Main Lines: 29th August 2026
Welcome to this week's Main Lines.
In the real-world railways this week, Network Rail has been preparing for the August Bank Holiday, with most of Britain’s railway remaining open while several major engineering projects continue. Work includes further investment in digital signalling on the East Coast Main Line, while progress has also continued towards the opening of the new Balgray station in Scotland. GB Railfreight has also moved rail-head treatment and weedkilling equipment by rail rather than road, supporting preparations for the autumn treatment season.
On the heritage scene, the West Somerset Railway confirmed GWR Large Prairie No. 4110 as another visiting locomotive for its September Autumn Steam Gala, joining an increasingly varied line-up of steam traction. Meanwhile, the Bala Lake Railway prepared for its August Steam Gala, with freshly overhauled Bagnall locomotive Dorothy expected to make an appearance, while the Llangollen and Corwen Railway continues to build support following the major milestones achieved in extending services to Corwen.
In the world of model railways, new releases arrived from LGB, Trix and Märklin across several scales, while PIKO announced a new H0 model of NS electric locomotive 1306. PECO also unveiled new TT:120 retaining walls and an N Gauge wagon promotion, while Gaugemaster Collection Class 66 models arrived in stock and the new Layout Concepts range became available to order.
In This Issue:
American Model Railway News
British Model Railway News
European Model Railway News
- LBG Releases: August 2026
- Märklin Releases: August 2026
- Piko Announcements
- Trix and Minitrix Releases: August 2026
American Model Railway News
Kato USA Releases: September 2026
A selection of new KATO N Scale Amfleet and Viewliner passenger stock is expected to arrive in the UK during September 2026, offering more choice for modellers of American passenger railways. Leading the arrivals is the Limited Edition Amfleet I Coach 7-Car Set – All Phases, accompanied by the Amfleet I 4-Car Bookcase Set in Phase VII and Amfleet II 2-Car Set in Phase VII. Together, these releases provide plenty of scope for creating or expanding Amtrak passenger formations.
British Model Railway News
N Scale Wagons Special Offer
We have managed to obtain a selection of wagons at a special price, and of course we wanted to pass the savings on to you. Once they're gone, they're gone, so grab a bargain today. With a mix of Big 4, BR, and Private-Owner liveries available, there should be something for most N Gauge railway modellers.
New Retaining Walls in TT:120
PECO continues to expand its growing TT:120 scenic range with three new laser-cut retaining wall kits, providing modellers with even more options for adding realistic railway infrastructure to their layouts. The new releases include the Brick Retaining Wall and Stone Retaining Wall, with each kit creating a 304mm-long section.
New OO Sentinel Steam Shunter
Rapido Trains has announced an extensive new collection of Sentinel Steam Shunters, covering both pre-war and post-war examples of these distinctive industrial locomotives. The pre-war selection includes LMS No. 7164 and BR No. 47184, alongside a fascinating variety of industrial operators, including J.S. Fry’s ‘Somerdale’, British Tar Products ‘Ann’, Cory & Son ‘Greenwich’ and Tottenham Gas Company No. 7.
New 009 Fowler Resilient 4wDM
Rapido Trains has announced an exciting new selection of Fowler Resilient 4wDM diesel locomotives, bringing this distinctive industrial locomotive to the range in an impressive variety of liveries. The collection includes Works Green alongside named examples ‘Layer’, ‘Peldon’ and ‘Dinmor’, plus further versions finished in Blue and Cream, Lined Maroon, Plain Yellow, Lined Dark Blue, Black with Wasp Stripes and Umber and Cream.
Infinity Tour '26
Next Stop: Kernow Model Rail Centre in Camborne
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.
To help bring the system to more modellers across the country, we have teamed up with a selection of dedicated Gaugemaster Infinity-Accredited Dealers to present Infinity: Tour ’26. These special events will showcase the various elements of the Infinity System, demonstrating how to operate the controllers and get the very best from them for both Analogue and DCC layouts.
European Model Railway News
August Releases
A trio of exciting LGB G Scale models has arrived this August, led by the impressive RhB Ge 4/6 Electric Locomotive No. 355. Depicting the locomotive in its original green Era I appearance, the model features two powerful motors, an mfx/DCC digital decoder with extensive sound and lighting functions, and digitally controlled pantographs. Also arriving is the colourful RhB ‘Gourmino’ WR 3810 Dining Car, complete with detailed interior, interior lighting and opening doors – an attractive addition to a modern Rhätische Bahn passenger formation.
August Releases
A fresh selection of Märklin models has arrived this August, with new releases covering H0, Z and Gauge 1. Highlights include the impressive Class 66 diesel locomotives in HHPI and DB Cargo liveries, alongside the distinctive ÖBB Class 1189 ‘Austrian Crocodile’ electric locomotive in HO Scale.
Z Gauge is also well represented in the latest delivery, with several new locomotives and items of rolling stock, and Gauge 1 enthusiasts also have a new arrival to discover, completing a varied batch of releases across three scales.
Three versions of the new NS 1306 are being produced.
PIKO has announced a new H0 scale model of Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) electric locomotive 1306, recreating the distinctive Dutch locomotive in its Era IV appearance. The new model promises plenty of fine detailing, including a detailed interior and roof equipment, finely produced single-arm pantographs, separately fitted handrails, etched windscreen wipers and detailed bogies. Direction-dependent white headlights and red tail lights are also featured, while the model measures approximately 218mm over the buffers and is designed for a minimum radius of 358mm.
August Releases
A fresh selection of Trix H0 models has arrived this August, bringing some impressive new locomotives including the charming DB ‘Spalter Bockl’ Steam Train Pack, featuring the distinctive Class 98.3 ‘Glaskasten’, alongside the DBG Class 220 Diesel Locomotive and the imposing DB Class 01.10 Steam Locomotive. Minitrix N Scale is also well represented in the latest delivery, with another varied selection of locomotives and rolling stock.
Other News
A new lamp has been announced.
The Lightcraft Flexible LED Lamp is a practical new addition for any modelling workbench, providing bright, focused illumination for everything from model building and painting to scenery work and other detailed hobby projects. Its flexible neck makes it easy to position the light exactly where it is needed, while the anti-glare diffuser helps provide comfortable illumination when working with small components and fine details. The lamp features 30 LEDs producing 6W of light, with a 6500K colour temperature and 80 CRI.
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.