Main Lines: 30th August 2025
Welcome to this week's Main Lines.
On the rails this week, the UK rail industry saw significant developments recently: Network Rail has teamed up with the Met Office to bolster predictive capabilities and better tackle weather-related disruptions such as landslips, track buckling, and leaf-induced slipperiness by improving forecasting and infrastructure resilience. At the same time, efforts are intensifying to expand cross-Channel rail competition: a bilateral agreement with Germany sets the stage for new direct services between London and Berlin, while a bold proposal from Gemini Trains—backed by Uber—aims to launch "Uber Trains" from Stratford International to Paris and Brussels by 2029, challenging Eurostar’s dominance.
In the model railway world, the news this week is dominated by British outline news from the likes of Bachmann and Hornby, with Piko and Viessmann fronting the European releases. We also have an exciting announcement on Monday, so be sure to keep an eye on our social media from 12 for the breaking news!
In This Issue:
Continental Railway News
British Model Railway Announcements
New Items Announced
The Bachmann Autumn 2025 British Railway Announcements are here, bringing with it an exciting line-up of new releases.
New Items Announced
Two new buildings have been announced for modellers in O Scale narrow gauges.
New OO Scale locomotives are in stock now.
Take a look through the latest releases from Bachmann, including new Class 08 and 09 locomotives.
New OO and OO-9 Scale Products Releases
Duck and Daisy join the lineup of Bachmann Thomas and Friends offering of OO Scale locomotives. Also, recently released new high-sided wagons from Sodor's narrow gauge line.
EFE Rail PCVs Announced
The EFE Rail Range is being expanded with two new PCVs, one in Rail Express systems livery and the other in EWS.
Graham Farish New Items Announced
The Graham Farish Autumn 2025 British Railway Announcements are here, bringing with it an exciting line-up of new releases.
Graham Farish Recent Releases
Take a look through the latest releases from Graham Farish, including new Class 47s and JGA Bogie Hoppers.
Hornby OO Scale August and September Releases
Hornby have been delighted to inform us that they have the first consignment of a number of products arriving earlier than expected! These join the other products scheduled for a September release.
New LMS 'Turbomotive' is Coming Soon
Coming soon from Hornby is the remarkable LMS Princess Royal Class ‘Turbomotive’ No. 6202. As the third prototype of the class, this striking locomotive is presented in LMS Crimson Lake livery, reflecting its post-1936 modified condition.
Hornby TT Scale Class 43 HSTs Arriving Soon
Hornby will soon be bringing the speed and style of the late 1990s with the new Virgin Class 43 HST & GNER Class 43 HST Train Packs.
Continental Railway Announcements
New Items Due Soon.
Take a look through all the new items Piko are releasing this month. If they are not already with us, they will be arriving soon.
Coming Soon from Viessmann
Viessmann have announced the new items that are soon to be released. These models will then be forwarded on to us in the following days.
Other Model Railway News
EFE Road Leyland Tigers Released
Four new Leyland tigers will be hitting the shelves soon.
Herpa Vehicles August Releases
This month sees the release of the MAN TGX GX Refrigerated Box Semitrailer "Schumacher" along with many awaited models, including cars, tractor units, emergency service vehicles and kits.
August Announcements
Wiking have added a range of HO Scale vehicles to their offering this month, and a set of three cars in N Scale.
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.