Main Lines: 7th February 2026
Welcome to this week's Main Lines.
In Real Railway News;
HS2 took a major step closer to central London on Tuesday, January 27, as a massive tunnel boring machine (TBM) began excavating the 4.5-mile route from Old Oak Common to Euston station. Named “Madeleine” after former Women’s Engineering Society president Madeleine Nobbs, the 1,624-tonne TBM will construct one of two parallel tunnels that will carry high-speed trains into the heart of the capital.
The launch was attended by Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones, Rail Minister Lord Hendy, HS2 CEO Mark Wild, and Transport for London Commissioner Andy Lord. The TBM both excavates and installs concrete tunnel segments simultaneously, ensuring efficient construction as the project advances.
Taking HS2 into Euston is central to unlocking its full economic potential. Camden Council estimates that new homes and commercial development in the area could add £41 billion to the economy by 2053 and support 34,000 jobs. Across the wider route from London to Birmingham, HS2 has already completed 23 miles of tunnels, 19 bridges, and two viaducts.
With more than 33,000 people working on the project, HS2 is expected to contribute £10 billion to west London’s economy over the next decade, create thousands of new homes, and improve rail connections, delivering faster, better journeys between London, Birmingham, and beyond.
In Model Railway News;
Bachmann, Graham Farish and EFE announce their plans for spring 2026, Rapido Train UK enhance their OO Gauge rolling stock collection and Piko announce a rather Lovely wagon.
Also, We have a 10% off code for Preiser running throughout February, be sure to apply the code at the checkout to avoid missing out.
In This Issue:
British Railway News
Continental Model Railway News
With just over a month to go, dont forget to come and see our exhibition team at The London Festival of Railway Modelling between the 21st and 22nd of March.
British Model Railway Announcements
Bachmann Spring Announcements
Bachmann’s Spring Announcements 2026 deliver a broad and well-balanced update for OO scale modellers, combining ready-to-run accessibility with flagship locomotive releases and a deep supporting cast of rolling stock, scenery and figures.
EFE Rail Spring Announcements
EFE Rail’s Spring Announcements deliver a distinctly characterful update across both OO and N Scale.
EFE Road Spring Announcements
The EFE Road Spring Announcements bring a splash of colour and nostalgia to the range, headlined by a trio of Leyland Atlantean open-top buses that celebrate classic British seaside and sightseeing operations.
Graham Farish Spring Announcements
Graham Farish’s Spring Announcements bring a strong announcement for N scale modellers, with a clear focus on everyday railway operations across multiple eras.
Rapido Trains New Items
This month sees that addition of three new wagon designs to the fleet of Rapido OO Scale wagons.
Continental Railway Announcements
Piko New Item Release
For Valentine’s Day 2026, Piko is marking the occasion with a distinctive addition to its H0 range: a limited-edition special wagon designed to appeal to both collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Kato Europe New Items
For Valentine’s Day 2026, Piko is marking the occasion with a distinctive addition to its H0 range: a limited-edition special wagon designed to appeal to both collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Kato 009 New Items
EFE Rail’s Spring Announcements deliver a distinctly characterful update across both OO and N Scale.
Kato USA New Items
The EFE Road Spring Announcements bring a splash of colour and nostalgia to the range, headlined by a trio of Leyland Atlantean open-top buses that celebrate classic British seaside and sightseeing operations.
Other Model News
Greenlight New Items
This latest wave of new releases spans multiple scales and pop-culture eras, blending evergreen favourites with eye-catching licensed models.
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.
We here at Gaugemaster attend a number of events and exhibitions throughout the year where we display, sell or demonstrate our products, along with a selection of the other model railway products that we stock. Our staff are always on hand to offer advice and to help answer any questions you may have. Our events team are always excited to see you at one of these events, so come on down to grab the next addition to your layout or just to say hello!
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.
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.