What’s in a Name? How to Choose the Perfect Station Sign for Your Layout

When designing a model railway, few details are more eye-catching—or more overlooked—than the station name board. It's a small feature with a big impact, and choosing the right name can make your layout feel authentic, grounded, and true to the UK rail tradition.

Avoiding Common Naming Mistakes

In the UK, real station signs never include the word “station”. For example, the sign reads “King’s Cross”, not “King’s Cross Station”. It’s a subtle but important detail that makes your setup feel more believable and accurate.

Another detail to watch: apostrophes. Names like “King’s Lynn” or “St. John’s” are historically correct, though some modern signage omits them. Whichever style you choose, keeping it consistent throughout your layout makes all the difference.

Fictional Names That Feel Real

If you’re creating a fictional town or village, follow the patterns used across real UK stations. Use references to local geography, topography, or history. Something like “Newton-on-Sea” feels fitting and immersive, whereas “Newton-on-Sea Station” breaks that realism.

You can always check photo archives, historical rail maps, or even real-time data from National Rail Enquiries for inspiration.

Choosing the Right Signage for Your Layout

Once you’ve got your name, it’s time to display it properly. Our 3D-printed personalised station name boards are designed with authenticity and style in mind. Made from eco-friendly PLA, they come in a variety of classic British railway styles to suit any era or scale.

While the sizes are fixed for consistency and print quality, you can choose your wording to suit your scene perfectly. Just type your chosen name, and we’ll handle the rest.

Ready to Add Character to Your Layout?

Explore our personalised station name boards and give your model railway the finishing touch it deserves. Designed for authenticity, printed with eco-friendly materials, and proudly made for model railway enthusiasts like you.