Main Lines: 26th September 2026
Welcome to this week's Main Lines.
In the real-world railways this week, Botley Road reopened as a major milestone in the Oxford station improvement programme, while the West Coast Main Line reopened earlier than planned following the successful removal of the deteriorating Oxhey Grange footbridge near Watford. On the East Coast Main Line, engineers also completed track and drainage improvements between North Berwick and Dunbar to improve long-term reliability.
On the heritage scene, the Severn Valley Railway completed its four-day Autumn Steam Gala, with an extensive home and visiting locomotive line-up including the recently restored GWR Prairie No. 4150. The Spa Valley Railway combined heritage train services with more than 30 layouts at its Autumn Model Railway Show, while the North Yorkshire Moors Railway’s four-day Annual Steam Gala got underway this week.
In the world of model railways, Hornby previewed four October arrivals including the steam-generating A4 ‘Seagull’, LNER K1 No. 2005 and a sound-fitted Class 08, while Layout Concepts highlighted its multi-scale Rolling Road system for locomotive testing and running-in. A new Gaugemaster Rivet Making Tool also joined the range, offering interchangeable wheels for creating evenly spaced rivet detail across several modelling scales.
In This Issue:
European Model Railway News
British Model Railway News
New Rivet Tool: Now In Stock
Attention to detail can make all the difference when it comes to creating a convincing scale model, and our latest addition to the Gaugemaster range makes adding one of those finer details easier than ever.
Large Prairie Tanks Sale Now On!
Now is a great time to add one (or more) of Dapol’s impressive Large Prairie 2-6-2 tank locomotives to your collection, with a selection of models now available at fantastic sale prices.
Latest Releases: October 2026
More exciting releases are coming soon from Hornby, with a varied selection covering classic steam, diesel traction and the world of Harry Potter.
Product Highlights
The Layout Concepts Rolling Road range offers a practical solution for testing, running-in and maintaining model railway locomotives without needing a complete layout.
Now Available at Gaugemaster/Model GIANT
We are delighted to welcome Scale Model Scenery to Gaugemaster, bringing an extensive new selection of buildings, structures, scenic details and modelling materials to our range.
New Items Announced
Rapido Trains UK has revealed an extensive new selection of models, headlined by the LBSCR D1 Class steam locomotive alongside a new range of Sentinel Rebuild 4W-DH industrial diesel locomotives.
European Model Railway News
Fall New Items 2026
FALLER has unveiled an extensive selection of new items for 2026, with the latest releases spanning buildings, scenic materials, figures, vehicles and accessories across several popular scales.
Limited Edition Coach Announced
ROCO and FLEISCHMANN have announced two models of a very special “55 Years of InterCity” commemorative coach, produced in cooperation with Deutsche Bahn to mark the end of an important chapter in German railway history.
Other News
Latest Releases: September 2026
A varied selection of new Herpa 1:87 scale vehicles is joining the range, with everything from performance cars and modern commercial vehicles to specialist municipal and emergency models.
Latest Releases: September 2026
A large new selection of Oxford Diecast models is joining the range, covering 1:148, 1:76 and 1:87 scales.
New Item Announcements
A new selection of WIKING vehicles and accessories is joining the range, with classic cars, commercial vehicles and road-scene details covering several decades of motoring history.
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
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Published Third Thursday of the Month
This newsletter will focus on everything collectables related, including Corgi, Oxford, and Herpa.