Main Lines: 30th May 2026
Welcome to this week's Main Lines.
The UK's railway headlines this week have been dominated by the continued rollout of Great British Railways, with Southern, Thameslink, Great Northern and Gatwick Express set to transfer into government ownership this weekend, bringing around 80% of passenger journeys under public control. The move comes as the first train carrying the new Great British Railways livery was unveiled at Brighton, providing a glimpse of the future look of Britain's rail network. Elsewhere, preparations continue for the opening of Cambridge South station next month, while South Western Railway has marked its first full year under public ownership with the ongoing introduction of new Arterio trains and operational improvements. Together, these developments represent another significant step towards the government's long-term vision for a unified national railway.
In model railways, the news has been quite quiet this week, with the news of releases from Kato and Hornby coming in behind this week's big Summer 2026 range announcement from Faller. Closer to home, however, we are pleased to say that this week we anounced a new Website Gift Voucher - an online voucher perfect for use on our website. All you Fathers out there, if anyone is stuck for an idea of what to get you this Father's Day, you know where to point them!
In This Issue:
British Model Railway News
European Model Railway News
American Model Railway News
Other News
Gaugemaster Website Gift Vouchers Now Available
Give the perfect gift instantly with our Website Gift Voucher – the ideal choice for railway modellers, slot car enthusiasts, hobbyists, and collectors. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or special occasion, our virtual vouchers make it easy to share the joy of these hobbies with friends and family.
Delivered instantly by email to your desired recipient (or send it to yourself for later distribution), these digital vouchers can be used across our online store to purchase any products, from locomotives and rolling stock to scenic materials and accessories. Simply choose the value you’d like, add a personal message, and let your recipient decide exactly what they want.
British Model Railway News
Coming Soon
Hornby's next wave of arrivals brings together a mix of iconic express locomotives, classic coaching stock and sought-after modern traction. Leading the line-up are the impressive RailRoad Class 90s, with both Royal Scot and Collingwood-liveried examples available, including DCC Sound and electric locomotive variants. Fans of contemporary operations will also welcome the One:One Collection BR Royal Scot Class 46100 steam locomotive, offering an impressive centrepiece model for any collection.
European Model Railway News
2026 Summer Announcements
Faller has unveiled its latest Summer announcements, bringing a fresh selection of detailed structure kits, scenic accessories and seasonal additions for both HO and N scale modellers. The new range combines industrial buildings, American-inspired architecture, railway structures and eye-catching scenic pieces, continuing Faller’s reputation for producing highly detailed kits that add depth and personality to layouts of all sizes.
American Model Railway News
Releases: May 2026
The latest May releases from Kato USA are headlined by a superb selection of classic Amtrak passenger stock and modern Union Pacific diesel power in N Scale. Leading the announcements is the return of the ever-popular F40PH and Superliner Phase III train sets, allowing modellers to recreate one of the most iconic eras of American passenger railroading. The range includes complete train packs, additional six-car Superliner coach sets and individual F40PH locomotives, all available in standard DC, DCC-Fitted and DCC-Sound formats.
Other News
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.