Main Lines: 29th November 2025
Welcome to this week's Main Lines.
Over the past week, the rail sector has been dominated by progress toward Great British Railways as the Railways Bill moved forward, alongside fresh debate sparked by the announcement that regulated rail fares in England will be frozen in 2026. Passenger numbers continue to climb year-on-year, while rail-freight modernisation advanced with new digital-wagon technology agreements.
In the model railway world, as we approach the festive period, many manufacturers undertake a big push on product releases, and this week has seen just that. Märklin, Piko, Trix, and Herpa are among the brands to do this, with our Train-Tech range also featuring new releases. Announcements are also found in this week's issue with the news of new pointwork from Peco and new locomotives from Kato. Read on to find out more.
In This Issue:
American Model Railway News
British Model Railway News
Continental Model Railway News
Other Model News
American Model Railway News
New Code 83 Turnouts
Peco have announced an additional set of turnouts to their code 83 track system. These units replace the now-discontinued Insulfrog and Electrofrog turnouts previously supplied.
New F40PH Amtrak Locomotives
This month, Kato has announced three new F40PH Amtrak locomotives with Analogue, DCC Fitted and DCC Sound Fitted variants. Also announced is a matching set of Phase III Amtrak coaches.
British Model Railway News
Heljan Announce Limited Edition Class 42 DB Warship
Heljan have unveiled something truly extraordinary: a BR ‘Warship’ turned out in full Deutsche Bundesbahn V200 livery, offered as a very special limited edition and available to pre-order now. A very limited number of models will be produced, split between DCC-Ready and DCC-Sound versions.
Catalogues Are Now Available To Order
The 2026 Catalogues from Hornby, Scalextric, Airfix and Hornby International are now available to order, Artwork will be announced in 2026 but be sure to order yours soon to avoid disappointment.
New Item Released: Train-Tech LFX8
New out of the Train-Tech factory is a great little lighting kit to add that extra dimension to your model buildings. Produced with screw terminals, this solderless lighting unit is quick and easy to install.
Continental Model Railway News
LGB New Item Releases: November 2025
The team at LGB have been busy working on the latest releases for November. These releases include the American Shay Locomotives a set of DR Type KD coaches and a RhB tank wagon
Marklin News: November 2025
The team at Marklin have been busy working behind the scenes to bring you the latest news from Germany. This month sees the release of the DB VT88.902 Diesel Railcar, the "Saxon Pride Class 19.0 steam locomotive and even some very nice ACDC themed rolling stock.
Minitrix New Items Releases: November 2025
The team at Minitrix have been busy working behind the scenes to bring you the latest news from Germany.
Piko Releases: November 2025
Take a look at all the latest Piko releases. If they have not yet arrived with us, they will be soon, so make sure you have your orders in to be the first to receive these fantastic new items.
Trix New Item Releases: November 2025
The team at Trix have been busy working behind the scenes to bring you the latest news from Germany. This month sees the release of the BR110 Elefantexpress electric locomotive, the Class 19.0 "Saxon Pride" steam locomotive in HO scale.
Other Model News
Herpa Vehicle Releases: November 2025
November sees the release of a multitude of different vehicles from Herpa, including a Christmas MAN eTGX, various Scania models and even some interesting cars.
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. Don't forget to set your preferences to make sure you receive any other newsletters coming soon, the first of these will be Kits & Bits released on Friday 6th May.
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.