tour of the museum, now called STEAM and introduces the programme.The museum provides an insight into life in a big railway workshop which built everything from brooms to locomotives.
Wintergate High Road The heyday of the LMS modelled in '00' gauge in two specially converted rooms by Alan Buckenham.
Fitting fans Dave Lowery demonstrates how to fit etched grilles and fans to plastic bodied diesel locomotives.
Wonderful weathering Following up his popular feature in programme 7, Darren Sherwood turns his attention to weathering a Lima Class 37.
It's all in the details Chris Leigh continues his series of features on model buildings by adding chimneys, gutters and valancing to a station building.
Stretton Mike Ellis's picturesque '00' layout is inspired by Church Stretton but features a distinctive '009' narrow gauge feeder line as well.
Plus: Archive footage of LMS Fowler 4F 0-6-0s, Class 37s and HSTs and a look at the Hornby Bulleid light 'Pacific' and the Bachmann Class 24. Running time 80 minutes approx. English spoken. Credits: Telerail (UK)

Volume 8

Volumes 9-12

Speed is the theme of this programme which includes record breaking 4-4-0 City of Truro, the Class 67 and high speed mail operations, and Virgin's striking Class 390 Pendolino, capable of 140 mph. Nigel Harris introduces the programme from Alstom's Asfordby Test Centre where Pendolinos are being put through their paces before release to Virgin. You can't see the join Chris Leigh shows how to conceal the unsightly gap between buildings and the ground, which spoils many a good layout. Hot tips on hot tips! Dave Lowery demonstrates the use of a variable temperature soldering station when assembling cast white metal components. Pendolino: tilting sensation! We examine the Dapol Pendolino in '00' and Nigel Harris explores the full size unit drawing attention to some modelable details. Melford Kelvin Barnes's '00' modern image layout is a versatile fiddle yard-to-terminus operation that's just 11ft long and packed with detail. Plus: Archive footage of City of Truro in action, Class 67 mail operations, and a look at Lima's Class 67 model and Bachmann's intermodal wagons. Running time 80 minutes approx. English spoken. Credits: Telerail (UK)

Volume 9

Nigel Harris introduces this episode from the Severn Valley Railway, one of Britain's most successful standard gauge preserved railways and home of a wide range of locomotives and stock operating through beautiful West Midlands scenery. It's absolutely packed with detail to inspire your modelling. Leyland MRC's 'N' gauge spectacular Our first featured 'N' gauge layout is a long, slim monster with more than a scale mile of main line through super detailed scenery. Essentially modern image, includes one or two surprises in this scale. Soldering highs and lows Dave Lowery continues his demonstration of soldering techniques which began on programme 9 with delicate low temperature soldering. Now he shows more assembly techniques for white metal kits and some higher temperature work on larger areas of brass. Model Rail editor Chris Leigh examines some model figures and provides a beginner's guide to some simple techniques for painting miniature people. Dunston Green Kelvin Barnes built this small '00' branch terminus to cater for his young son's intrest in steam locomotives. Set in the 1950s/60s it matches Melford (programme 9) in showing Kelvin's eye for detail. Plus: Archive footage of WD 2-8-0s, Classes 89 and 91 in traffic and vintage diesel railbuses and a look at the Hornby HST and Silver Fox AC Cars railbus. Running time 80 minutes approx. English spoken. Credits: Telerail (UK)

Volume 10

Nigel Harris introduces this episode from the National Railway Museum in York. Including Rocket, the 'Schools' 4-4-0, Evening Star, and Deltic it also provides a glimpse inside the museum's newly opened stores section. It's absolutely packed with detail to inspire your modelling. Holiday Haunts '0' gauge spectacular Shown in 2002 at Model Rail's GWR Convention in Swindon, Holiday Haunts in inspired by the Dawlish seawall section of the GWR. As a club layout it features a wide variety of stock from the Big Four companies and is large enough for the trains to be seen i full in a scenic setting. Open frame explained How do you create a realistic scenic setting on a layout' It has to be 'designed in' right from the start, using open frame baseboards. Dave Lowery shows how to build an open frame baseboard to allow scenery above and below track level. Transferring perfection Darren Sherwood demonstrates various types of transfers and decals, showing how to apply them without tell-tale backing film being visible. Midhurst Today, Midhurst's railways are long gone, but Tony Bates's layout is an accurate '00' scale model of this classic English junction, set in the period 1930-39, 250 miles away in Wigan, Lancashire. Plus: Archive footage of Hunslet Austerities. Running time 80 minutes approx. English spoken. Credits: Telerail (UK)

Volume 11

Nigel Harris introduces this episode from Paddington station and the Heathrow Express service including scenes on board and around the trains, inside the state of the art Old Oak Common depot and a cab ride into Heathrow Central station. Stoney Middleton Peter Mason's Buxton cellar is full of modern image '00' layout. We take a close look at a diverse array of traffic from cross country passenger trains to block stone, postal and local van trains. Polystyrene scenic work Dave Lowry continues his demonstration of building an open frame baseboard, begun in Model Rail video 11, by filling in the gaps in the frame with a scenic base made of expanded polystyrene. All paint and powder Darren Sherwood gives some plastic wagons the timber treatment with replacement 'unpainted' planks and dry powder weathering. There's even a role for real coal. 'Golden Arrow' Chris Leigh shows how to fit the Model Rail 'Golden Arrow' nameplates and fittings to a new Hornby light 'Pacific' in readiness for the arrival of Hornby's new Pullman cars. Plus: Archive footage of 'Royal Scot' 4-6-0s . Heathrow Express Class 332s, Paddington station and a Manx Northern Railway layout. Running time 80 minutes approx. English spoken. Credits: Telerail (UK)

Volume 12

Volumes 13-17

Nigel Harris introduces this episode from the Isle of Man where the 'main line' is narrow gauge and steam operated and where there's plenty of other railway interest too. We go behind the scenes and we hot an exclusive view of some private railway models.
Here are just some of the highlights of Volume 13:
<ul>
<li>Castletown - The Isle of Man Railway station is lovingly modelled in 12 mm gauge INSIDE the building which it represents.</li>
<li>Dave Lowery shows how to lay long decals in straight lines, the professional way.</li>
<li>Making a scene - Model Rail Editor Chris Leigh takes over the scenic work on the open frame baseboard project and starts to prepare some of the varied scenic aspects of the model.</li>
<li>And much more!</li>
</ul>
Running time 80 minutes approx. English spoken. Credits: Telerail (UK)

Volume 13

In this programme join Nigel Harris, Managing Editor, EMAP Railway Titles, for a visit to the thriving Milton Keynes Model Railway Society, which is based at the celebrated Station X at Bletchley Park, where wartime boffins cracked the German's Enigma code. Here are just some of the highlights of Volume 14:
<ul>
<li>'Buxfield', a modest sized modern image 0 gauge layout expertly modelled by club member Mark Agnew.</li>
<li>Water features - Model Rail Editor Chris Leigh fills the pond he built in programme 13 using one of the water products available as a reader offer.</li>
<li>Silver collections - There's the rare chance to look at no less than two layouts devoted to collections of historic models, Hornby Dublo and Trix Twin both of which have been out of production for some 40 years yet still have their ardent followers.</li>
<li>Doncaster 150 - a look at some of the visiting steam locomotives.</li>
<li>Reviews - Our review section looks at the splendid new Hornby '8F' and the locomotive which often replaced it, the Class 25, in a revised version from Bachmann.</li>
<li>Archive The English Electric Class 40s are the subject of our archive feature.</li>
<li>There's also time to find out just what's on offer at a typical club like Milton Keynes which offers something for everyone from 'N' gauge to gauge 1 live steam.</li>
<li>DCC, first look at what Digital Command Control can do for you.</li>
<li>A soft bed - Well laid and weathered track is one of the secrets of a good looking layout and we show how it's done using Carr's profiled track underlay.</li>
<li>Milton Quays - is a superb Milton Keynes based '00' gauge model featuring both main line and dockside running on the Southern region.</li>
</ul>
Running time 80 minutes approx. English spoken. Credits: Telerail (UK)

Volume 14

Nigel Harris introduces the programme from Carnforth, where Trevor Howard and Celia Johnson once starred in Brief Encounter. We see the restored station and the remaining infrastructure and retail developments.
Here are just some of the highlights of Volume 15:
<ul>
<li>New Mills - Unusual in that it features no buildings, this exhibition layout is a scenic setting for full length '00' trains.</li>
<li>' We've covered them in detail in Model Rail issue 63 but here we can show the opening doors of the Hornby Class 50 and the smooth running 'Q1'.</li>
<li>Multi-layer decals - Dave Lowery shows how pale coloured decals can be laid onto dark surfaces.</li>
<li>Safe Crossing - Model Rail Editor Chris Leigh installs the road and level crossing on our open frame baseboard project.</li>
<li>Archive - The ever popular Class 27 diesels and the BR standard '4MT' 2-6-4Ts in action on BR.</li>
<li>Wessex Lines Layout - Terry Booker's superb loft layout features the SR and GWR in Dorset. His '00' layout takes inspiration from Pendon and even features a snow scene.</li>
</ul>
Running time 80 minutes approx. English spoken. Credits: Telerail (UK)

Volume 15

Whatever your modelling interests there's no better way to avoid frustrating and costly mistakes than to learn time saving tricks of the trade by watching the experts at work.
Introduced by Nigel Harris from London's Docklands Light Railway and scripted by Chris Leigh, this volume of our top selling DVD series features over 80 minutes of entertaining modelling tips and inspirational ideas:
<ul>
<li>Boldon Junction - A superb '00' gauge layout set in the industrial North West of England in the 1990s.</li>
<li>Building Bridges - Chris Leigh looks at bridges and how you can model them more effectively.</li>
<li>Build better locomotives - Dave Lowery knows the tricks of the trade and he's prepared to share them with us here.</li>
<li>Docklands Light Railway - We take a close look at the amazing Docklands Light Railway, with its attractive stations and daring engineering.</li>
<li>Reviews - A first look at the new Bachmann Class 40, 'Small Prairie', Deltic and Hornby's Gresley coaches.</li>
<li>GWR 'Halls' - Our archive feature highlights the GWR equivalent of 'Black Fives' - widely travelled and called upon to work every sort of train.</li>
<li>Scunthorpe Steelworks - A rare chance to look behind the scenes at this massive industrial complex and its 100 mile internal railway system.</li>
<li>Let's Rock - Dave Lowery wanted a Dawlish style seafront for his '0' gauge layout, so Chris Leigh lends a hand with the rock faces and seaside scenic details.</li>
<li>Port Eithin - A substantial exhibition layout that features a Cornish china clay branch serving a harbor.</li>
</ul>
Running time 80 minutes approx. English spoken. Credits: Telerail (UK)

Volume 16

Nigel Harris introduces the latest Model Rail programme from the English end of the Channel Tunnel. This programme is packed with prototype and archive views, a close look at two superb '00' gauge layouts and a wealth of practical modelling advice.
Includes:
<ul>
<li>Tetley Mills: Dave Shakespeare's ever popular layout has now been extensively rebuilt after a serious invasion of woodworm.</li>
<li>Improving Skaledale: Chris Leigh demonstrates how to install a Hornby Skaledale cottage on your layout and add extra scenic details to improve it.</li>
<li>Dartmouth for Kingswear: Peter Midwinter's '00' gauge layout, based on Western Region operations in South Devon in the 1960s. Plenty of steam and diesel hydraulic action.</li>
<li>Live Steam in the Garden: Paul Barnard puts Hornby's amazing '00' gauge live steam system through its paces on a garden railway.</li>
<li>A Very Good Shed: Model Rail's newest recruit, George Dent, shows how to assemble, paint and weather a Townstreet stone cast goods shed.</li>
<li>Ironstone Operations: Our operations section features iron ore traffic past and present, while the steam archive section focuses on the much loved LNER 'B1' 4-6-0s.</li>
</ul>
Running time 90 minutes approx. English spoken. Credits: Telerail (UK)

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