Main Lines: 21st March 2026
Welcome to this week's Main Lines.
In Railway News
A major boost to the UK rail network has been announced with the unveiling of a new £10 million maintenance depot in Manchester. Built by Network Rail at Guide Bridge, this state-of-the-art facility is designed to improve reliability for both passenger and freight services across the region.
Constructed in just over a year on a former railway siding, the depot brings more than 120 railway staff and four maintenance teams together under one roof. Replacing older temporary facilities, it enhances efficiency, improves collaboration, and enables faster response to faults helping to reduce delays and keep trains running smoothly.
The depot also highlights modern railway innovation, featuring solar panels capable of generating around 44% of its energy, along with electric vehicle charging points. Delivered under budget and built to high accessibility standards, this investment showcases the future of Britain’s railways and provides excellent inspiration for modellers recreating contemporary railway operations.
We stock a vast array of Network Rail models, including locomotives, rolling stock and vehicles.
In Modelling News
This week sees lots of announcements for various manufacturers, Dapol release some new 6 wheel milk tanks in O gauge, Marklin announce a new Gauge 1 locomotive and Oxford Diecast share their latest releases.
In This Issue:
British Railway News
Continental Railway News
Other Model Railway News
British Model Railway Announcements
O Gauge New Items
Dapol have added some highly detailed 6 Wheel Milk tanks to their range of O Gauge railway wagons
Continental Railway Announcements
New Gauge 1 Locomotive Announced
The sun is shining, the garden railway is calling and Marklin have announced a brand new locomotive.
Fleischmann Bargains Announced
Fleischmann have announced their latest bargains list, some of these models are discontinued and once they're gone, they're gone.
Roco Bargains Announced
Roco have announced their latest bargains list, some of these models are discontinued and once they're gone, they're gone.
Other Model Railway News
New Item Announcements
Herpa’s March vehicle announcements deliver a broad and varied selection for collectors and diorama builders, covering everything from classic passenger cars to modern commercial vehicles and emergency service fleets.
March Releases
Herpa have announced the latest models that will be released, this month sees the release of the DAF XG+ Semitrailer decorated with a "Rocky" design on the cab, a MAN TGX Semitrailerin a unique "Wir Bewegen Deutschland" livery. There are also a few additions to the Minikit series of clip together models. These models are due in soon so place your order to avoid missing out.
Oxford Diecast Releases: March 2026
Check out the latest releases from Oxford Diecast. These have been released throughout March, so if they are not already in stock, they will be soon. Released this month are some car enthusiasts favourites including a third edition of the Bond Bug, a Morris Minor Van, an Austin Maxi and a Triumph Stag.
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.