Main Lines: 8th August 2026
Welcome to this week's Main Lines.
Real World Railway News from the last 7 Days.
It has been a busy week on Britain’s railways, with investment, infrastructure upgrades and heritage projects featuring prominently. ScotRail recorded more than 2.1 million passenger journeys in a single week, its busiest since returning to public ownership in 2022. Glasgow’s south side is receiving £1.5 million of track and bridge improvements, while £5.46 million is being invested across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. In Wales and the Borders, drainage improvements, bridge repairs, track renewals and signalling work form part of a programme aimed at creating a more resilient railway.
Heritage enthusiasts also have plenty to interest them, with work beginning on the £3.6 million restoration of the historic Avon Viaduct near Linlithgow. The Seaton Tramway has launched a fundraising appeal for a new depot extension, while digital signalling development continues on the East Coast Main Line and plans to modernise London’s Bakerloo Line progress. For model railway enthusiasts, it has been an interesting week of investment, restoration and technological development, highlighting how Britain’s railway continues to evolve while preserving its historic character.
Meanwhile in Model Railway News
Bachmann reveal their Autumn announcements covering OO, OO9, and N scale models, Dapol announce their latest releases for September and October, Marklin and Trix announce some new locomotives decorated in both Roncalli Circus and Wacken Open Air liveries and some nice new bridges make their way into the Peco TT range.
In This Issue:
British Model Railway News
Japanese Model Railway News
British Model Railway News
OO Gauge Autumn Announcements
Autumn 2026 brings plenty of new rolling stock to Bachmann Branchline’s OO Scale range, with the arrival of the MLA Bogie Box Wagons alongside new versions of the popular BR Mk2A Coaches.
Narrow Gauge Autumn Announcements
Narrow gauge enthusiasts also have plenty to look forward to, with re-runs of Bachmann’s popular OO9 Quarry Hunslets already in production and two new identities joining the range.
N Gauge Releases
Dapol has unveiled its latest N Gauge releases, with one of the standout announcements being a striking Remembrance-themed Poppy Wagon.
OO Gauge Releases
Dapol's latest OO Gauge announcements bring together a superb selection of classic British railway favourites, led by the long-awaited Class 29 diesel locomotive.
O Gauge Releases
Dapol's latest O Gauge announcements bring an exciting mix of modern traction, historic railway vehicles and commemorative rolling stock.
Autumn Announcements
EFE Rail is expanding its rolling stock line-up this Autumn with new versions of the popular SPA wagons, while another important prototype makes its debut in the range.
N Gauge Autumn Announcements
Bachmann Europe has unveiled three brand-new tooling projects as part of its Autumn 2026 British Railway Announcements, including two exciting new additions to the Graham Farish N Scale range.
TT:120 Scale Bridges Announced
PECO has expanded its growing TT:120 Lineside Kits range with the announcement of a selection of beautifully detailed laser-cut bridge kits, giving modellers even more options for creating realistic railway scenes.
European Model Railway News
Wacken Open Air and Circus Roncalli Models
Märklin have unveiled a special new model celebrating one of the world's most famous heavy metal festivals. The new range includes authentic circus rolling stock, perfect for creating a travelling circus scene as it arrives in town.
August Releases
PIKO's August 2026 announcements have arrived, featuring an exciting selection of new locomotives and rolling stock across G Scale, HO, TT and N Gauge.
Japanese Model Railway News
August News Letter
Welcome to this month’s KATO Newsletter, bringing you the very latest news direct from KATO HQ. These updates come straight from the source and showcase the latest announcements, upcoming releases, and developments from across the world of KATO model railways.
Other News
Autumn Announcements
EFE Road is expanding its 1:76 scale diecast bus range, providing model railway enthusiasts and diorama builders with highly detailed scenic accessories to bring layouts and scenes to life.
1:43 Scale Royal Mail Landrover Returns
Sometimes the best announcements are the unexpected ones! Oxford Diecast has discovered additional warehouse stock of the popular Land Rover Series II SWB Hard Back – Royal Mail in 1:43 scale, giving collectors another chance to secure this sought-after model after it had previously sold out.
New Livery Dennis Eagle
Oxford Diecast has announced the return of its popular Dennis Eagle Refuse Truck range, with a selection of the most sought-after liveries set to be re-run following strong demand and low remaining 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.
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.