Main Lines: 24th April 2026
Welcome to this week's Main Lines.
Over the past week, the UK rail network has seen a mix of disruption, investment and ongoing development. London has experienced notable travel disruption due to Tube strikes linked to working conditions, affecting several lines and increasing pressure on alternative routes. At the same time, infrastructure upgrades on the West Coast Main Line have been completed, helping to improve reliability following major overhead line works. Elsewhere, plans continue to progress for new stations, such as Charfield in Gloucestershire, to boost regional connectivity, while light rail expansion in Birmingham is advancing, with new metro services. Safety has also been a key focus, with a nationwide campaign highlighting level crossing risks, and there have been a small number of incidents on the network in Scotland that caused short-term disruption.
Model Railway news has been coming in thick and fast with a host of new announcements this week. With the Key Model World show in full swing as well as Narrow Gauge South, both Bachmann and Rapido Trains UK have taken the opportunity to make some exciting announcements. Märklin have unveiled their latest Gauge 1 locomotives, and Dapol has announced new locomotives and rolling stock. There have also been a number of updates and release information published alongside the regular articles, all wrapped up in this week's Main Lines.
We Have Relaunched the Gaugemaster Club Hub - And We Need You to Get Involved!
We are pleased to announce that the Gaugemaster Club Hub has just returned to our website. To make the most of this much-loved feature, we need your help!
We want this to become a showcase for all the varied and talented model clubs from around the country that are such an important part of the hobby. They provide spaces where modellers can come and socialise, exchange knowledge and ideas, and generally share the excitement and learn more about these fantastic, practical hobbies, and we are all here for that!
Originally a feature of our old site, this section has been overhauled, and we are pleased to announce its return. If you would like to get your local club or society listed, please contact us through the form on our website or email us at [email protected]
In This Issue:
British Model Railway News
European Model Railway News
British Model Railway News
Bachmann Announce New OO Scale Turbostars
Bachmann Branchline has unveiled an exciting new addition to its OO scale range with the introduction of the long-awaited ‘Turbostar’ DMUs, a family of units that have become a familiar and dependable sight across the UK rail network for nearly three decades. Frequently requested by modellers and teased during the 2025 Class 66 launch, these modern multiple units now arrive as highly detailed ready-to-run models, capturing the distinctive look and versatility of the real trains that continue to operate nationwide today.
New OO Scale Hawthorn Leslie Locomotives
Dapol’s latest OO scale announcements celebrate the enduring appeal of industrial steam with a new range of Hawthorn Leslie 0-4-0 saddle tank locomotives. Covering a variety of attractive industrial liveries, this release includes well-known names such as ‘Taw’, ‘Invincible’ and ‘Fearless’, alongside Port of London, NCB and FD & EC examples, all offered across analogue, DCC-fitted and DCC sound options.
New N Gauge Blue Spot Fish Vans
Dapol’s latest N scale announcements shine a spotlight on one of British Rail’s most recognisable freight vehicles, with a new range of Blue Spot Fish Vans arriving in a variety of authentic liveries. This release captures the distinctive character of these insulated wagons, offering everything from the classic BR white with blue spot through to later finishes.
Hornby TT Scale 2026 Announcements
Hornby’s latest TT:120 announcements deliver a comprehensive expansion across steam, diesel and coaching stock, offering something for every era and layout style. Headlining the range is a strong mix of classic and modern traction, from characterful steam locomotives such as the J50, Terrier and LMS 5MT classes, through to popular diesel types including the Class 08, Class 31, Class 37 and Class 50, alongside a striking First Great Western HST train pack.
Peco Grain Hoppers: Three New Whisky Wagons
Peco has announced the welcome return of its popular 4-wheel grain hopper wagons, bringing these distinctive models back to the range with a series of thoughtful refinements. While based on existing tooling, the reissued models now feature metal wheels fitted as standard and benefit from improved livery application.
New OO9 Scale Locomotives and Rolling Stock Announced
Rapido Trains UK have unveiled an exciting expansion of their growing OO9 narrow gauge range, headlined by the charming Peckett & Sons Cranmore Class 0-4-0ST locomotive alongside a comprehensive selection of newly tooled ‘All-Purpose’ wagons. Revealed as part of their Narrow Gauge South showcase, this latest announcement combines industrial character with versatility, offering modellers a wide variety of colourful liveries, configurations, and rolling stock options to bring narrow-gauge layouts to life.
New 5-Plank Wagons and 6 Wheel Brake Vans
Rapido Trains UK has unveiled an extensive new OO gauge wagon range, centred around South Eastern Railway and South Eastern & Chatham Railway prototypes, alongside a fresh batch of its popular 6-wheel brake vans. This latest announcement focuses on highly detailed, historically rich rolling stock, offering a wide spread of liveries from SER through to Southern Railway and early British Railways periods.
European Model Railway News
Single Car MyTram Classic Coming to the Kato Range
The classic MyTram single-car trams from Kato are returning. These trams are ideal for adding a bit of extra life and movement to many road scenes, and these single-car units offer fantastic value for money whilst not compromising running characteristics.
April Releases
LGB’s latest G scale releases bring a compact but striking selection of large-scale models, combining impressive locomotives with distinctive rolling stock to enhance outdoor and garden railway layouts. Headlining the range is the DFB HG 4/4 rack steam locomotive, a powerful and highly detailed model complete with DCC sound, perfectly suited to steep gradient operation and Alpine-themed settings.
Announcements: April 2026 - Gauge 1, Wacken, and More!
Märklin’s latest announcements are headlined by an impressive line-up of models across multiple scales, with a clear standout focus on the premium Gauge 1 range. Leading the charge are the striking SBB Ae 8/14 “Landilok” electric locomotives in 1:32 scale, covering multiple road numbers and eras. These large-scale releases represent the true “big hitters” of the range, combining exceptional presence with full AC sound functionality, making them a centrepiece addition for serious collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Märklin Releases: April 2026
Märklin’s April releases deliver a comprehensive and well-balanced programme across multiple scales, once again led by an impressive selection of premium models. The highlight of the range comes from a series of large-scale 1:32 electric locomotives, including the KPEV EG 507 variants, DRG E70 and DB BR160, all equipped with full AC sound. These flagship models offer exceptional detail and presence, firmly positioning them as the standout additions for collectors seeking statement pieces.
Minitrix Releases: April 2026
Minitrix’s April releases deliver a comprehensive update for N scale (1:160) modellers, combining new locomotives, freight stock, track components and a complete starter set to suit both newcomers and established layouts. The latest additions place a clear emphasis on operational variety, with a mix of European and North American prototypes alongside essential infrastructure to expand and enhance layouts.
April Releases
Trix’s April releases deliver a strong and varied HO (1:87) line-up, headlined by an impressive selection of locomotives and multiple units, all supported by detailed rolling stock sets.
Other Model News
Viessmann Expand Their CarMotion Range This April
Viessmann has announced a pair of new additions to its CarMotion range, combining a detailed functional vehicle with a practical layout accessory to support testing and operation.
April Announcements
Wiking’s April announcements bring together a varied mix of classic European vehicles and ready-to-use scenic additions, combining detailed road models with practical layout features. The release showcases a selection of 1950s and 1960s cars, including several versions of the Opel Rekord alongside stylish cabriolets such as the DKW Junior and Ford 17M, all presented in authentic period colour schemes that reflect the character of the era. Alongside these is the dependable Unimog U 1700 L in fire service guise, adding a useful utility vehicle to the range.
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...
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