Although the Hornby Magazine Yearbook is effectively a thirteenth issue of the magazine, it is presented in casebound format as a standalone book, rather than as a magazine or bookazine as produced by competitors. Its content is broadly in line with the magazine, and there is some continuity with certain key projects, but what makes the publication stand out from all of the others is that it is a self-contained guide to building a model railway from scratch. The mix of features show the reader how to build the baseboards, how to lay track and set up the electrics, make the scenery and buildings and what locomotives and rolling stock to operate on the finished layout. The theme for the HMY No. 6 is built around the Southern Region and a completely new model railway layout, featuring 3rd rail electrics, built by author Mike Wild.