Main Lines: 22nd August 2026
Welcome to this week's Main Lines.
Real World Railway News:
It has been another busy week across the UK railway network, with RailUK highlighting continued investment, infrastructure improvements and developments for passengers. HS2 has reached another important milestone with the launch of the final viaduct on the approach to Birmingham Curzon Street station, marking further progress towards the new high-speed terminus. Network Rail and Great Western Railway are also working to restore full-length access to Platform 2 at Paignton station, while major infrastructure upgrades between Newcastle and Scotland underline continued investment in the East Coast route. Heritage enthusiasts will welcome news from Castle Cary, where an £835,000 restoration project has helped return the historic station to much of its former Great Western Railway character.
Modern rolling stock is also making its mark, with ScotRail's Class 385 electric fleet surpassing an impressive 62 million miles in service. Elsewhere, Hitachi Rail and education charity EDT have joined forces to encourage young people to consider careers in railway engineering and technology, helping develop the skills needed for the industry's future. Alongside these developments, further investment in stations, infrastructure and railway technology demonstrates the continuing transformation of Britain's rail network. For railway enthusiasts and model railway collectors, these projects provide an interesting glimpse into the real-world developments shaping the railway scenes represented on layouts across the country.
Meanwhile in Model railway News:
Our Gaugemaster N Gauge Class 66s arrive into stock, a new brand is announced, bargains from Fleischmann and Roco and new releases are revealed from Hornby, Peco and Rapido Trains UK.
In This Issue:
British Model Railway News
British Model Railway News
N Gauge Class 66 Models - Now In Stock!
We are pleased to announce the release of two exclusive Gaugemaster Collection Class 66 locomotives, produced for us by Dapol as part of the initial production run of their newly tooled N Gauge model.
September Tour 2026
While we can talk all day about the impressive capabilities, flexibility and advanced features of the Infinity range, nothing compares to seeing the system in action and experiencing the controllers for yourself before making your choice.
OO Gauge recent Releases
A fresh selection of Hornby OO Gauge models has arrived into stock, with six recent releases covering everything from classic steam and pioneering diesel traction to the modern railway.
TT:120 Recent Releases
A fantastic selection of new Hornby TT:120 locomotives has arrived into stock, with some particularly exciting names joining the range.
New Range Available Now!
We're pleased to announce that Layout Concepts has arrived at Gaugemaster, bringing a growing range of practical accessories designed to make building, detailing, and maintaining model railway layouts even easier.
New Stone Bridges in TT:120
PECO is continuing to expand its TT:120 scenic range with a selection of new laser-cut bridge kits, including impressive Stone Bridges designed to add realistic railway architecture to layouts.
The Moose is Loose...
Three new Purple Moose Brewery liveries are joining the Batch 2 range of 009 All-Purpose Wagons. The colourful brewery branding will be available across three different wagon types, offering narrow gauge modellers an eye-catching addition to their layouts and wagon collections.
European Model Railway News
August Bargains List Announced
We have a new selection of Fleischmann N Scale bargains available, with savings across locomotives, passenger coaches and freight stock.
August Bargains List Announced
We have some fantastic Roco HO Scale locomotive bargains available, covering steam, diesel and electric traction from across Europe.
Japanese Model Railway News
New Concrete Track Announced
Featuring realistic concrete sleepers, these new additions are ideal for creating contemporary railway scenes and expanding modern layouts.
Other News
Latest Releases: August 2026
Herpa has another varied selection of 1:87 scale vehicles arriving this August, covering everything from classic cars and everyday road vehicles to highly detailed commercial trucks.
New Items Announced
WIKING has unveiled its August new items newsletter, bringing another selection of detailed model vehicles to collectors and enthusiasts.
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
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This newsletter will focus on everything collectables related, including Corgi, Oxford, and Herpa.