Main Lines: 20th September 2025
Welcome to this week's Main Lines.
This week has been quite busy in the world of model railways, with our NEW shop "ModelGIANT" being well received with our in store customers, and all sorts of updates, releases and announcemets from various manufactures around the world.
Railway News:
As the leaves begin to turn brown and autumn approaches, Network Rail is preparing for its yearly, multi-million-pound effort to combat the seasonal challenge of "leaves on the line." This initiative is crucial to ensuring the safety and reliability of train services for millions of passengers over the coming months.
To address this recurring issue, Network Rail has allocated over £100 million to fight the impact of fallen leaves—a problem not just in the UK, but on rail networks worldwide. When leaves fall onto tracks and are compressed by passing trains, they form a slippery, residue-like layer comparable to black ice on roads. This can lead to reduced train traction, slower services, and significant delays.
Joining the fight this season is a newly introduced train named ‘Ctrl Alt Deleaf’—a name chosen by the public through a national vote. Debuting next week from its base at Effingham Junction in Surrey, the train sports a fresh autumn-themed design. It’s part of a wider fleet dedicated to clearing leaf debris from the tracks. Together, these specialist trains will treat approximately 1.12 million miles of track this autumn, using high-powered water jets and sand gel to clean the rails and help keep services running on time across the country.
Network Rail are a key part of the railway infrastructure and the same can be said in the model railway world too.. We stock a vast array of different models operated by "Network Rail".
Track Cleaning: Keeping Things Running
Now that summer is on its way out and colder nights are drawing in, its time to start dusting off the railway and get things running. To help with this, we have compliled a list of useful items to clean the rails and get the railway moving again.
New Locomotive Announced at TINGS 2025
Unveiled at 'The International N Gauge Show' this past weekend, Bachmann/Graham Farish have added a GWR icon to their vast collection of N Gauge steam locomotives.
Class 86 Livery Updates
Heljan have sent us the updated livery samples for thier upcoming class 86 electric models.
'U' Class Announced
Ten versions of this classic Southern Railway locomotive are due to be produced, each with their own eye-catching livery details and designs.
Latest Announcements from the Lemke Collection
The latest new items from Lemke have been revealed, These include some very nicely detailed Re 4/4 electric locomotives produced by Hobbytrain and some additional liveries for the popular Class 66s and Class 77s by Kato Eurpoe.
New Class 800 Models Now Avaialble to Order
KATO is producing these models using their existing Class 800 tooling suite.
New SNCF TGV Sud-Est
Kato have re-introduced a european icon back into their range of high-speed EMUs.
Stock Updates from Kato USA
Kato's USA brand has supplied us with a list of models which are still available in their warehouse, so we thought we would put together a full "In Stock" list of all the Kato USA products that we have in our warehouse.
New Track Items Added to Rocoline Sysytem
Roco have added new sought-after items to their extensive range of Rocoline track. These include both left and right hand large radius curved turnouts, a single slip crossing and even a new additional track pack to expand your Roco starter sets.
Corgi Quarterly Announcements
Corgi are well known for their highly detailed diecast models and each quarter more splendid models are released, This quarter sees the release of two new Thunderbird models, some nostalgic Ford models and new items from the Shawn the Sheep series.
Lightcraft New Item - Lightboxes
An energy efficient LED lightbox with adjustable lighting levels. Super slim and lightweight, comfortable to use in hand or on your lap.
Modelcraft New Item: Chisel Set
Handy compact set of four chisels with one handle, ideal for crafts and woodworking.
Corgi Quarterly Announcements
The latest announcements from Wiking are here, This month sees the announcement of a nice looking Henschel cement mixer, various Mercedes Benz commercial vehicles and a motorboat on a trailer ready for trips to the lakes. Plus many more items.
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.
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.