Several North America-based readers have reported their copy of the January 2026 issue hasn’t arrived at the usual time. A combination of a strike at CanadaPost; and a delay at our US distributor, conspired to delay the January issue.

Our US distributor confirms that the January issue has now been lodged into CanadaPost and USPS. They’re hopeful that copies should be delivered in the next week or so. Apologies for the delay, and we hope that you enjoy issue #100!

Issue 100 is the final edition of Australia’s specialist narrow gauge modelling magazine.

We’ve decided to retire, and NGDU is still looking for an interested editor/publisher to take the magazine forward. In the meantime, we’ve poured all our energy into making issue #100 special…

Peter Jackson’s EVNGR featured in the very-first edition, and we return to feature some amazing progress on this scenic line. There’s also plenty of practical ‘how to’ building projects, from water tanks to domestic garages. Plus, a visit to the Birrarung Tramway; some never-before-published photos of Tasmanian logging; and lots more.

Get a copy at our online store today!

The October 2025 issue (#99) of NGDU is now available. This issue, we visit Russell Malley’s scenic live-steam line, which features trains from the D&RGW and VR narrow gauge operations in a realistic garden setting. We’ll also tour Peter Macdonald’s On30 display; and visit “The Sawmill” which blurs the lines between detailed diorama and layout.

The October issue is also packed with projects – from sculpting scale figures in clay to building a tiny station building. Get your copy today, via our stockists or directly!

Jump in today with the July issue of NGDU. We visit the lush Otways rainforest of Victoria, on Mick Bennie’s On30 “The Beechie”. Mick has captured the areas verdant forests, and his approach to detailing mimics a number of iconic historical photographs.
In this issue, we’ll also tackle some simple construction projects – from wayside halts to simple stations, workers’ cottages to (even!) tents.

Plus, visit a large-scale layout built to interest exhibition visitors; and much more!
July issue, out now.

Keith Pashina’s amazing portrait of Black Hawk, Colorado, heads our April issue. Modelled in HOn30, the layout shows some fascinating innovations – such as modular baseboards, and 1:1 planning methods. Read all about it in NGDU!

The April issue also highlights techniques used on the iconic “Cinnamon Port” (which featured in December 2024) by Peter Kendall. Peter shares his methods for back scenes, structures and other facets.

Plus… Motor cycle conversions to rail vehicles; large scale oil tankers; a lovely On30 layout built for watching trains, and lots more.

The April 2025 issue is available now from stockists, or direct in our online store.

The January 2025 issue is out now, marking the 19th year from NGDU’s current editing team. A new year provides a chance to reflect, and I’ve decided that issue 100 – Jan 2026 – will be the last under the current management. We’re seeking interest from readers and supporters to “take on” NGDU – if you are interested, please get in touch!
I’ve done the role as a part-time ‘job’ of sorts. NGDU requires fairly-constant attention, amounting to a few hours every week. Each issue involves about 40 hours in total – plus there are back issues to send, admin to tackle etc. In return, you’ll receive immense satisfaction, plus a profitable small business.

In the meantime, enjoy the January 2025 issue’s diverse features: from a scenic club layout; to a Vietnamese paddy field; from a German field railway to the deepest woods. There’s plenty to please anyone!

Peter Kendall’s unique “Cinnamon Port” in On30 features in our October 2024 issue, available now.

Peter’s portable layout captures the colonial architecture, tight confines and busy commerce of a Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) spice port. There’s also plenty more to explore in the October issue – from designing a mountain-themed layout; to creating a water tank from an unusual object; to crafting a dedicated modelling space. Grab your copy today, from our stockists or from the online store!

The July issue includes heaps of interest and fun! We visit Peter Annison’s freelanced On30 layout; build a cane-cutters shack; explore “high tech” and “low tech” approaches to layout planning; and much more. Get your copy now, from one of our valued stockists or direct from our online store…

The April 2024 issue is packed full of interest, including:

• A visit to Don McKenney’s “Mill Valley Lumber Co” On3 layout, featuring his scratchbuild models and towering trees
• Build a ruined church
• Michael Schmidt’s new large-scale field railway
• Plans for North-East Dundas Tramways “AD” guards van
• …And much more!

Related in time for the 2023 Australian Narrow Gauge Convention at Easter, April’s NGDU features Dan Pickard’s “Kinmont” that will be on display at the convention. This compact On30 layout features brilliant scenery, with trains peeking between the gums and ferns. The format makes for wonderful photos.

The April issue includes our usual range of practical projects too, with tips to rebuild craftsman-style kits; adapt a UK steamer; and build an old-time tank car. We also continue Lee Styger’s tutorial on CAD/CNC baseboards, explore some ‘spar’ tramways; and visit “The Pickle” – an unusual German-themed estate railway in 1:35 scale.

Get your copy today…