Main Lines: 10th January 2026
Welcome to this week's Main Lines.
Since the start of 2026, the UK rail network has seen significant events and developments: severe disruption from Storm Goretti hit services nationwide with widespread cancellations and delays, prompting travel warnings and major recovery efforts by Network Rail staff. Engineering works and upgrades are underway on major routes like the West Coast Main Line signalling and Brighton Main Line, with passengers advised to plan ahead. The Great British Rail Sale has brought discounted fares early in the year, boosting rail travel demand.
In model news, the turn of the year marks the start of the next wave of announcements, with many manufacturers releasing their 2026 ranges in January and February, while others continue their regular monthly announcements. We also take a look back at the end of the year with the rest of the news since the last issue, including Fleischmann's December releases.
In This Issue:
Continental Model Railway Announcements
December 2025 Releases
Take a look through the December Fleischmann releases. If they aren't in stock now, they will be soon, so make sure to get your preorders in to avoid disappointment.
2026 Range Announcement
Here we showcase a striking range of new Minitrix releases that blend railway heritage with eye-catching design, led by the famous “Kunst-Silberlinge” graffiti art coaches first created in 1996 for the German retailer Idee und Spiel and now faithfully reproduced in N scale alongside a matching Class 111 locomotive.
2026 G Scale Range Announced
Excitement is building in the world of garden railways as Piko unveils its 2026 additions to the G Scale range, bringing fresh power, detail, and innovation to outdoor layouts. An exciting product this year is the introduction of a British-themed locomotive. Although not prototypically British, Piko have adorned its popular GE25 locomotive in British Rail livery.
2026 HO Scale Range Announced
HO Scale modellers are in for an exciting year as Piko reveals its 2026 lineup of new additions to the beloved 1:87 range. Featuring an extensive array of locomotives and rolling stock, Piko’s 2026 HO Scale offerings build on the brand’s long-standing reputation for combining fine detail with smooth operation.
2026 TT Scale Range Announced
TT Scale enthusiasts have plenty to look forward to in 2026 as Piko rolls out an exciting new lineup of models and products for the 1:120 format. Renowned for translating quality design and attention to detail from its larger scales into TT, Piko’s 2026 new items promise fresh locomotives and rolling stock that will appeal to both seasoned TT modellers and those expanding their layouts.
2026 N Scale Range Announced
Model railway enthusiasts are gearing up for an exciting year in N Scale as Piko unveils its 2026 range of new items, featuring an impressive variety of locomotives in both analogue and DCC Sound variants. The wagon and coach ranges have also been expanded to include new items.
December Releases
Take a look through the December Roco releases. If they aren't in stock now, they will be soon, so make sure to get your preorders in to avoid disappointment.
Tomix Range Now Available To Order
We are pleased to announce the reintroduction of the Tomix and Tomytech range. This range offers a large selection of products in N Scale as well as a number of items for HO Scale modellers and those collecting 1:64 scale vehicles. There are a lot of items in the range, and we have only included some of the highlights below, so don't forget to check out the full range through the buttons below.
Tomica Range Now Available To Order
We are pleased to announce that the Tomica range of Collectable Vehicles are now available to order.
2026 Range Announcement
Spanning steam, electric and diesel traction, this year’s latest releases promise outstanding authenticity and fine detail, whatever your chosen era, beginning with a true visual showstopper in the Czech Class 477.0 steam locomotive.
British Model Railway Announcements
Hornby OO Scale Arrivals: January 2026
This month’s OO scale releases are led by the arrival of the LNER Class 800 Train Pack, following the recent delivery of matching coaches and featuring powered and dummy cars with directional lighting for realistic operation. The full GWR Class 800 range also joins the lineup, including the newly tooled Train Pack alongside MC and MS coaches, giving modellers plenty of scope to build complete formations.
Hornby TT Scale Arrivals: January 2026
Hornby TT:120, this month sees the arrival of the BR (Early) J50 Class locomotive, featuring a smooth-running coreless motor and a DCC Ready 6-pin socket, with two further LNER-liveried J50 variants due in early February. These are joined by a growing range of TT:120 rolling stock wagons and a selection of highly anticipated scenic buildings.
New "What If?" Locomotives Announced
The final announcement for the festive period from Rapido Trains UK is two new “What if” liveries in OO Scale that are being added to their range, one to their LNER D40 and one to their GWR County ranges. They know many of you love to run what you think looks good on your layouts, applying limited concern for any era or historical relevance that might restrict your collection and creativity, and that’s fantastic. So, we do not doubt that these new brilliant blue liveries will catch your eye.
Check out the new items that have arrived into stock since the last Main Lines update. The list might be a bit long, but it's packed with exciting finds we think you'll love.
End Of The Line
That's the end of the line for this week. We will be back next week with another packed edition of Main Lines.
Until then, Happy Modelling
Before You Go...
If you are interested in modelling beyond the railways, why not check out one of our sister publications? Published monthly, check your email preferences to subscribe!
KITS & BITS
Your Monthly Model Kit Newsletter
Published First Friday of the Month
This newsletter will focus on everything plastic kit related, including news from Airfix, Tamiya, and Revell.
PIT STOP
Your Monthly Slot Car Newsletter
Published Second Sunday of the Month
This newsletter will focus on everything slot car related, including news from Scalextric, SCX and Carrera.
THE CABINET
Your Monthly Collectables Newsletter
Published Third Thursday of the Month
This newsletter will focus on everything collectables related, including Corgi, Oxford, and Herpa.