Starting with electric traction in OO gauge, you might fancy the Hornby 2-BIL EMU in Southern Railway green. This two-car unit represents the distinctive DC third rail stock built in the 1930s for long-distance services to Eastbourne, Portsmouth and Reading, and this particular example comes DCC fitted with magnetic couplings already installed. If modern traction is more your thing, the Dapol Class in DRS Compass livery is worth a look – it's DCC fitted and features a finely moulded body with separately added details, printed nameplates and independently controllable directional lighting. For those who prefer diesel haulage with a bit of character, there's the Hornby Class 37 in Network Rail livery, which has been upgraded from its original TTS sound system to HM7000 sound – an ideal entry point into sound-equipped locomotives at a very reasonable price point.

   

The use of exotic animals on model railways is more common than you may think. Admittedly, the first diorama that comes to mind is some sort of African safari depiction and a whole layout dedicated to the railways of Africa, but no, the answer is much simpler than that. Modellers are always looking to find ways for their layouts to have a unique appeal and stand out as being novel or different in some way from the average layout. This desire has undoubtedly led to some smile-inspiring cameo scenes being modelled over the years, but also some quite credible ones too such as a circus visiting town. This scenario definitely adds a rare interest to the layout and gives the viewer's eyes something completely different to feast upon between train movements. There are even some exhibition layouts that have taken the circus concept to the next level by adding moving Ferris wheels, lit circus tents, a multitude of peculiar vehicles and of course some exotic animals, great for filling space in a visually exciting way!

Whilst some modellers have managed to find an excuse to include the entire inhabitants of London Zoo onto their layouts (another great idea - zoo!) others are happy to simply add a solitary peacock or pheasant to a countryside scene in a desire to capture the true essence of the great British countryside which is so much more than just cows, pigs and sheep!

Another way modellers like to use exotic animals on a layout is to exhibit them in the age-old tradition of the humorous cameo scene. Some like to quietly place something completely out of theme on their layout and let the viewer discover the joke for themselves whilst others will create a little game of it by placing numerous items around the layout and prompting spectators to find, for example, ten elephants and a rhinoceros! The limitations for a little bit of fun on a layout only runs as deep as the imagination, why not try a zebra crossing (literally) and see if anyone gets the joke.

Whilst it's all well and good thinking of ideas to bring a smile to our face and not take ourselves too seriously, the question must be asked if these models are even available, and the answer is, yes absolutely! Below are some examples of exotic animals for 00 gauge layouts including giraffes, bears, a zebra, a camel, tigers and some monkeys. You could use them with serious intent to create a zoo, wildlife park or circus scene, alternatively, you may wish to use them for a little bit of railway fun!

 

 

If however, you are looking for something that's different, but blends in a little more than an all singing all dancing circus, then it's still worthwhile looking to animals for help to create a touch of interest. Below you will see some examples of animals that wouldn't immediately spring to mind for a railway layout, but you would see in real life either in the countryside, on an estate or in a beach scene such as peacocks, turkeys, donkeys, a stag or reindeer. Take particular note of the figure sets that have a little cameo scene included such as the "fox stealing a goose" set which comes complete with the figures, a hut, compound and fencing, or the "wildlife standoff" set, although this pack doesn't contain any buildings, the animals are all staged to create a particular cameo.

 

 

We keep on adding modelling tips to our website. Here are a few: 

• What are 'desktop' model aircraft?
• What are whistle boards?
• What is a mitre box?
• Can I get replacement tension-lock couplings?
• What is an eggbeater drill?

You can read all the articles sorted by categories or from the most recent published one on our website.

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Find all the latest events and exhibitions for the model railway world, on the UK Model Shop Events directory. Hopefully, 2026 will give us plenty of opportunities to attend events all over the country.

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