Main Lines: 1st August 2026
Welcome to this week's Main Lines.
The past seven days have seen a number of significant developments across the UK railway network. The Prime Minister visited Alstom's Litchurch Lane factory in Derby, highlighting the Government's continued support for UK train manufacturing as production of new rolling stock progresses. The Office of Rail and Road also published its latest annual assessment, reporting fewer passenger and freight train cancellations over the past year and generally stable punctuality, while cautioning that reduced infrastructure renewals will need careful long-term management.
Passengers are being advised to plan ahead for disruption during August, with RMT strike action affecting East Midlands Railway weekend services and South Western Railway introducing a reduced timetable between Yeovil Junction and Exeter St Davids due to extreme dry weather affecting track stability. Elsewhere, new measures to tackle railway trespass have been announced, including rail safety education in schools and increased use of drones, while Transport for Wales has reported continued passenger growth as services across the network expand.
In the world of model railways, it has been another busy week with plenty of exciting announcements and new products arriving. We are delighted to welcome ESU to the Gaugemaster range, bringing one of the industry's leading names in digital control, sound decoders and electronics to our shelves. Alongside this major addition, Gaugemaster has unveiled new Flag Wagons, while Hornby, Oxford Rail, Peco and Rapido Trains have all revealed their latest models and accessories. Beyond the railway scene, Oxford Diecast has expanded its range with new vehicle releases, Preiser and Merten have introduced more detailed figures and scenic accessories, and, as always, we've received another wave of new arrivals into stock ready for dispatch.
In This Issue:
Big Announcement News
British Model Railway News
ESU Available Now
We are pleased to announce that the renowned ESU range has arrived at Gaugemaster, bringing one of the world's leading names in digital model railway technology to our catalogue. Celebrated for its innovative electronics, premium quality and exceptional performance, ESU has become the first choice for modellers looking to take greater control of their layouts.
British Model Railway News
New National Flag Wagons in the Gaugemaster Collection
It's been a while since we commissioned some OO Wagons as part of the GM Collection, so it was important that when we did, it would be something a little different. We saw what our friends at Dapol had done with fictitious wagons and how well many of them had sold, so we thought this would be a good avenue to explore and finally settled on a series of wagons depicting the various flags of the United Kingdom. We chose this theme for a couple of reasons.
Coming Soon from Hornby
Hornby has announced another exciting selection of forthcoming items for August 2026, with a fantastic mix of steam and diesel locomotives. Covering a variety of British railway eras, the latest additions continue Hornby's reputation for producing highly detailed, ready-to-run models that appeal to both collectors and layout builders alike. Whether your interests lie in preserving railway heritage or recreating the modern network, there's something to look forward to in this latest announcement.
Oxford Rail Cowans Sheldon 15T Crane Update
Oxford Rail has revealed the latest decorated samples of its long-awaited Cowans Sheldon 15 Ton Breakdown Crane, giving railway modellers their best look yet at one of the most eagerly anticipated OO gauge releases. After several years of development, the project is now entering its final stages, with the new samples showcasing the impressive level of detail and finish that customers can expect when the models arrive.
Peco Announce New TT:120 Ready-to-Run Vans
PECO has expanded its growing TT:120 ready-to-run range with the announcement of four new covered vans, giving TT:120 enthusiasts even more choice when creating authentic goods trains from the steam and early British Rail eras. The latest releases continue PECO's commitment to producing high-quality ready-to-run rolling stock for Britain's rapidly growing TT:120 scale, offering finely detailed models that are equally at home on exhibition layouts or home railways.
Rapido Trains UK Announce New OO Scale Wagons
Rapido Trains UK has unveiled another exciting selection of OO gauge wagons, introducing a range of new ready-to-run models that celebrate the rich variety of Britain's historic freight stock. Covering everything from ventilated vans to covered and open wagons, these latest additions are perfect for recreating authentic goods trains from the pre-grouping era through to the early days of British Railways. The new announcement includes the GWR G31 and G34 MOGO, the distinctive X9 MICA A insulated van, and the V32 TEVAN.
Rapido Trains UK Announce New OO9 Gauge Peckett and All-Purpose Wagons
Rapido Trains UK has expanded its popular OO9 narrow gauge range with the announcement of a brand-new variation of its Cranmore locomotive, alongside a selection of additional liveries for its versatile All-Purpose Wagons. The new models continue Rapido's commitment to offering highly detailed narrow gauge rolling stock that is ideal for both realistic layouts and freelance railway projects.
Other News
Latest Catalogue Releases
Oxford Diecast has unveiled its July to December 2026 Catalogue, packed with an exciting selection of forthcoming die-cast models covering a wide range of road vehicles, commercial transport, emergency services, military subjects and aircraft. As always, the latest catalogue provides collectors and modellers with an early look at what's on the horizon, featuring new liveries, fresh tooling and highly anticipated additions across Oxford Diecast's popular ranges.
Preiser & Merten: Coming Soon August 2026
Preiser and Merten have announced another exciting selection of new figures and scenic accessories, with the latest arrivals due later this year. Renowned for adding life and realism to model railway layouts and dioramas, both manufacturers continue to expand their ranges with finely detailed, high-quality products suitable for a variety of modelling scales and eras. From everyday street scenes and railway personnel to architectural details and landscaping accessories, these new releases offer plenty of inspiration for modellers looking to enhance their layouts.
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 other areas of the hobby, or looking for a new pastime, then why not check out one of our other publications? Published throughout the month at different intervals, these publications complement the breaking news behind these subjects and bring you the latest news in one convenient place.
Our Publications
MAIN LINES
This weekly newsletter is published every Saturday of the Month.
Focused on Model Railways, this newsletter rounds up news from the biggest names in the model railway industry, such as Hornby, Märklin, Bachmann, Dapol, Noch, Piko and many more.
PIT STOP
This monthly newsletter is published on the second Sunday of the month.
Everything Slot Car Collecting and Racing can be found in our Monthly Slot Car Newsletter. Focusing on many of the leading brands of slot cars, ideal for those who love the thrill of the racetrack and taking the chequered flag.
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Kit building can, for many, be an interesting and enjoyable pastime, and this publication takes a look at all brands of kits from the traditional Airfix and Revell to the brick-built kits compatible with other building block systems.
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Model collectables are no longer just limited to cars and vehicles. This publication looks at all the collectables brands we stock, which also include ranges of iconic Film and TV merchandise, aircraft, agricultural vehicles, and, of course, collectable cars.
SKIRMISH!
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Wargaming is no longer just about miniatures on the tabletop. This publication looks at all the wargaming brands we stock, covering everything from Warhammer miniatures and armies to paints, scenery, tools, gaming accessories and, of course, everything you need to take to the tabletop.