Main Lines: 18th October 2025
Welcome to this week's Main Lines.
This week’s UK railway news saw progress across several key areas. In Scotland, the East Kilbride line hosted its first electric test train — a milestone in the route’s ongoing electrification project. Network Rail also confirmed major upgrade works for the October half-term, including renewals near Reading and between Staines and Windsor. Meanwhile, Transport for Wales reported over 1.5 million journeys using its new “tap on, tap off” ticketing system, and the RAIB marked 20 years of safety investigations that have shaped modern rail standards.
In modelling news, this week saw a strong line-up of new releases. Gaugemaster’s own starter sets lead the way, joined by Dapol’s N, OO and O scale locomotives, wagons, and festive specials announced. Hornby’s latest announcement celebrates 50 years of Drax, while Metcalfe adds new station shelter kits in both OO and N scales. Continental and road vehicle releases from Kato, Roco, Preiser, and EFE round off this week’s selection.
In This Issue:
British Model Railway News
Continental Railway News
British Model Railway News
Two new starter sets are now available.
Two new sets have just arrived in the Gaugemaster Collection: Regional Travel and Electric Freight. The former contains Gaugemaster Collection Class 156 919 in EMR Regional livery with the latter containing Class 86 622 in Railfreight Distribution European Livery.
N Scale Announcements and Releases
Digital N Scale modellers will be pleased to know that the J27S are now to be released with additional DCC-fitted versions. Also announced is an extensive range of Gunpowder wagons, along with other wagon styles.
O Scale Announcements and Releases
With new Christmas Wagons announced alongside a range of new wagons now available to order, we also see the upcoming release of a number of Class 57xx and 88xx locomotives.
OO Scale Announcements and Releases
Coming soon to OO Scale are the 517 Class locomotives and Class 59s. Christmas wagons feature in the new announcements, with new Autocoaches coming soon too.
Hornby Celebrates 50 Years of Drax
Hornby is proud to present two eye-catching new models marking the 50th anniversary of Drax Power Station, the UK’s largest renewable power generator.
Hornby Latest Releases
Stay in the loop with the latest updates, fresh releases, and a closer look at what's happening in the world of Hornby.
New Station Building Kits from Metcalfe
Little Cardleywick Station is gaining a new station shelter this month in both OO and N Scales, and Sheds are returning to the range.
Continental Model Railway News
Kato Japan Announce Two New Signals
The automatic colour signal for N Gauge UNITRACK makes a renewed debut with a completely reengineered design to enhance versatility and ease of installation.
October Releases
Take a look at the new items coming soon from Preiser.
Roco Starter-Sets Coming Soon
Coming soon from Roco are four new starter sets. Perfect for making a start in Model Railways, these sets offer the modeller the choice between starting in Analogue or DCC.
Viessmann Announce New CarMotion Ground Module
This versatile module is perfect for creating a wide range of model railway scenes. It can serve as a connecting section or as a thematic transition piece, blending seamlessly into larger layouts for a cohesive and realistic appearance.
Other Model News
EFE have just announced four new Alexander Y-Types.
The Alexander Y-Type was built by Walter Alexander & Co in Falkirk, Scotland, with production starting in 1963 after prototypes appeared in 1961. Over 3,200 were produced in various lengths and window styles, the majority for the Scottish Bus Group.
October Announcements
Wiking have announced their new items for this month, with the models due for release later this year.
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...
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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.