Main Lines: 30th October 2026
Welcome to this week's Main Lines.
On the mainline this week, engineers completed an intensive 18-day programme of work on the Fife railway, rebuilding bridges in preparation for future electrification. The first steelwork was installed at Shipley's new £160 million-plus TrainCare Centre, which will house Northern's electric train fleet. Network Rail also outlined major track, signalling and overhead-line improvements at Crewe station, beginning this Christmas.
On the heritage scene, Flying Scotsman continued its ten-day visit to the Swanage Railway, hauling passenger services as part of the line's 50th anniversary celebrations. The Leighton Buzzard Railway held its rescheduled Autumn Steam Gala, featuring visiting 1897-built Decauville locomotive Victory. Meanwhile, the Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway begins its Autumn Steam Gala today, welcoming 2999 Lady of Legend and 92134, while miniature railways across the country prepare for Halloween-themed services.
In the world of model railways, PECO announced a new TT:120 Setrack Starter Set alongside its Making a Start in TT:120 guide, featuring six track plans to help newcomers develop their layouts. The manufacturer also revealed two new ready-to-run 7-plank wagons, featuring Tyne Main Coal Ltd in N Gauge and Anderson in TT:120. Meanwhile, PIKO announced a new HO Scale Rotary charity wagon, adding another special-edition model to its European rolling-stock range.
In This Issue:
British Model Railway News
European Model Railway News
Other News
British Model Railway News
Class M Alongside 5 & 6 Plank Wagons OO Scale
Rapido Trains UK has announced an extensive collection of new OO gauge models, headlined by the Class M 0-6-0 steam locomotive. The range features an impressive selection of liveries representing the Midland Railway, Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway, Midland & Great Northern Joint Railway, LMS and LNER. Highlights include the fully lined Midland Railway crimson, distinctive S&DJR blue and M&GN brown liveries, alongside several variations in traditional black. With 16 different locomotive identities available in both standard DCC-ready and DCC Sound-fitted versions, the new Class M range offers plenty of choice for enthusiasts modelling Britain's historic railway networks.
Announce New Little Cardleywick Kits
Metcalfe has announced two charming new additions to its popular Little Cardleywick range, with both the Lock-up Goods Shed and Station Water Tower joining the collection. Available in OO and N scales, these detailed card building kits are ideal for adding character and traditional railway features to model layouts. The Little Cardleywick Lock-up Goods Shed (PO317 and PN917) provides a compact goods facility, perfect for smaller rural stations and goods yards, while the Station Water Tower (PO314 and PN914) adds an authentic feature for layouts depicting the steam era.
New PECO Wallace & Gromit Anniversary Wagons Available Now
Cracking news! The eagerly anticipated PECO Wallace & Gromit OO9 narrow gauge wagons have now arrived at Gaugemaster! Produced in partnership with Aardman Animations, these colourful four-wheel box vans celebrate the much-loved adventures of Wallace and Gromit, featuring liveries inspired by classic films including The Wrong Trousers, A Close Shave and A Matter of Loaf and Death. The four individually available wagons feature Preston's Dog Food, Bake O Lite, Wash 'N' Go Window Cleaning and Top Bun Traditional Bakery, bringing a touch of Wallace & Gromit's unmistakable humour to model railway layouts.
Peco Announce New N Gauge & TT:120 7-Plank Wagons Oct 2026
PECO has introduced two new ready-to-run 7-plank open wagons, expanding its range of British railway rolling stock in N Gauge and TT:120. The N Gauge Tyne Main Coal Ltd wagon (NR7032P) features a distinctive private-owner coal company livery, making it an attractive addition to goods trains and traditional British railway layouts. Produced using modern tooling, the model features metal-tyred wheels and offers modellers another option for recreating the busy coal traffic that was once a familiar sight across Britain's railway network.
Peco Announce New TT:120 Setrack Starter Set & Plans Book
PECO is expanding its TT:120 range with the introduction of a new Setrack Starter Track Set, providing an excellent starting point for modellers looking to build their first layout in this increasingly popular scale. The new Code 55 track set includes a complete circuit of second radius track, left and right-hand points, straights and buffer stops, giving enthusiasts everything they need to begin planning and developing their own track layout. The set also includes PECO's new Making a Start in TT:120 publication, offering helpful guidance and inspiration for newcomers to the scale.
Rotary Charity Wagon HO Scale
PIKO has announced the release of a special edition H0 scale wagon in support of the global End Polio Now initiative, marking World Polio Day on 24th October. Organised by Rotary International, the initiative aims to raise awareness and support efforts to eradicate polio worldwide. This exclusive model offers railway enthusiasts and collectors the opportunity to add something unique to their collection while supporting an important charitable cause.
Other News
Our Autumn Sale begins with reduced items from Hornby, Bachmann, Graham Farish, Peco and EFE bringing fantastic savings across a huge selection of OO, OO9, and N gauge locomotives, multiple units, coaches, wagons, buildings and accessories.
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.