Main Lines: 28th June 2025
Welcome to this week's Main Lines.
Welcome to this week’s Main Lines. In railway news this week; HS2 continues to evolve, with a strategic review now underway to optimise timelines and cost efficiency, along with a refreshed leadership structure steering the project forward. While public attention remains high, officials emphasise that the adjustments aim to strengthen delivery and streamline future phases.
On the model railway front, our past week has been bustling with activity. It saw our annual stock check, and although we love seeing all the products, counting them all can be a bit time-consuming! But never fear, everything has been counted, recorded, and checked, and we are back up and running as normal. This week saw the announcement of Hornby’s new finely detailed OO gauge Merchant Navy Class 21C1 locomotive and the upcoming June 2025 releases from LGB, Märklin, Minitrix, and Trix. Pre-orders are now open for the Merchant Navy, giving you the chance to secure one of these fantastic new locomotives. Read on for more exciting updates and announcements from the world of model railways.
Stop Press: Main Lines Archive Now Live!
As previously mentioned, during our website upgrade last month, we were able to add some additional functionality to our news blog, including the new category filters you will find on the right of this newsletter and every newsletter and article. We are now pleased to announce that this has led to the launch of the newsletter archive. No need to go hunting through old emails to find that one bit of news you want to re-read or share with a friend - each issue since our site relaunch is online and ready to read now. Check it out now, and following Main Lines' will appear there (after the initial publication date) to make sure you are still the first to find out all about the latest news and updates.
In This Issue:
Continental Railway News
British Railway News
Continental Railway Announcements
Get ready for two standout N scale releases from Hobbytrain!
Step back into the golden age of European rail travel with their tourist coach sets, evoking the charm of 1960s summer holidays. If freight is more your thing, then Hobbytrain are offering a mix of freight and street art.
June Releases
LGB have announced all the new items that were released in June. These will be arriving with us soon, so make sure you have your pre-orders in now.
June Releases
Märklin have announced all the new items that were released in June. These will be arriving with us soon, so make sure you have your pre-orders in now.
June Releases
Minitrix have announced all the new items that were released in June. These will be arriving with us soon, so make sure you have your pre-orders in now.
June Releases
Trix have announced all the new items that were released in June. These will be arriving with us soon, so make sure you have your pre-orders in now.
British Model Railway Announcements
Releases: 23rd June 2025
The long-anticipated Bachmann Branchline FFA and FGA ‘Freightliner Flats’ in OO scale have now landed,
New Merchant Navy: 21C1 Channel Packet
Hornby have just announced a stunning high-detail OO gauge model of the iconic Merchant Navy Class 21C1 'Channel Packet'. The first of its kind, this historic locomotive entered service in 1941 and later became BR No. 35001.
Other Model Railway News
New Disposable and Retractable Hobby Knives
Modelcraft has expanded its precision tool range with two new cutting solutions for hobbyists and crafters.
New Arrivals Into Stock This Week
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.