Main Lines: 13th June 2026
Welcome to this week's Main Lines.
UK Railway News This week,
Avanti West Coast’s Class 805 Evero bi-mode fleet has surpassed five million miles in service on the West Coast Main Line since entering passenger operation in June 2024. The 13-strong Class 805 fleet primarily works London–North Wales services, where its ability to switch seamlessly between electric and diesel power allows almost two-thirds of the route to be operated electrically.
Replacing the diesel-only Class 221s, the Class 805s have significantly reduced emissions, producing almost two-thirds less carbon per vehicle kilometre over the past year. The fleet has also enabled service improvements, including an hourly London–Chester timetable and diversionary operation over the scenic Settle and Carlisle route during engineering works.
Each five-car train offers 16% more seating than its predecessor, alongside improved legroom, luggage space and accessibility features. The milestone highlights the fleet’s reliability and its growing role in modernising rail travel across North Wales and the West Coast Main Line.
Click the button below to view all the Avanti West Coast models on our website.
In Model railway news this week,
Updates from Oxford Rail, Kato, Peco and Hornby TT. We receive our latest Gaugemaster Collection model and a New brand is added to our website. Football meets model railways with Marklin's latest announcement and we give you ideas for Father's Day.
In This Issue:
British Model Railway News
British Model Railway News
Class 56 Railfreight Metals: Now in Stock
The latest addition to our Gaugemaster Collection range is now in stock. The Class 56 "County of South Glamorgan" decorated in Railfreight Metals features lots of external details, a weighted chassis, a smooth running 5-pole motor with all wheel pickups making it a powerful work horse for your model railway. This model is available as Analogue DC (Next18 Decoder Socket) and will be available as DCC Fitted in due course.
News Items: June 2026
Following strong customer demand, additional liveries have now been announced for both the Crane and Rail Gun ranges. The popular Crane model will receive a new GWR livery as part of the first wave of releases, while three brand-new liveries have been introduced for the highly sought-after Rail Gun.
TT Box Vans Announced
Peco has announced two exciting new additions to its expanding TT:120 range with the introduction of BR Box Van sets. Each pack includes six wagons, individually detailed and finished with unique running numbers for added realism.
TT:120 Catalogue Announced
Hornby have announced that the latest TT:120 Catalogue has will be hitting shops shortly. Featuring stunning new photography, detailed product specifications, and a complete overview of the current range, this essential guide showcases the newest locomotives, rolling stock, accessories, and scenic items available in TT:120 scale.
OO Summer Announcements
Discover the exciting new additions to the Hornby 2026 OO scale range, featuring an impressive selection of locomotives, rolling stock and digital accessories designed to bring even greater realism to your model railway.
Japanese Model Railway News
New Items Announcements
Kato have revealed the latest models being added to their vast Japanese selection of elecric multiple units. These include one of Japan's most prestigious luxury trains and a beautiful addition to their pocketline series.
European Model Railway News
Football Meets Model Railways
Football's biggest global tournament returns on 11th June 2026, with the USA, Canada and Mexico hosting teams from across the world as they compete for international glory. To mark this landmark sporting occasion, a special commemorative locomotive has been released in both H0 and Z gauge.
Now Available from Gaugemaster
We are pleased to announce that we are now stocking the growing Modelbahn Union range of N Scale kits and accessories, bringing even more choice to modellers looking to add realistic detail and character to their layouts. Known for producing a wide variety of highly detailed scenery items, structures, vehicles and railway accessories, Modelbahn Union has become increasingly popular with N Scale enthusiasts across Europe.
Other News
Finding the perfect Father’s Day gift is easy with this specially selected collection of model railway, slot car racing and plastic kit favourites.
Gaugemaster Website Gift Voucher - the ideal choice for railway modellers, slot car enthusiasts, hobbyists, and collectors.
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.