Main Lines: 13th September 2025
Welcome to this week's Main Lines.
With Rapido Railex fast approaching (19th - 20th September) and Heljan's Guildex recently past, there has been a lot of announcements from various model railway brands.
Railway News:
On Saturday, 6 September, a UK Railtours charter service — The Industria Ditat — made a special visit to the 13,000 m² Alstom Transport Technology Centre, as it travelled along rarely used sections of the British rail network en route from Hertfordshire to North Wales. The train's name, Industria Ditat, is Latin for “Industry Enriches” — the motto of the Cheshire town of Widnes.
The train, operating as service 1Z15 and hauled at either end by GB Railfreight locomotives 57303 and 60087, arrived in Widnes at approximately 10:30 am. It was greeted by Mark McGrath and Tony Whitehead of Alstom’s Central Operations team, who were on site to oversee a safe arrival and ensure the visit ran smoothly.
Gaugemaster HQ News:
Regular visitors will have noticed us slowly refurbishing our shop, The Engine Shed, over the last 9 months. We are pleased to announce that after 50 years, we are embarking on a new chapter this September, as we transition from The Engine Shed to ModelGIANT.
In This Issue:
British Railway News
- Heljan Class 104's Released
- Heljan O Scale News Update
- Rapido "Loch" Class Announced
- Rapido Narrow Gauge Locomotives - New Liveries
- Rapido Evolution Coaches - New Liveries
- Rapido F & V Class Locomotives Announced
- Oxford Rail Pilchard Wagons - New Liveries Announced
- Dapol Releases: October/November
- Metcalfe New Item Announcement
Gaugemaster HQ News
Engine Shed Becomes ModelGIANT
ModelGIANT – For Big Imaginations – is one of Europe’s largest model shops, and the new name for The Engine Shed, which has proudly served modellers for many years.
British Model Railway Announcements
Class 104s Released
The class 104 DMUs from Heljan have arrived here at our Gaugemaster HQ and are now ready to ship out. These models are available in both 2-car and 3 car variants.
O Scale News: September 2025
Welcome to the September 2025 O Scale Heljan Update. These updates are your one-stop shop for information about forthcoming O Scale releases, delivery timescales and progress reports.
Loch Class Announced
As part of the Rapido 'Railex' announcements they have introduced a fleet of Highland Railway "Loch" Class locomotives in OO Scale.
Sirdar Locomotives - New Liveries Announced
As part of the Rapido 'Railex' announcements they have introduced a batch of short tank Sirdar locomotives in OO9.
Evolution Coaches - Batch 3 Announced
As part of the Rapido 'Railex' announcements they have introduced a third batch of their popular Non-Corridor Evolution Coaches in OO Scale.
V & F Classes Announced
As part of the Rapido 'Railex' announcements they have introduced a fleet of V & F 4-4-0 Class locomotives in OO Scale.
OO Scale Pilchard Wagon Updates
Oxford are excited to announce the next Oxford Rail release, new liveries for the popular Pilchard Wagons.
Dapol Releases: October- November
he latest releases from Dapol sees the return of the Stanier 57ft Non-Corridor Coaches in OO Scale, Cattle Wagons in both GWR and BR liveries and the popular 8 Plank wagon in Southern Railways livery.
New Station Announcement
In addition to the vast range of detailed card kits already available from Metcalfe, A brand new country station kit is now available in both N and OO.
Other Model Railway News
September Release Information
Herpa have informed us of the latest product releases so we thought we would share them with you.
New Arrivals Into Stock This Week
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. Don't forget to set your preferences to make sure you receive any other newsletters coming soon, the first of these will be Kits & Bits released on Friday 6th May.
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.