Main Lines: 6th June 2026
Welcome to this week's Main Lines.
In Railway News..
Govia Thameslink Railway (which operates Southern, Thameslink, Great Northern and Gatwick Express services) has transferred into public ownership, marking another significant step towards the government's planned Great British Railways structure. Heritage enthusiasts are also following the Great Central Railway’s latest update, highlighting ongoing progress towards its long-term reunification project.
And in Model Railway News,
This week’s model railway news is dominated by Rapido Trains UK’s announcement of a new OO gauge SECR O Class 0-6-0, available in multiple SER, SECR and Southern Railway liveries, with DCC sound options throughout the range. Rapido also revealed the fictional preserved-style Ironclad No. 957 Rose and expanded its Evolution wagon series with new horseboxes and open carriage trucks. Meanwhile, Bachmann Europe’s Summer 2026 programme continues to generate interest, alongside further rolling stock announcements from Dapol.
In This Issue:
British Model Railway News
European Model Railway News
British Model Railway News
New Gaugemaster O Gauge Starter Set Launched
For those looking to step into the world of O Gauge railway modelling, the new Gaugemaster Station Pilot Premium Train Set offers an impressive all-in-one introduction to Britain’s largest mainstream ready-to-run scale.
New Items Announced
Dapol is celebrating more than four decades of model railway history with a special range of collectable wagons featuring a selection of the company’s classic logos from across the years.
N Scale Releases: July - August
Dapol’s latest N Scale arrivals for July and August 2026 deliver a varied mix of colourful wagons and highly anticipated modern diesel locomotives.
OO Gauge Releases: July - August
Dapol’s upcoming OO Scale releases for July and August 2026 bring together a wide selection of colourful wagons and classic British diesel traction. July’s arrivals focus heavily on distinctive rolling stock liveries, including Ventilated Vans in Spam and Woodgreen Animal Charity branding, alongside Fruit D Vans carrying Palethorpe Sausages decoration and striking Brewdog Orange Crush and Fruit Burst Fruit Mex Vans.
O Gauge Releases: July - August
Dapol’s O Scale releases for July and August 2026 deliver an impressive combination of modern diesel power, colourful rolling stock and highly detailed freight accessories. Leading the July arrivals is a substantial new Class 66 line-up, covering a wide range of contemporary freight operators and special liveries including EWS, Freightliner Powerhaul, GBRf, DRS and GBRf Biffa examples.
Ffestiniog Rolling Stock Announced
PECO have announced three new Ffestiniog Railway-inspired releases, continuing their popular range of narrow-gauge rolling stock with models that accurately reflect vehicles still operating on the famous Welsh heritage railway today.
New Ironclad, O Class Locomotives and Rolling Stock Announced
Rapido Trains UK has announced new steam locomotive projects led by the SECR O Class 0-6-0 and the fictional Ironclad No.957 'Rose'. The O Class range features multiple historical liveries from SER, SECR and Southern Railway eras, including Cudworth Green, Wainwright Green and Southern lined black. All versions are available with factory-fitted DCC sound for enhanced realism and operation appealing to Southern enthusiasts and collectors.
Alongside this, the Ironclad 'Rose' is offered as a detailed 'what if' locomotive in standard and sound-equipped forms. Rapido expands its Evolution wagon range with Horseboxes and Open Carriage Trucks across GWR LMS LNER era.
European Model Railway News
New Container Wagons Released
Lemke are set to deliver a superb new selection of N Scale container wagons into their Hobbytrain range in the coming weeks, introducing the modern Sggnss 80’ and the long-serving Sgjkkmms 699 to their expanding freight range.
Other News
Latest Releases from Oxford Diecast
American cars and heritage road vehicles. The latest additions continue to expand Oxford’s popular diecast ranges with subjects spanning British road transport history, nostalgic civilian vehicles and highly detailed specialist liveries.
Gift Ideas for Father's Day (21st June)
Finding the perfect Father’s Day gift is easy with this specially selected collection of model railway, slot car racing and plastic kit favourites.
Gaugemaster Website Gift Voucher - the ideal choice for railway modellers, slot car enthusiasts, hobbyists, and collectors.
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.