Due to high demand, the current turnaround for 3D printed orders is approx 12 weeks.
The Model Rail Replacement Podcast offers a light hearted look at all things model railways.
We have special guests from the hobby and industry, weekly model railway news and an exhibition diary.
meet the mrrpets
james walker
sam beecher-jones
tom marshall
HR Manager - Steve McEwen
Reason we need a HR Manager - George Williamson
Watch on YouTube. Listen on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon and wherever you find your podcasts.
Follow MRRP on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.
For some reason, Little Sam thought it would be a good idea to set a layout challenge, and because he suggested it mid podcast, James and Tom were forced to agree. Therefore, we are pleased to welcome you to join our layout challenge #LACKMRRP 2026.
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What's with the stupid name? Well this challenge is based around the IKEA LACK side table.
how it works
1. Buy the 55cm x 55cm IKEA LACK Side Table. It is currently £10 on the UK IKEA website.
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2. Build a working layout in any scale/ gauge within the 55cm x 55cm table space.
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3. Submit photos of your layout along with a few details by 5pm GMT on 24/12/2026.
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4. Finalists will be announced in a future MRRP Episode.​​​​
competition rules
1. This competition is open to anybody of any age and skill level, anywhere in the world, as long as you are able to order the 55cm x 55cm IKEA LACK Side Table. The table is available in various colours. The colour doesn't matter, as long as it's the 55cm x 55cm table - currently £10 on the UK IKEA website. We are not being sponsored by IKEA.
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2. You must build a working model railway layout (not a diorama). It can be a roundy roundy or an end to end, electric, clockwork, battery, DC or DCC, but there must be a moving loco or train as a minimum.
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3. You can only build within the size of the table (55cm x 55cm). We will allow some overhang for a backscene or fascia boards to be attached, but only up to 5mm thick on each side. There is no height limit.
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4. You can build in any scale/gauge you choose. We know a circle of N Gauge and OO9 will fit into the space, but if you're feeling adventurous, why not try TT120, OO or O...?
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5. To submit your entry, you must send at least two photos of your finished layout, one showing the entire build and one closer detail shot. You are welcome to send more photos (up to 10). Entries will close on Christmas Eve (24th December) 2026 at 5pm. Any entries after this date will not be included.
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6. Sam, James and Tom will choose the competition finalists based on modelling skill, interest, technical ability, creativity and how we're feeling at the time. Chosen finalists will be contacted requesting a video of your layout working, which we will include in our video podcast. The winner will be announced on a future episode of the podcast.
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6. There is no fee to enter this competition. We really should be sponsored by IKEA.
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7. By entering this competition, you give MRRP permission to include your photos/videos and name in our podcast and online posts.​​
FAQs
Can I submit more than one entry?​​
Yes, there is no limit to the number of entries.
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Can I film my layout build?​​
Yes! We would love you to document your build. If you have a YouTube channel or social media, please share your progress, tag MRRP and use the hashtag #LACKMRRP
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Are MRRP making any financial gain from this competition?​​
We wish. If anything we're losing money.
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Is there a prize?​​
A prize is to be confirmed.
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Are James, Sam and Tom allowed to win?​​
No. James, Sam and Tom will be up against each other for this competition, but will not include their own entries into the public competition.
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Is George Williamson allowed to win?
I mean, he's allowed to, but he also has to remember to submit the entry on time.
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