Main Lines: 4th April 2026
Welcome to this week's Main Lines.
Over the past week, the UK rail network has seen steady, if unspectacular, progress, with Network Rail continuing infrastructure upgrades that have caused some weekend disruption but aim to improve long-term reliability, while discussions around fares and passenger value remain ongoing. Train operators have reported modest improvements in punctuality despite isolated delays linked to staffing and infrastructure issues, freight flows, particularly for engineering works, remain consistent, and heritage and charter services are beginning to ramp up ahead of the Easter period, reflecting a network that is gradually stabilising rather than delivering major headline developments.
In model news, we have seen the same trend, with no big hitting news. We have, however, still seen some nice announcements from Dapol and Kato, alongside updates on what is coming soon from Märklin, Trix, Viessmann and Oxford Diecast.
In This Issue:
Continental Railway News
British Model Railway News
Dapol Announce New Toplight Coaches
Dapol has unveiled an extensive new range of GWR Toplight coaches, bringing these distinctive early 20th-century vehicles to life in a wide variety of liveries and formations. Originally built between 1914 and 1920, the prototypes featured steel-panelled sides with elegant bolection mouldings and characteristic frosted-top-light windows, all mounted on Churchward 9ft bogies.
Continental Model Railway News
Märklin Releases: April 2026
Märklin’s April releases deliver an impressive and varied line-up across both H0 and Z scales, blending iconic international traction with standout train formations and collector pieces. In H0, the range is led by a strong selection of sound-fitted locomotives spanning diesel, electric and steam eras. In Z scale, Märklin continues to pack detail into compact form with a balanced mix of locomotives and coaching stock.
Trix Releases: April 2026
Trix’s April H0 releases offer a compact yet well-rounded selection, combining Swiss and German traction with modern rolling stock and practical layout accessories. The range is led by DCC-sound-fitted locomotives, including the iconic SBB Ce 6/8 I “Crocodile,” alongside dependable DB favourites.
Viessmann Releases: April 2026
Viessmann’s April releases bring together a practical mix of functional vehicle models, upgrade components and layout accessories, ideal for modellers looking to enhance both operation and realism
American Model Railway News
Kato USA Announcements: March 2026
Kato USA’s April announcement introduces a new range of GE ES44 locomotives in N Scale. One of the most recognisable and widely used diesel-electric locomotives in modern North American railroading. First introduced in the early 2000s to meet EPA Tier 2 emissions standards, the ES44 has become a staple of contemporary freight operations, and Kato’s latest model captures this modern classic brilliantly.
Other Model News
Oxford Diecast Releases: April 2026
Oxford Diecast’s March and April releases deliver a nostalgic and varied mix of classic British motoring and working vehicles, perfect for enhancing period street scenes and transport layouts. The range features an appealing selection of vintage and modern road cars, including icons such as the Jaguar XK120, Jensen Interceptor and VW Beetle.
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...
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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
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.