Main Lines: 19th July 2025
Welcome to this week's Main Lines.
This week in UK rail news, the government confirmed that Great British Railways will be run by rail professionals rather than civil servants, as more operators return to public ownership. In other developments, direct services between Eastbourne and London Bridge are set to resume after a five-year hiatus, while campaigners are urging ministers to halt plans to infill the historic Queensbury Tunnel. Additionally, passengers on the Birmingham–Lichfield line face a week-long closure from 28 July, and Portishead is on track to regain its railway link by 2028 after securing £27.6 million in funding.
In the model railway world, several exciting announcements were made. Kato USA confirmed that new N-scale starter sets will arrive in October, along with upcoming P42 Amtrak and VIA Rail locomotives, which are scheduled to ship in August. Also revealed are updates from Kato Japan, featuring new suburban station kits, taxi sets, and control accessories in N scale, while Roco has added two new OBB narrow-gauge coaches to their range. Hornby’s upcoming OO‑scale releases include a BR Late B17 ‘Darlington’ and Intercity Mk4 DVT. These new models reflect the rich diversity of rolling stock and infrastructure now available for the model railway world, with more interesting items being announced all the time.
In This Issue:
Other Model Railway News
British Model Railway Announcements
New decoders arrive into the Gaugemaster digital family
Our range of Ruby decoders has been growing with some new additions. With these latest decoders, we can now cater for a multitude of scales and function requirements.
We are pleased to announce new DCC-Fitted variants.
The British Rail Class 33 is a diesel-electric locomotive built between 1959 and 1963 by the Birmingham Railway Carriage and Wagon Company, with 98 units produced for the Southern Region.
New Scenecraft Buildings Coming Soon
A new range of scenecraft buildings are soon due for release. This includes items for OO Scale Modellers, and brand new buildings for NG7/O16.5 narrow gauge modellers too.
Dapol O Scale September Releases
Dapol has confirmed its next wave of O Scale releases for September, including 7 Plank "Hope House Children's Hospices" wagons and a rake of Stroudley Southern Green coaches available as standard, DCC fitted and with fitted lighting.
Dapol N Scale September Releases
Dapol has confirmed its next wave of N Scale releases for September, including Class 142 Units, 7 plank wagons and MK3 coaches.
Hornby Latest Releases: 18th July
Check out the latest OO scale and TT scale releases from Hornby. If they aren't yet in stock, they will be soon, so make sure your pre-orders are in.
Hornby Latest Releases: 10th July
Take a look at the new items soon to be released from Hornby. Due in very soon are the RailRoad BR Late B17 'Darlington' and the BR Intercity Mk4 DVT.
Continental Railway Announcements
The budget-friendly range returns!
The Kato Pocket Line series is ideal for modellers who require reliable running for a reasonable price. This series includes something for everyone, including Steam Train Passenger Packs, Electric Freight Packs and even two coach Tram Units.
Kato Japanese July Announcements
Kato has announced a new range of products featuring new suburban stations and vehicles.
Kato USA - New Items and Delivery Dates
Our friends over accross the pond have sent us some exciting information about some new starter sets being relesed in October.
Piko Releases: July 2025
Take a look through all the new items Piko are releasing this month. If they are not already with us, they will be arriving soon.
New HOe Coaches Announced
Two new items have been added to the Roco Narrow Gauge range of rolling stock.
Walthers Cornerstone Announcements: July 2025
Discover Spaces by Cornerstone – a complete kit designed to breathe life into your model structures. This innovative all-in-one set features energy-efficient interior LEDs and a high-quality printed interior sheet, turning plain buildings into realistic, story-rich environments.
Walthers Trainline Announcements: July 2025
Take a look at the new range of buildings being produced by Walthers under their Trainline banner. These buildings are being manufactured in both HO and N Scale and should be popular additions to the range.
Other Model Railway News
Herpa Vehicles Announcements: July 2025
Herpa have just unveiled this month’s exciting additions to their vehicle range! These highly detailed models are due to arrive with us very soon, so if something grabs your attention, be sure to place your pre-order early to make sure you don't miss out.
Herpa Vehicle Releases: July 2025
Herpa have sent us the latest updates for on their vehicle releases for July.
New Scissors Coming Soon
A versatile scissor set designed for precision cutting in Lexan, polycarbonate, and other plastics is coming soon.
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.