Main Lines: 30th January 2026

Main Lines: 31st January 2025

 

Welcome to this week's Main Lines.

 

Over the last week in UK rail news, significant developments include ministers confirming that tunnelling work on the final stretch of HS2 into London Euston has begun, marking fresh progress on the high-speed line after earlier delays. Additionally, the UK’s first rapid-charging battery-powered passenger train is set to enter service this weekend between West Ealing and Greenford, showcasing greener technology for shorter routes. Plans for a major multi-million-pound redevelopment of London’s Liverpool Street station have emerged, with potential long-term disruption for commuters. There have also been serious travel disruptions from a large fire near London Euston, affecting multiple operators’ services. Meanwhile, ScotRail is preparing a major closure around Aberdeen for weeks-long infrastructure upgrades, and the wider rail sector continues to see the nationalisation programme advance with more services coming under public ownership.

 

In model news, the 2026 range announcements have kept coming, with some of the less rolling-stock-heavy ranges announcing their new items, such as Noch, Faller and Viessmann. We also see the latest releases from Hornby and new book-themed wagons from Dapol in support of the World Book Day charity. Of course, there are also more announcements, releases and news accompanying this in this week's Main Lines.

 

A Message about out Postage Charges

 

Our carriers have again increased the carriage rates we are charged, and we are at the point where we cannot absorb them further. To put this into context, all carriers are not just increasing their per-package weight (of which we negotiate a discounted bulk rate), but over the past 5 years in particular, have been applying surcharges almost at will. While the hope with a surcharge is that these will be removed or lessened in the future, this has simply not happened, and we are currently 'enjoying' a residential shipment surcharge, a fuel surcharge, a 'green' surcharge and at our busiest time are not only charged a peak surcharge but also have any delivery guarantees removed too.
 
There are also the realms of export, where our move away from the Customs Union has made sending goods to Europe much more difficult and sending goods to the USA extremely challenging on a backdrop of instability in terms of American rules and regulations, which change on a monthly basis. The increases we are describing apply across all carriers (we have checked) and affect all of our friends in the Model and Hobby Industry, with whom we stand beside and sympathise. Therefore, we have no choice but to move our carriage charges upwards by 30p from £3.95 to £4.25 and £6.95 to £7.25 with immediate effect.
 
Of course, with one of the lowest carriage-free thresholds in the industry, such charges can be easily circumvented when placing your orders, but we wanted to be transparent with you - firstly, that this is happening and secondly, the reasons behind them. This change will take effect on Monday, 2nd February 2026, so please take the opportunity to make your purchases at the current rate until then.
 
We hope you understand and continue to support not only us, but the model railway industry in general, and continue to enjoy this wonderful hobby with us.
 
The Gaugemaster Team

In This Issue:

 

 General Model News

Continental Model Railway Announcements

Faller Announcements

 

 

2026 HO Scale Range Announcements

 

Faller’s 2026 programme is led by two striking centrepieces: the dramatic new Meiderich Steelworks series and a beautifully themed collection inspired by Germany’s iconic Black Forest. The Steelworks range forms a vast, modular industrial complex, from the towering blast furnace and hot blast stoves to the blower hall, gas cleaning plant and water treatment facility, creating an authentic heavy-industry scene that can dominate a layout from the steam era through to the present day. 

 

 

2026 N Scale Range Announcements

 

Faller’s N and Z scale 2026 programme is led by a charming collection of Anniversary Kits that bring the romance of the Black Forest to even the smallest layouts. In N scale, the Black Forest Farm, Clockmaker’s House and Flour Mill take centre stage, while Z scale gains its own Black Forest Farm Anniversary model as a true centrepiece for compact scenes. These commemorative releases translate Faller’s signature craftsmanship into miniature form.

 

Jagerndorfer Announcements

 

Jagerndorfer 2026 New Items Announced

 

Jägerndorfer’s 2026 range delivers a concise but well-targeted expansion of Austrian-outline models in HO and N, led by iconic ÖBB EMUs. Key releases include the Rh4030 Wiener Schnellbahn, Rh4020 suburban units, Rh4130 Transalpin, Cityjet Rh4746 and Railjet Rh4706 KISS six-car sets, all available in analogue and factory sound versions across eras IV–VI. The programme is completed by Rh2020 diesel locomotives in era-specific liveries, Rh5144 diesel railcars in multiple running numbers, and a strong selection of Nightjet coach sets, with additional N gauge retailer packs and EMUs ensuring broad appeal across scales for 2026.

Kato Announcements

 

Kato USA January Announcements

 

Five new items join the Kato USA range this month in the form of a new SD70ACe locomotive and two new wagon packs.

 

Noch Announcements

 

Noch 2026 Range Announcements

 

Noch's 2026 programme is a celebration of life in miniature, bringing even more motion, atmosphere and storytelling potential to layouts in every scale. From the all-new 3D Master motorbikes in dynamic riding poses, to richly detailed figure sets that capture everyday scenes, special events and seasonal moments, the range is packed with character. Sound Scenes 2.0 modules add a new layer of immersion with authentic ambient effects, while micro-motion models introduce subtle animation that brings layouts to life in ways that were once impossible. Alongside this, Noch continues to expand its world-building toolkit with pre-built 3D minis, laser-cut details, master trees, hedges, and a comprehensive selection of HO, N, TT and Z scale figures and vehicles. 

Piko Releases

 

January 2026 Releases

 

Take a look through all the January releases from Piko. These items have been released by Piko and should be with us shortly, so make sure you have your orders in to avoid missing out.

Pola Announcements

 

2026 Range Announced

 

Pola’s 2026 G Scale additions focus on bringing layouts to life with a rich mix of characterful figures and finely detailed scenic accessories. From bustling station platforms and café terraces to village gardens and rural scenes, the new figure sets capture everyday moments with warmth and realism – including passengers, diners, gardeners, service staff and even a festive Santa. Complementing these are a selection of practical detail kits, all designed to enhance atmosphere and authenticity. 

Viessmann Announcements

 

2026 Range Announced

 

Viessmann’s 2026 range places CarMotion firmly in the spotlight, with a major expansion of vehicles, trailers and system components for automated road traffic. New additions include Magirus Deutz emergency and military trucks, an MB Actros base chassis, flatbeds, tankers, box trailers and curtainside semitrailers, along with matching tandem and single-axle trailers to build realistic road consists.

British Model Railway News

Dapol Announcements

 

Dapol Supports World Book Day® 2026 Fundraising Efforts

 

Dapol’s January announcements bring a warmly themed freight release for March, combining eye-catching liveries with a meaningful cause. Produced in partnership with Porthmadog’s Browsers Bookshop and Book Law Publications, both well known within the railway and modelling communities, this range supports the World Book Day® charity, which champions reading for fun and its life-changing benefits for young people. 

 

Heljan Project Updates

 

 

OO and TT Scale Project Updates

 

It’s a strong start to the year, with Heljan’s BR Class 104 DMUs proving extremely popular since release – very limited quantities remain across most liveries. The much-anticipated LNER ‘U1’ Beyer-Garratt is now in production and is on course for availability in April/May. In TT:120, the superb Class 122 diesel railcars have now been fully approved for production and are expected to arrive in the spring.

 

O Scale Project Updates

 

The Class 117/121/122 DMUs are now in stock, though several liveries are fully sold out at the warehouse, with our remaining supplies running low. All liveries of the O Scale Class 153 are also sold out at Heljan, making these sought-after multiple units another popular release.

 

Hornby Releases

 

 

OO Scale Releases

 

Hornby are delighted to share their highly anticipated Merchant Navy Class 'Channel Packet' that is due to arrive in the next month. Bringing with it a heavy die-cast chassis, pony truck and trailing truck, this DCC-ready model is pre-installed with a Merchant Navy sound profile for realistic sounds, and is pre-fitted with their innovative Steam Generator system offering a synchronised chuff rate and wheel speed.

 

 

TT Scale Releases

 

The Hornby TT:120 range continues to gather momentum with a strong wave of rolling stock arrivals. A broad mix of mineral wagons, vent vans, 12T tank wagons, CDA hoppers and EWS MHA hoppers will soon be landing, offering modellers plenty of scope to expand freight operations across a wide range of eras. With many items available in both single and triple packs, these releases make it easy to add depth and variety to layouts.

General Model News

New Arrivals Into Stock

 

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...

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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

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Published Second Sunday of the Month

 

This newsletter will focus on everything slot car related, including news from Scalextric, SCX and Carrera.

THE CABINET

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This newsletter will focus on everything collectables related, including Corgi, Oxford, and Herpa.