Howard Smith

It's all-out British in heat three of the Great Model Railway Challenge as The Railmen of Kent, Cambrian Coasters and Loco Ladies battle it out. Read our summary, here

Yes, I agree - I think I've learnt the lesson with the office camera!

No way was I turning down that opportunity! H

The October 2019 issue of BRM is now on-sale as a digital edition from pocketmags.com/BRM. Inside this packed issue you'll find a host of inspirational modelling articles, with an emphasis on common techniques required when modelling. Digital readers will benefit from an extra 20 pages of image and video content, plus a copy of the September 2019 issue of Engineering in Miniature. Here's a rundown of what's inside... LAYOUTS St Ruth (2FS) Bleat Wharf (OO) Ellasweet Factory (OO) PRACTICAL How to build a plastic wagon kit Techniques for better models Getting into 2mm finescale One-step digital automation The N gauge Billy Bookcase layout PRODUCTS AND FEATURES BRM meets: 2MM Scale Association BRM meets: The Model Centre Spotlight: Hands-on scenic advice Review: Cheltenham Class 52 Review: Bachmann Western Pullman Review: Rivarossi 'Big Boy' New books Tail Lamp: The Model Centre Download your digital copy of BRM today, from pocketmags.com/BRM

Apologies Ian, wrist duly smacked!

Welcome everyone to the September 2019 issue of BRM, the running theme for which is Digital Command Control. From interviews with manufacturers, to professionals who provide DCC services with a sprinkling of helpful practical articles to boot - we hope you'll find solace in this issue to answer your digital questions. On-sale this afternoon at pocketmags.com/BRM or available in stores from August 15. LAYOUTS Yorkshire Pennines (N): This exhibition crowd-pleaser demonstrates computer control excellence, with a surround-viewing experience. Gamston Bank (OO): Following an interesting career touring shows, this layout met a fiery end, though its locomotives live on. Derwent Road (O9): Set in the mid-1980s, this compressed model showcases authentic mid-century architecture. PRACTICAL Modelling Autumn: Creating a seasonal shift from the summer on your model railway has never been easier, as Michael Russell shows. The BRM guide to DCC decoders: Howard Smith provides a quick guide to the most popular DCC decoders. Decoder functionality explored: Ian Mellors takes a closer look at advanced decoder features and their configuration. Hardwire a chip: Phil Parker fits a DCC decoder to a veteran Hornby Class 25. Here's how you can fit DCC to your older models, too. Fit a DCC uncoupler: Howard Smith installs an automatic uncoupler to a Hornby LNER J36. BRM meets Rail Exclusive: Howard Smith visits the UK distributor for Zimo DCC products. Behind the scenes: DCC Supplies’ Worcester store offers a great deal more than your average model shop, as Howard Smith discovers. Q+A with DCC Fitting: We collated your common questions on DCC and put them to the experts. Grandad's train set: Phil Parker creates this miniature train set diorama in a large scale. REVIEW Bachmann ex-ROD 2-8-0 L&NWR Class MM: Andy York takes a closer look at this new tooling. Graham Farish TEAs: These new wagons are put to the test by Andy York. All this and more in the September 2019 issue of BRM, on-sale this afternoon at pocketmags.com/BRM or available in stores from August 15. Happy reading!

Hello James, It's not on the radar currently, but rest assured that if that situation changes, readers of RMweb will be made aware. Howard

Here's a look at what's on this episode of BRM TV, free to BRM print and digital subscribers. You'll find plenty of inspiration and practical projects to spark interest in your layout scenery.

And, in this episode of BRM TV, exclusive to BRM print and digital subscribers: Sidmouth with its wonderfully scratch-built scenery. Phil Parker demonstrates the art of making your model grass look more accurate. Howard Smith creates a small diorama using new kits and grass sheets. Watch it now on BRM TV, visit www.world-of-railways.co.uk/brm to subscribe today!

It's mid-summer and there's plenty of model inspiration in the August Scenery Special issue of BRM, on-sale now from pocketmags.com/BRM Inside you'll find... LAYOUTS Sandy Shores (009) Jamie Warne takes us on a whistle-stop tour of his sandy seaside railway, with practical tips. Bierley Sewage Works (O-14) Internal narrow gauge railways were the backbone for many industrial locations. Simon Hargraves’ 014 gauge micro layout is a prime example. Riddings Junction (OO) A change of residence afforded Robert Fickling the opportunity to create this well-observed layout. SCENERY SPECIAL How to make custom card buildings Kevin Phare provides a masterclass in architectural model construction using a renewable material in plentiful supply. How to create an industrial scene Michael Russell explores a seldom-seen range of continental kits to construct customisable brick-built warehouse architecture. How to make a wire fence Obligatory on Britain’s railways for safety and legal reasons, Kevin Phare demonstrates how a variant of this common lineside feature can be added to your model railway. The BRM guide to model grass This scenic staple is provided by many suppliers, but ranges and their availability can vary. Howard Smith’s overview will help you make a more informed choice. BRM meets: Finescale Model World Phil Parker visits the Black Country to meet with Finescale Model World and uncover the history of its scenic creations. Sustainable Modelling The environment is one of this century’s biggest conundrums. Howard Smith looks at solutions for creating model scenery, without adversely impacting on the scenery of our planet. PRACTICAL BRM Billy Bookcase: Build a OO9 gauge layout Phil Parker builds the second layout in this series, in an increasingly popular gauge, perfect for small spaces. From start to finish, read how. PLUS Young modellers at Pendon Pendon Museum’s half-term workshops are encouraging youngsters to become involved with model-making. Howard Smith visited to discover more. Review: Dapol JHA Hopper Due for release later this year to accompany its forthcoming Class 59, Simon Bendall examines the first decorated samples. Review: Hornby SR Bulleid 59ft stock Tony Wright takes a closer look at this new range of Southern Region coaches for modellers of the post-war to late-1960s. Review: Heljan Class 37/4 The latest diesel-electric 'tractor' from the manufacturer is an opportunity for Howard Smith to cast a critical eye. New Books This month's new arrivals on our shelves are diverse, from books on modelling the early railways to a 2019 main line rail guide. Tail Lamp John Lloyd of Green Scene reflects on the evolution of model railway scenery, with insight on ranges old and new. Don't miss your copy, available to download from pocketmags.com/BRM from July 11. Or, pick up a copy in stores from July 18.

Do you have a DCC problem? We’ll put your questions directly to DCC Fitting Ltd. for a forthcoming issue of BRM to help answer your questions. Let us know your biggest problems/challenges and anything else you're dying to know on DCC. Comment below!

Here's a preview of the content on this month's episode of BRM TV, exclusive to BRM print and digtal subscribers: https://www.youtube.com/embed/dGGVdNSoKI4

STOLEN! - PLEASE SHARE During the GCR Model Event, Digitrains had in excess of £17,000 worth of stock stolen from its stand. We ask you to please look out for the below, particularly if many of the items are offered together: Bachmann STANDARD 4MT BR LINED BLACK 31-119 CLASS D11/2 JAMES FITZ JAMES 31-137A CLASS D11/1 501 MONS GCR GREEN 31-147 JUBILEE CLASS BR BLACK LINED 31-190 PATRIOT CLASS ROYAL PIONEER CO 31-210K PATRIOT CLASS 'GIGGLESWICK' 31-214 ROBINSON J11 BR EARLY WEATHER 31-321DS CLASS G2A BR BLACK EMBLEM 31-481 CLASS 70 FREIGHTLINER AIR MODS 31-590 CLASS 3F LMS BLACK 31-627B CLASS C1 ATLANTIC GNER GREEN 31-761 CLASS C1 ATLANTIC LNER GREEN 31-762 H1 CLASS ATLANTIC LA FRANCE 31-910 H2 SOUTH FORELAND 31-920 HALL CLASS BR BLACK EARLY WEAT 32-002A HALL CLASS GWR GREEN 32-007 CLASS43 WARSHIP D841 ROEBUCK 32-069 CLASS 56XX GWR GREEN 32-078 CLASS 56XX BR GREEN LATE WEATH 32-083A Class 08 Freightliner powerhau 32-121 CLASS 08 BR RAILFREIGHT DIST 32-122 CLASS 4575 PRAIRIE TANK 4592 32-137A LMS CRAB 42765 BR EARLY BLACK 32-176 WD AUSTERITY LMR BLUE 32-250A WD AUSTERITY LNER BLACK 32-254A CLASS K3 EARLY EMBLEM 32-281 CLASS 2251 COLLETT GOODS 3212 32-301A CLASS 2251 COLLETT GOODS 2251 32-304A CLASS 37 DB SCHENKER 32-381L IVATT CLASS 4MT LMS BLACK 32-575A IVATT CLASS 4MT 43014 32-580A Class 90 Intercity Swallow 32-610 Class 90 BR Railfreight 32-611 Class 90 Freightliner 32-612 CLASS 44 BR GREEN DCC SOUND 32-650DS CLASS 44 BR BLUE WEATHERED 32-651A CLASS 66 66065 DB SCHENKER 32-737 Class 57/3 Northern Belle 32-764A Class 37 Red Stripe Weathered 32-775SD CLASS 37/0 MERL EVANS COLAS 32-789 CLASS 37/0 BR TRIPLE GREY 32-790 Class 37 BR Blue Loch Rannoch 32-790A Class 47 XP64 Livery 32-800K CLASS 47/0 BR TWO TONE GREEN 32-806 BR 47/0 BR TWO TONE GREEN SOUN 32-806DS IVATT CLASS 2MT 2-6-0 46460 32-826A IVATT CLASS 2MT 2-6-0 6418 LMS 32-830A BR STANDARD 9F BR BLACK LATE 32-860 CLASS 66 66728 INSTITUTE RAIL 32-980A CLASS 66 FREIGHTLINER POWERHAU 32-981 CLASS 66 DIESEL BLUE COMPASS 32-982 CLASS E4 LB AND SCR UMBER 35-075 CLASS E4 BR BLACK LINED EARLY 35-079 D J Models J94 DCC READY HDJJ94 DigitrainSound DRUMMOND 700 CLASS SOUND FIT R3239ZS Hornby BR 4-6-0 'BARNSLEY' R3003 Railroad Flying Scotsman R3086 LNER CLASS A3 BOOK LAW R3132 BR CLASS D16 R3235 Flying Scotsman TTS Sound R3284TTS BR EARLY CLASS A3 MINORU R3312 CLASS 4F FOWLER LOCO R3313 S&DJR 4-4-0 FOWLER R3316 BR EARLY CLASS B17/6 R3318 GWR KING CLASS KING GEORGE V R3330 LNER 'QUEEN OF SCOTS' R3402 BR(early) 2-6-0 K1 Class Loco R3418 CLASS Q6 LNER R3424 BR (EARLY) B12 CLASS LOCO R3431 LNER ClassD16.3 Claud Hamilton R3433 BR 4-6-0 B17 Welbeck Abbey R3448 CLASS B1 No 61032 STEMBOK R3451 CASTLE CLASS DRYSLLWYN CASTLE R3454 Sentinel 0-4-0 Crossley&Evans R3483 CLASS 08 LOCO '08644' BR 0-6-0 R3485 D49/1HUNT THE COTSWOLD No62760 R3495 CLASS 08 DB SCHENKER 08623 TTS R3504TTS PRINCESS CITYOF BIRMINGHAM TTS R3509TTS B17 EARLY BR LEICESTER CITY R3523 WEST COUNTRY CLASS (REBUILT) R3524 CLASS Q6 2265 RAVEN LNER R3541 STANDARD 4MT CLASS 7500 R3547 STANDARD 4MT CLASS 7500 75053 R3548 GWR GRANGE CLASS "ABERPORTH" R3552 SR 0-6-0 Q1 CLASS R3559 GBRF Class 66 R3573 LNER B17 CLASS LOCO LIVERPOOL R3588 BR LATE WEST COUNTRY BIDEFORD R3638 BR CLASS 31 R3661 CLASS 59 "PAUL A HAMMOND" R3666 CLASS 14XX BR 0-4-2T R3692 SE&CR A1/A1X CLASS TERRIER R3782 SOUTHERN RAILWAY AI/AIX TERRIE R3783 Little Loco Company BTH15 GDF/GDB/GDS O GAUGE BTH15 BTH15 SOUND FITTED GDF/GDB/GDS BTH15SOUND Bachmann Scenics High level station entrance 44-119A High level station entrance 44-119B High level station entrance 44-119C

Don't miss the July issue of BRM, on-sale tomorrow as a digital edition from pocketmags.com/BRM Print copies are available to purchase in stores from June 20. Happy reading! WEATHERING SPECIAL! INSIDE THIS DIGITAL ISSUE... - 29 EXTRA IMAGES - FREE COPY OF NARROW GAUGE WORLD - FIVE EXTRA VIDEOS OF PROJECTS INSIDE THIS ISSUE - BRM TV BRM TV INCLUDES - Hope-under-Dinmore - Paint a yard crane - Wagon weathering explained LAYOUTS - North Foreland (O) - Lymebrook Yard (N) - Mutton (OO) WEATHERING SPECIAL - Build a fuel depot - Weather Hornby's Standard 4 locomotive - BRM meets GC Weathering - Weather a diesel locomotive - Q&A with Grimy Times: top weathering advice - Make your track more realistic PRACTICAL BRM - How to model Summer - Layout Inspiration: Model a plaster factory - Billy Bookcase Layouts: Fit solenoid point motors PRODUCTS AND FEATURES - Rail's 3D printed van: first look - Prototype Inspiration: The Class 90s - Review: Bachmann Class 90 - Review: Dapol Bogie Bolster - Review: Hornby J36 - Tail Lamp: Graeme Simmonds on the beauty of weathering Don't miss the July issue of BRM, on-sale tomorrow as a digital edition from pocketmags.com/BRM. Print copies are available to purchase in stores from June 20. Happy reading!

Some of us are serial layout builders, some of us only build one layout in our lives, but on average, how long do they last?

And, in this episode of BRM TV... Build a weighbridge for your layout with this laser-cut kit from LCUT - we show how. Attention to detail on this WWI commemorative layout is impressive. Watch it in action. Exclusive to BRM print and digital subscribers... don't miss out, subscribe today or join RMweb Gold with wider benefits.

Paul - I came across those shots when doing some research - it's given me an idea! H

So, who has downloaded the issue yet? Let us know if you have a layout favourite inside... are you tempted to build a military-themed layout? If so, would it be based upon fact, or fiction? H

Hello RMwebbers, welcome to the June 2019 issue of BRM which is on-sale now from pocketmags.com and available in stores from May 23. 2 BONUS MAGAZINES - Traction May/June 2019 and Engineering in Miniature May 2019 20 EXTRA IMAGES BRM TV + 65 MINUTES OF EXTRA VIDEO CONTENT LAYOUTS Deadmans Lane (OO) - A slice of Derby's Rail Technical Centre is the subject for Mick Bryan's model, set in the present day. Bridge at Remagen (N) - This German river crossing became a turning point during WWII. We examine Al Turner's version. Amiens (OO9) - Callum Wilcox's compact layout captures a key point during the hostilities of WWI. PRACTICAL How to build a gantry crane - a step-by-step guide to enhancing this plastic kit from Kibri. Add variety to your N gauge wagon fleet, using pre-assembled chassis for reliable running. How to setup software for locomotives. Remembering function buttons and their associated sounds can be difficult, here's a solution. Billy Bookcase layouts. Model architecture can be sought from a variety of sources, but how can it be harmonised to blend? Phil Parker explains. FEATURES The railway's role in D-Day and how it has inspired us to build models. Andy York looks at our favourites. Layouts for RTR models Part Two: How a model of Falmouth Dockyard is ideal for Hornby's 0-4-0 'Sentinel' or 0-4-0ST 'Peckett'. Trackplan and illustration inside! BRM meets: Slater's Plastikard. Howard Smith meets with David White, Director of this manufacturing backbone in the hobby. Tail Lamp: Is a new generation of modellers set to ensure the continued success of shows? Tony Wright voices his opinion. PRODUCTS AND REVIEWS Review: Hornby 'Lord Nelson' 4-6-0 Review: Minerva Manning Wardle 0-6-0 Review: Accurascale PCA Review: Graham Farish SE&CR Birdcage stock Review: Hornby GWR Collett Coaches And more! Get your copy now from pocketmags.com or in-store from May 23.

Well that has well and truly been muddled! The photograph of the Midland 1P should be sat next to the 94XX 0-6-0PT, with the Quarry Hunslets beneath. Thanks for pointing it out, though why I didn't spot it is a mystery...

Hi Bob, Sorry about that - please try https://brmm.ag/BachmannTour It's case sensitive, so this font has lost that, it seems. Something for us to check in future! H

And, in this episode of BRM TV, exclusive to BRM print and digital subscribers... Fans of BR blue, rejoice! Our layout of the month from this issue, 'Charwelton' has many - now you can watch them in action. Phil assembles a resin building kit, demonstrating key techniques when using the medium: I paint this little etched-brass platelayer's hut kit (built on last month's episode) to test Lifecolor's Wood effect paints: Subscribe to BRM here, so you don't miss out! Happy viewing

Happy Easter folks! Adding to the celebrations is our May issue of BRM, on-sale as a digital edition from midnight tonight. Print copies will be available from April 25. If you're a fan of small industrial layouts, and those that follow the theme of quarrying, you'll hopefully find our 16-page 'Quarry Special' inside of interest. LAYOUTS Charwelton (OO) The challenge of re-inventing this exhibition layout saw a transformation of its era, too. Burton On Trent (N) This iconic brewing location is the subject for this finescale model. United Mills (P4) A lack of modelling enthusiasm was soon rekindled with the acquisition of this cameo layout. PRACTICAL BRM How to... personalise a DJM J94. Phil Parker adds detail to this Cromford and High Peak Railway locomotive. Make a quarry transfer - top tips for making this dual-gauge photographic diorama: - Billy Bookcase layouts: advice for laying track How to... create a virtual control panel. Tired of re-designing your control panel every time you add a switch? Here's a digital solution... Plus, build a mini chalet kit. A kit that changes the way we think about making models of our buildings. PRODUCTS, FEATURES & REVIEWS Looking to build a compact layout? Here are some options with scale plans for you to consider, all based around quarries... Modelling the Cromford and High Peak Railway. A history of this famed network of lines and how you can model it - plans and 3D illustration inside! Ally Pally show highlights: Didn't attend our biggest branded event of the year? Here's what you missed... Review: Hornby 0-6-0T 'Terrier' Review: Dapol 9ft wheelbase wagons Review: Kernow MRC D6XX 'Warship' Review: Oxford Rail Gun Review: Hatton's RHTT wagons Review: Dapol Class 142 Review: Accurascale Cemflo Wagons Tail Lamp: Kernow Model Rail Centre. At a time when physical model shops are feeling pressures, Chris Trerise of Kernow Model Rail Centre explains why opening a second store in Guildford, makes sense. On-sale as a digital edition from www.pocketmags.com or in stores from April 25.

Tony isn't alone in proof-reading the magazine, but we'd spotted that duplicated image before it went to press too, which is frustrating. In an ideal world, every issue will contain zero mistakes and each image will be perfectly printed. Sometimes, a mistake might slip through, but we try our hardest to prevent them. Slap on wrist... Meanwhile, in this episode of BRM TV, exclusive to BRM print and digital subscribers: