Main Lines: 27th June 2026
Welcome to this week's Main Lines.
CAF Rail UK has expanded its UK footprint with the opening of a new overhaul and component support facility in the Manchester area, strengthening its long-term maintenance capability for existing and future fleets. The development forms part of the company’s wider strategy to centralise critical support functions and improve efficiency across its UK operations.
The site combines two key functions: a central stores operation and a dedicated rolling stock overhaul area. The stores element is designed to supply parts to multiple CAF service locations across the country, ensuring faster turnaround times for maintenance activities and improving parts availability for fleets in service. This logistical hub supports CAF’s growing presence in the UK passenger rail market, where reliability and lifecycle support are increasingly important to operators.
Meanwhile in Model Railway News,
Rapido reveal their latest conquest by moving into the world of TT 1:120 Scale, We release a new Garden Railway Starter Set, Dapol announce new "Poppy" livery wagons and we receive the latest news from Herpa and Wiking.
In This Issue:
British Model Railway News
European Model Railway News
British Model Railway News
G Gauge Starter Set: Now In Stock
We are proud to announce that a brand new G Scale Starter Set is now available in the Gaugemaster Collection. We have worked closely with Piko to produce this starter set unique to the Gauigemaster Collection. Pairing their already popular release of a British Railways-themed locomotive with a circle of track and the renowned Piko G Scale Controller, this set offers the unique opportunity for anyone looking at getting into G Scale Model Railways this summer.
Fund Raising Wagons Announced
Dapol have announced a new range of charity wagons. Once again, Dapol are supporting the work of the Royal British Legion through a special series of commemorative wagons, and for 2026, these all feature a poppy theme.
TT Scale Announcements
Rapido Trains UK has officially entered the growing TT:120 market with the announcement of its first ever models in the scale, introducing an impressive range of BR Class 45 and Class 46 diesel locomotives.
OO Gauge Wagons Announced
Rapido Trains UK has unveiled an exciting new collection of highly detailed 7 Plank Wagons, bringing a wide variety of authentic private owner liveries to OO gauge.
European Model Railway News
Latest Release Information
PIKO's latest arrivals deliver an impressive mix of classic steam, modern electric and diesel traction, along with a wide selection of coaches and freight stock from across Europe.
Other News
Latest Vehicle Releases
Herpa’s June 2026 vehicle announcements bring together an extensive collection of classic cars, modern transport and heavy commercial vehicles, offering plenty of variety for HO Scale collectors and layout builders.
New Items Announced
Wiking’s June 2026 announcements continue the brand’s tradition of highly detailed classic European vehicle models, with a strong focus on iconic German motoring subjects from the 1930s through to the 1990s.
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 other areas of the hobby, or looking for a new pastime, then why not check out one of our other publications? Published throughout the month at different intervals, these publications complement the breaking news behind these subjects and bring you the latest news in one convenient place.
Our Publications
MAIN LINES
This weekly newsletter is published every Saturday of the Month.
Focused on Model Railways, this newsletter rounds up news from the biggest names in the model railway industry, such as Hornby, Märklin, Bachmann, Dapol, Noch, Piko and many more.
PIT STOP
This monthly newsletter is published on the second Sunday of the month.
Everything Slot Car Collecting and Racing can be found in our Monthly Slot Car Newsletter. Focusing on many of the leading brands of slot cars, ideal for those who love the thrill of the racetrack and taking the chequered flag.
KITS & BITS
This monthly newsletter is published on the first Friday of the Month.
Kit building can, for many, be an interesting and enjoyable pastime, and this publication takes a look at all brands of kits from the traditional Airfix and Revell to the brick-built kits compatible with other building block systems.
THE CABINET
This monthly newsletter is published on the third Thursday of the Month.
Model collectables are no longer just limited to cars and vehicles. This publication looks at all the collectables brands we stock, which also include ranges of iconic Film and TV merchandise, aircraft, agricultural vehicles, and, of course, collectable cars.