Main Lines: 25th July 2026
Welcome to this week's Main Lines.
In UK Railway news this week:
Britain's railway continues to move forward with a series of positive developments focused on investment, innovation and improved connectivity.
One of the biggest milestones this week is the start of work to restore passenger services between Bristol and Portishead, reconnecting the town to the national rail network for the first time in more than six decades. The project is expected to improve local transport links while supporting economic growth across the region.
In London, a major infrastructure programme is underway around Charing Cross and Waterloo East, where Network Rail is carrying out track renewals, bridge maintenance and station improvements designed to boost long-term reliability for passengers.
The industry is also embracing new technology, with LNER successfully operating an Azuma train using ETCS Level 2 digital signalling on the East Coast Main Line. This important step towards a digitally controlled railway promises greater efficiency, improved reliability and increased network capacity in the years ahead.
Meanwhile, the UK's railway heritage remains firmly in the spotlight as operators continue to celebrate Railway 200. Train operator c2c has released a commemorative film marking two centuries of Britain's railways, highlighting the industry's rich history while looking ahead to a more sustainable future.
From major infrastructure projects and digital innovation to heritage celebrations, this week's news demonstrates that Britain's railway continues to evolve, investing in both its historic legacy and the transport network of tomorrow.
Meanwhile in Model Railway News:
Plenty of new item announcements, product releases, bargains and updates from manufacturers all over the world, plus a new brand joins the Gaugemaster family.
In This Issue:
British Model Railway News
American Model Railway News
European Model Railway News
British Model Railway News
Infinity Tour: '26
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.
Next Stop: Rails of Sheffield
When: Today
Show Times: 09:00 - 17:00
Headliner: Gaugemaster Infinity
Track Cleaning Pens and Cleaning Packs
Keeping your model railway or slot car layout running at its best starts with clean track, and the new Gaugemaster Track Cleaning Pen makes routine maintenance quicker and easier than ever. Designed to remove dirt and grime from your rails, this handy maintenance tool helps improve electrical contact between your track and locomotive wheels, reducing interruptions and keeping trains running smoothly.
New Items Announced: July 2026
Hornby has unveiled another exciting TT:120 announcement, bringing new additions for both steam and modern-era railway modellers.
New Items Announced: July 2026
There is exciting news for both Britain's rail industry and model railway enthusiasts as GB Railfreight (GBRf) has officially become the UK's largest rail freight operator.
American Model Railway News
OO/HO and N Scale Turntables Return
After a period away, we're pleased to welcome the return of Atlas Turntables to our range. Long regarded as a favourite amongst railway modellers, these reliable and easy-to-install turntables are back in both OO/HO and N Scale, making it simple to add an authentic locomotive servicing facility to layouts of almost any size.
New Item Announced
Walthers Cornerstone has announced a new addition to its extensive range of HO Scale structure kits with the forthcoming Park Gazebo Kit. This attractive open-sided building will make a versatile scenic feature for town parks, village greens, public gardens and other community spaces, adding extra character and interest to a layout.
European Model Railway News
Fleischmann Bargains: July 2026
Looking to expand your N Gauge fleet for less? Our latest Fleischmann Bargains event brings together a fantastic selection of locomotives, coaches, wagons and train sets at reduced prices, making it the perfect opportunity to add high-quality European rolling stock to your collection without stretching your budget.
Roco Bargains: July 2026
There's never been a better time to add premium European HO Scale models to your collection. Our latest Roco Bargains event features a wide selection of discounted locomotives, coaches, wagons and train sets, giving you the chance to own Roco's renowned quality and attention to detail at exceptional prices.
Latest Releases
Hobbytrain has unveiled its July 2026 releases, with the headline announcement being the impressive new Siemens Vectron Dual Mode locomotive. Combining modern styling with Hobbytrain's renowned attention to detail, this latest N Gauge model captures one of Europe's most versatile locomotives, capable of operating on both electrified and non-electrified routes.
LGB Releases: July 2026
LGB’s July 2026 releases bring an impressive new selection of G Scale models, led by the striking SWEG Eh 798.101 Jagst Valley steam locomotive. This highly detailed model recreates the distinctive narrow-gauge locomotive in its Era IV condition and comes equipped with digital control and sound, making it an outstanding centrepiece for a garden railway or large-scale collection.
Marklin Releases: July 2026
Football and model railways come together in spectacular fashion as the highlights of Märklin's July 2026 releases are a series of exclusive football themed electric locomotives.
Trix & Minitrix Releases: July 2026
Trix and Minitrix return this July with another excellent selection of European railway models, bringing new additions for both HO and N Gauge enthusiasts.
Other News
Circuitron: New Items Now In Stock
We are pleased to announce that we are now stocking the Circuitron range of products, including their renowned Tortoise and SMAIL slow-action point motors.
Latest Releases: July 2026
Herpa's July 2026 announcements have arrived, bringing another superb collection of highly detailed 1:87 (HO Scale) road vehicles for collectors and model railway enthusiasts alike.
Latest Releases: July 2026
Oxford Diecast's latest releases have now arrived, bringing another excellent selection of finely detailed die-cast vehicles for collectors and model railway enthusiasts alike. Covering N, OO, HO and O scales, this month's arrivals feature an impressive mix of classic British cars, commercial vehicles, emergency service models and military subjects, all produced to the high standards Oxford Diecast is renowned for.
New Items Announced
WIKING's July 2026 announcements have arrived, bringing another superb selection of finely detailed HO Scale (1:87) and O Scale (1:43) road vehicles for collectors and model railway 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
Published Third Thursday of the Month
This newsletter will focus on everything collectables related, including Corgi, Oxford, and Herpa.