The Complete Guide to Model Railways

Whether you're picking up a starter set for the first time or planning a serious layout in the loft, model railways reward patience, creativity and a healthy appetite for detail. This guide covers everything you need to know — from choosing the right scale to laying track, selecting locomotives and building the scenery that brings it all to life.

At Access Models, we've been helping hobbyists get started and go further since 1980. Our team in Newark-on-Trent knows this hobby inside out, and this guide is the distilled version of the advice we give every day.

Getting Started with Model Railways

Model railways are one of the most enduring hobbies around — and for good reason. The combination of engineering, history, creativity and craft means there's always something new to build, learn or improve. The entry point is lower than most people expect, and the ceiling is as high as you want to take it.

The best starting point for most beginners is a starter train set. These come as a complete package — locomotive, rolling stock, oval of track, and often a basic controller — giving you everything needed to run trains from day one. Starter sets are available for children from around age 3 (battery-operated, chunky designs) through to highly detailed adult sets from Hornby and Bachmann that match real prototype liveries.

What you'll need to get started:

A starter train set (or separate locomotive + track if you know what you want)
A controller (transformer/power unit) — usually included with sets
A flat surface or baseboard to run your layout on
A plan — even a simple oval gives you something to build from

Don't feel you need to buy everything at once. Start running trains, then add to it. That's how most experienced modellers got where they are.

👉 Browse model railway starter sets and locomotives

Choosing the Right Scale

Scale is the single most important decision you'll make — it determines what track, locomotives, rolling stock and accessories are compatible with each other. Get it right early and everything else slots in. Mix scales by accident and nothing will run.

OO Gauge — The UK Standard

OO gauge is by far the most popular scale in the UK, and it's where the widest range of models, accessories and second-hand stock exists. The scale ratio is 1:76 — so one centimetre on the model represents 76 centimetres in real life. Track gauge (the distance between the rails) is 16.5mm.

Why choose OO?

The biggest range of UK-prototype locomotives, coaches and wagons
Hornby, Bachmann, Dapol and Peco all produce extensively in OO
Huge second-hand market — great for building a collection on a budget
Large community, clubs, shows and resources
A good size to detail and handle without being too fiddly

OO is the natural home for British outline modelling — if you want to model the Great Western Railway, LNER Flying Scotsman or modern Network Rail, OO has it covered.

N Gauge — Compact and Detailed

N gauge runs at 1:148 scale (in the UK), with a track gauge of just 9mm. It's significantly smaller than OO, which makes it ideal for modellers with limited space — you can fit twice the layout into the same footprint.

Why choose N gauge?

Half the size of OO — perfect for a shelf layout or small room
Still a strong range of UK-prototype models, particularly from Farish (now part of Bachmann)
Can model longer trains and more dramatic scenery in the same space
Requires a steadier hand for detailing and handling

N gauge has grown significantly in quality and range over the past decade. If space is your primary constraint, it's an excellent choice.

HO Gauge — The International Standard

HO runs at 1:87 scale with 16.5mm track (the same gauge as OO, but a slightly different scale ratio). It's the dominant standard in continental Europe and North America, which means an enormous range of models exists — particularly for European and American prototypes.

Why choose HO?

Best choice if you want to model European or American railways
Vast international range from Roco, Fleischmann, Märklin, Kato and others
Slightly more detailed than OO at the same physical size
Not the best choice for British outline modelling (limited UK prototype range)

In summary: For most UK-based beginners modelling British railways, OO gauge is the right choice. If space is tight, consider N. If you want European or American prototypes, HO.

Essential Equipment

Beyond your locomotive and rolling stock, a few key pieces of equipment make all the difference.

Track

Peco is the benchmark for track in the UK. Their Streamline range covers OO, N and HO in both code 100 (slightly raised rail, more forgiving) and code 75 (closer to prototype scale, more realistic appearance). Peco also produces an extensive range of points (turnouts) for complex layouts.

For beginners, Hornby track (which integrates with most OO starter sets) works perfectly well. As your layout grows, many modellers transition to Peco for its better tolerances and broader range.

👉 Browse Peco track and points

Controllers

Entry-level controllers (also called transformers or power packs) regulate the voltage and direction of current to your track, controlling the speed and direction of your locomotives. Most starter sets include a basic analogue controller.

Digital Command Control (DCC) is the significant upgrade worth considering once you're past the beginner stage. DCC sends a constant voltage to the track and uses a digital signal to address individual decoders fitted inside each locomotive. The benefits:

Run multiple trains independently on the same track
Control lights, sound effects and other functions separately per locomotive
No need for complex wiring to isolate track sections
Precise, smooth slow-speed control

Most modern Hornby and Bachmann locomotives are "DCC Ready" (simple decoder socket fitted) or "DCC Fitted" (decoder already installed). If you're buying new locomotives, DCC Ready as a minimum is worth specifying.

Decoders

If upgrading to DCC, you'll need decoders. These small circuit boards fit inside the locomotive and receive commands from your DCC controller. Sound decoders add realistic engine sounds — perfect for steam and diesel locomotives. Access Models stocks a range of decoders to suit most applications.

Layout Planning

A layout can be as simple as an oval on a board or as complex as a scale representation of a real station with multiple running lines. Before you buy anything, it's worth spending time planning.

Baseboard

Your baseboard is the foundation. It needs to be flat, stable and strong enough to support the weight of track, scenery and structures. Common choices:

Plywood on a timber frame — the traditional approach, solid and versatile
Foam insulation board — lightweight, easy to carve for landscape features, easy to pin track directly
Ready-made baseboards — available in standard sizes, saves construction time

A hinged or sectional baseboard allows the layout to be stored against a wall or in sections, saving space when not in use.

Track Plan

Draw your track plan before laying a single piece of track. Even a rough sketch helps you work out:

How many points you need
Where your station(s) will go
Loop lengths — can your longest train fit?
Access for maintenance (don't box yourself into a corner)

The classic beginner layouts are:

Continuous oval — trains run continuously, simple to operate
Out-and-back with a terminus — trains depart, run a circuit and arrive at a station; more prototypical
Point-to-point — trains shunt between two termini; the most operationally interesting

Electrics and Wiring

For analogue layouts, simple wiring is all that's needed — a connection from the controller to the track, with additional feeds every metre or so to prevent voltage drop. For DCC, the principle is similar but decoder addressing replaces the need for complex block wiring.

Peco and Seep produce a range of point motors and accessory decoders that make wiring points straightforward.

Top Brands

Hornby

Hornby is the defining name in British model railways. Established in the early 20th century and based in the UK, Hornby produces an extensive range of OO gauge locomotives, coaches, wagons and accessories. Their Dublo and Railroad ranges cater to entry-level buyers; the Railroad Plus, Select and Collectors editions step up in detail and fidelity. If you want a Flying Scotsman, a Mallard or a modern Class 66 diesel, Hornby almost certainly makes it.

👉 Browse Hornby locomotives and sets

Bachmann

Bachmann's Branchline range is the quality benchmark for OO gauge. Their locomotives are noted for exceptional detail, smooth slow-speed running and comprehensive DCC/sound options. Bachmann also owns the Graham Farish brand, which produces the leading N gauge range for UK outline modelling. If you want the most detailed, best-running locomotives at a sensible price, Bachmann Branchline is consistently excellent.

👉 Browse Bachmann models

Peco

Peco doesn't make locomotives — they make track, and they make it better than anyone else. Their Streamline code 75 OO track is the default choice for serious layouts. Beyond track, Peco produces lineside accessories, wagon kits and a comprehensive range of N gauge products. Their publication Setrack Planbook is an invaluable resource for layout planning.

👉 Browse Peco track and accessories

Dapol

Dapol is a UK manufacturer producing OO and N gauge models with an emphasis on value and variety. Their range includes some prototypes that Hornby and Bachmann don't cover, making them a useful complement to any collection. Dapol is particularly strong in wagons and coaching stock at competitive prices.

👉 Browse Dapol models

Gaugemaster

Gaugemaster specialise in controllers, track-laying tools and scenic materials. Their controllers are reliable, widely respected and cover everything from basic analogue to full DCC. If you're not sure which controller to buy, Gaugemaster's Combi is a dependable starting point that handles most layouts without complaint.

👉 Browse Gaugemaster controllers and accessories

Scenery & Accessories

A model railway without scenery is just trains going round a loop. Scenery — the buildings, grass, trees, roads and people that surround the track — is what transforms a layout from a test track into a miniature world.

Ground Cover

Static grass is the go-to for realistic fields, embankments and verges. Applied with a static grass applicator (or even a sieve), it stands upright like real grass and catches the light convincingly. Gaugemaster, Noch and Woodland Scenics all produce excellent static grass in a range of lengths and colours.

Scatter materials — fine ground foam, sand or gravel — are used for paths, ballast and general ground texture. Apply with diluted PVA glue.

Track Ballasting

Ballasting your track is one of the most satisfying tasks in layout building and dramatically improves the appearance. Fine granite or limestone ballast is sprinkled around the track, then fixed in place with diluted PVA glue (with a drop of washing-up liquid to break the surface tension). Take care not to get glue on point blades or inside the flangeways.

Buildings and Structures

Plastic kit buildings are available from Hornby, Metcalfe (card kits — excellent value and remarkably detailed), Faller and Noch. Ready-to-plant buildings save assembly time; kit-built structures give a more personal result. For a British-prototype layout, Metcalfe's card kits are particularly recommended — their station buildings, goods sheds and terraced houses are all to scale and paint-ready.

Trees and Vegetation

Ready-made trees are available from Woodland Scenics, Noch and Gaugemaster. For a more natural look, wire armature trees (twisted copper wire, shaped by hand and then covered in scatter material) are a step up in realism. Lichen and clump foliage are useful for hedgerows and low bushes.

Figures and Vehicles

Scale figures — passengers on platforms, workers in goods yards, pedestrians on roads — add life to a layout. OO scale figures are available from Hornby, Preiser and Noch. Likewise, road vehicles in OO scale complete road scenes realistically.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best model railway for a beginner?

For most UK beginners, a Hornby starter set in OO gauge is the ideal entry point. It includes everything needed to run trains immediately, and the scale has the widest range of models and accessories to expand into.

Is DCC worth it for a beginner?

Not immediately. Start with analogue to learn the hobby, then upgrade to DCC when you want to run multiple trains or add sound. Buy DCC-Ready locomotives from the start so the upgrade is straightforward later.

How much does a basic layout cost?

A starter set costs from around £80–£150. Adding a simple baseboard, some track and basic scenery, you can have a presentable layout for £200–£400. Costs scale with ambition, but the hobby is accessible at almost any budget.

Can I mix Hornby and Bachmann track?

Yes — both use standard OO gauge (16.5mm) and the rail profiles are compatible. Points from different manufacturers can usually be joined directly, though an adaptor piece may be needed at the join.

What scale are Thomas the Tank Engine models?

Hornby's Thomas range is OO gauge (1:76), making it compatible with all other OO track and accessories. It's a legitimate entry point into proper OO modelling.