Main Lines: 6th March 2026
Welcome to this week's Main Lines.
Over the past week, the UK rail industry has seen a mix of infrastructure work, industry developments and commemorations. Passengers have been warned of disruption on parts of the East Coast Main Line as upgrade works begin between York and Newcastle across several March weekends, aimed at improving reliability and capacity on this key route. Rail freight operators continue exploring alternative fuels and technologies to reduce emissions from existing locomotive fleets. The industry also marked the 25th anniversary of the Great Heck rail disaster with a memorial service at Selby Abbey, remembering the victims and reflecting on the safety improvements made since, while wider discussions continue around investment, fleet renewal and modernisation across the network.
This week in model news sees a range of different announcements from Oxford, Kato, and Shesto, as well as releases from Trix, Minitrix and Märklin.
Herpa Vehicle Releases: February 2026
Herpa’s latest releases deliver another varied selection of finely detailed 1:87 scale vehicles, spanning everyday road cars, commercial transport and specialist service vehicles.
Kato USA Announcements: February 2026
The February Announcements from Kato USA contain three new packs. These packs feature Amfleet coaches in Amtrak Phase 3 livery.
Märklin Recent Releases: February 2026
Take a look through all the items released from Märklin in February, which will be arriving with us soon, if not already in stock. These items are all available to order now.
Minitrix Recent Releases: February 2026
Take a look through all the items released from Minitrix in February, which will be arriving with us soon, if not already in stock. These items are all available to order now.
Oxford Rail Announce New 2600 Class, LMS Pug, and More Wagons Too
The latest announcements from Oxford Rail deliver a heritage-rich update for OO gauge steam enthusiasts, headlined by an extensive programme of GWR 2600 Class (Aberdare) locomotives.
Oxford Diecast Announcements: February 2026
The latest announcements from Oxford Diecast deliver an expansive multi-scale update, spanning TT, N, OO, O and HO. In TT and N gauge, the range features a colourful mix of British and European classics, including Ford Capri, Cortina and Escort variants, Volkswagen Golf GTI and Bay Window T2 Bus, Jaguar saloons and Land Rover Defenders, alongside modern commercial and emergency vehicles.
Oxford Diecast Releases: February 2026
Check out the latest releases from Oxford Diecast. These have been released throughout February, so if they are not already in stock, they will be soon. A number of items have also been rerun.
Shesto: 2026 Products Announced
Take a look at the latest announcements from Shesto. Shesto are the company behind the "Craft" brands of tool products.
Recent Releases: February 2026
Take a look through all the items released from Trix in February, which will be arriving with us soon, if not already in stock. These items are all available to order now.
New Arrivals Into Stock This Week
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.