ACCURASCALE CLASS 37s RETURN

NOW AVAILABLE TO PRE-ORDER!

Few locomotives capture the imagination quite like the mighty Class 37, and Accurascale's latest batch delivers another stunning selection of prototypes covering over six decades of railway history.

Due to arrive in Q2 2027, these highly anticipated models are now available to pre-order from Rainbow Railways, with both DC/DCC Ready and DCC Sound Fitted versions available.

New Main Range Releases

37516 "Loch Laidon" – West Coast Railways

Presented in the striking maroon colours of West Coast Railways, 37516 "Loch Laidon" represents one of the most recognisable preserved-era Class 37s operating today. Featuring a refurbished Class 37/5 bodyshell with flush headcode panels and plated corridor connection doors, this locomotive is perfect for modern-era layouts depicting charter, railtour and infrastructure operations.


37106 – Civil Engineer's Dutch

The ever-popular BR Engineers' "Dutch" livery returns to the Accurascale range on split-headcode machine 37106. A familiar sight on infrastructure and engineers' trains throughout the 1990s, this unrefurbished Class 37/0 perfectly captures an important period in British Rail's final years and early privatisation era.


37185 – BR Blue with Cornish Railways "Wizzy" Logos

One of the most distinctive Class 37s ever to run in Cornwall, 37185 carries the famous "Wizzy the Lizard" logos applied to locomotives working the county's iconic china clay traffic. This unique model is the perfect partner for Accurascale's excellent clayhood wagons and is certain to become a favourite amongst Western Region enthusiasts.


37088 – BR Blue

For fans of classic BR Blue, 37088 offers a superb representation of a traditional split-headcode Class 37. Complete with original bufferbeam fairings and presented in plain BR Blue, this locomotive is ideal for recreating railway scenes from the 1970s and 1980s.


D6713 – BR Green

Going right back to the beginning of the Class 37 story, D6713 appears in original BR Green as an English Electric Type 3. Allocated to Stratford following construction at Vulcan Foundry in 1961, this locomotive represents the dawn of dieselisation and the start of what would become one of Britain's most successful locomotive classes.

Accurascale Exclusive Models Also Available

Don't forget that you can also secure Accurascale's previously announced exclusive Class 37s alongside these latest releases:

• D6724 in mid-1960s condition, supporting the Heavy Tractor Group
• 37403 "Ben Cruachan" in BR Heritage Green, supporting the Scottish Railway Preservation Society
• 37716 in modern DRS "Fade" livery, produced in partnership with Rainbow Railways

These special editions continue to prove extremely popular and are expected to sell strongly ahead of release.

Pricing & Availability

Expected Arrival: Q2 2027

DC / DCC Ready: £189.95
DCC Sound Fitted: £289.95

With no deposit required to reserve your model, now is the perfect time to secure your chosen locomotive before allocations begin to tighten.

Whether you're modelling the BR Blue era, the Dutch sectorisation years, modern charter operations or the early days of dieselisation, this latest Class 37 release offers something for every enthusiast.

Pre-order yours today with Rainbow Railways and ensure a place in the queue for what promises to be another exceptional Accurascale release.

All Aboard the Eurovision Express! 🚂🎶

As Europe turns its eyes to Vienna for another spectacular week of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, the railway world has found its own way to join the party — and it comes in the form of one of the most eye-catching locomotives to hit the rails in recent years.

The stunning Roco ÖBB 1116 203 Eurovision Song Contest Loco VI DCC Sound celebrates the special Eurovision-themed Taurus locomotive unveiled by Österreichische Bundesbahnen (ÖBB) ahead of the contest. Named ceremonially in Vienna on 18 February, the real-life Class 1116 “Taurus” locomotive quickly became a rolling ambassador for the competition, hauling prestigious Railjet services across Austria and into Germany, Hungary and Switzerland.

And now, thanks to Roco, modellers can bring that same Eurovision magic to their layouts.

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A Locomotive Designed to Steal the Spotlight

The prototype locomotive features a vibrant special-event livery designed to capture the energy and colour of Eurovision itself. Covered in bold graphics and promotional artwork, it stands out dramatically against the sleek Railjet coaching stock it typically hauls.

Roco’s H0 scale reproduction captures these details beautifully, with:

It’s a perfect fit for modern Epoch VI layouts and an ideal centrepiece for anyone modelling contemporary European operations.

Why Eurovision and Railways Work So Well Together

There’s something fitting about Eurovision being represented by rail. The contest itself is all about connecting countries, cultures and communities across Europe — and Railjet services do exactly the same thing every day.

The real 1116 203 Taurus has become a travelling celebration of European unity, carrying the Eurovision branding across borders while turning heads everywhere it runs. For railway enthusiasts, it’s another fantastic example of how modern rail operators are using special liveries to engage with wider audiences and major cultural events.

A Real Talking Point for Any Layout

Whether you’re a Eurovision fan, a collector of special liveries, or simply love modern European traction, this release is guaranteed to stand out in any collection.

Special-event locomotives have become increasingly desirable among collectors, and the Eurovision Taurus is likely to become one of the most recognisable modern Austrian locomotive designs ever produced.

Pair it with contemporary Railjet stock, add station lighting, and you’ve instantly got a train that feels ready to arrive centre-stage in Vienna itself.

Eurovision Fever Meets Model Railways

As the music, lights and performances take over Europe this week, it’s brilliant to see the hobby celebrating alongside it. The Eurovision Taurus perfectly captures the fun and spectacle of the contest while showcasing the impressive style of modern European railways.

Purchase this loco here - Fitting for a Eurovision locomotive, the DCC Sound version has taken centre stage first and is available now, while the non-sound version is due to arrive in the coming weeks! 🎶🚂

One thing is certain — this is a locomotive douze points were guaranteed for. 🌈🚂

Dennis the Menace Takes to the Road in New Collectable Bus Model for 75th Anniversary

A mischievous piece of Scottish nostalgia is heading to model shop shelves this year as EFE Road unveils a special limited-edition bus model celebrating 75 years of Dennis the Menace.

The new release – the E36720 Dennis Dart SLF/Pointer 2 “Dennis the Menace 75th Anniversary Special” – has been created in partnership with Beano Studios and publisher DC Thomson as part of the nationwide “Year of Mischief” celebrations for 2026.

The highly detailed die-cast model combines one of Britain’s most recognisable buses – the Dennis Dart – with Scotland’s most iconic comic character, creating what collectors are already calling the ultimate “Dennis on a Dennis” release.

Featuring authentic artwork of Dennis and Gnasher, alongside a fictional “Service 75” destination board for Bash Street School and Beanotown, the model captures the humour and spirit that have entertained generations since Dennis first appeared in The Beano in 1951.

Produced by EFE Road, the model is designed to complement OO gauge model railways in 1:76 scale and will arrive with Bachmann stockists later this year.

Scotland’s Model Shops Prepare for Demand

Scottish model shops are expected to see strong demand for the collectable release, with transport and railway modelling continuing to enjoy a surge in popularity among enthusiasts, families and younger hobbyists alike.

Leading Scottish retailers stocking EFE and Bachmann products include Rainbow Railways, Harburn Hobbies, Scoonie Hobbies and Wonderland Models, all of which have become destinations for collectors searching for limited-edition transport and railway models.

Independent retailers say products linked to recognisable British brands and nostalgia themes continue to perform especially well, bringing in everyone from lifelong collectors to parents introducing children to the hobby for the first time.

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More Than a Hobby

For many enthusiasts, model shops provide far more than simply a place to buy trains, buses and accessories.

Across Scotland, traditional hobby retailers have increasingly become valued community spaces where customers can slow down, talk to fellow enthusiasts and enjoy a calming escape from modern life.

Retailers report that visitors often spend hours browsing displays, discussing layouts and sharing memories linked to buses, railways and favourite childhood comics such as The Beano.

Mental wellbeing charities have previously highlighted the positive benefits of hobbies that encourage focus, creativity and social interaction, and model railways and die-cast collecting are often praised for helping reduce stress and isolation.

Shops such as Rainbow Railways have built reputations as welcoming destinations for enthusiasts of all ages, combining extensive product ranges with expert advice and a relaxed atmosphere that many customers describe as therapeutic.

With the Dennis the Menace anniversary bus set to blend Scottish heritage, transport nostalgia and collectable appeal, retailers are expecting the model to become one of the standout novelty releases of the year.

And for many collectors, it may prove impossible to resist the charm of putting Dennis the Menace behind the wheel of a Dennis Dart.

Rainbow Railways Expands Range with CaDA and Bandai Model Kits

Model railway retailer Rainbow Railways has announced an exciting expansion into the wider hobby market, confirming it now stocks construction kits from CaDA and plastic model kits from Bandai.

The move marks a significant step for the Linlithgow Bridge–based retailer, best known for its extensive model railway catalogue, as it continues to broaden its appeal to hobbyists beyond traditional rail modelling.

A Natural Expansion for Hobby Enthusiasts

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Rainbow Railways has built a strong reputation for its wide stock range and specialist services, and the addition of CaDA and Bandai kits aligns closely with its existing customer base. Many railway modellers already enjoy hands-on building and detailing, making construction kits and plastic models a logical extension.

CaDA is known for its detailed brick-built models, often featuring vehicles, machinery, and remote-control functionality. Meanwhile, Bandai is globally recognised for its high-quality plastic kits, particularly in the modelling community for their precision engineering and satisfying build experience.

Broadening the Product Offering

The new range includes:

This expansion complements Rainbow Railways’ existing lineup of model trains, accessories, and custom services such as sound fitting and resprays.

Supporting the Local Hobby Community

Rainbow Railways continues to emphasise its commitment to supporting hobbyists both locally and across the UK. By diversifying into adjacent modelling categories, the retailer aims to become a one-stop shop for enthusiasts who enjoy building, collecting, and customising.

Customers can expect the same focus on competitive pricing, clear stock availability, and fast delivery that has helped the business grow its loyal customer base.

Looking Ahead

The addition of CaDA and Bandai products signals a broader strategy for Rainbow Railways to expand beyond model railways while staying firmly rooted in the hobby sector. Further range extensions and exclusive items are expected as the company continues to evolve.

For hobbyists, it means more choice, more creativity, and more reasons to explore what Rainbow Railways has to offer.

EWS Class 66s 66077 “Benjamin Gimbert” & 66079 “James Nightall” Now Available at Rainbow Railways

Two striking additions have just arrived at Rainbow Railways, with a pair of iconic EWS Class 66 locomotives now available in OO gauge. The newly released re-worked models of 66077 “Benjamin Gimbert G.C.” and 66079 “James Nightall G.C.” bring together powerful modern freight traction with deep historical significance. Both locomotives carry names that honour the heroic actions of railwaymen during World War II, with the names originally applied in tribute to the events at Soham in 1944, where extraordinary bravery saved countless lives .

Finished in the unmistakable EWS red and gold livery, these models capture the rugged presence of the Class 66 fleet that has dominated UK freight for decades. Each loco has been carefully re-worked to enhance detail and presentation, making them ideal for collectors and layout operators alike. The addition of the distinctive nameplates – Benjamin Gimbert and James Nightall – adds a layer of authenticity and storytelling that sets these releases apart from standard Class 66 models.

Whether you’re looking to recreate modern freight operations or add something meaningful to your collection, these two locomotives offer both visual impact and historical depth. Stock is available now, and with the enduring popularity of named Class 66s, they’re expected to be in strong demand.

Heljan Class 153 Model Released in ScotRail Livery

Exciting News: New Heljan Class 153 Model Released in ScotRail Livery – Customise Your Own Running Number with Rainbow Railways

The highly anticipated release of the Heljan Class 153 in ScotRail livery has been announced, offering a brand-new addition to any collector’s or operator's fleet. But that’s not all—this release comes with an exciting twist. For the first time, customers can personalize their model by choosing their very own running number, adding an extra layer of customisation and individuality to your collection.

A Stunning Replica in ScotRail Livery

The Heljan Class 153 model is an exacting reproduction of the iconic British Rail Class 153, a versatile and reliable diesel multiple unit (DMU) widely seen on regional routes across Scotland. This new model captures the spirit of these trains with exquisite detail, from the accurate body shape and detailing to the beautifully applied ScotRail livery, making it a must-have for both model train enthusiasts and fans of the Scottish rail scene.

The striking deep blue and Scottish Active Travel livery, makes the Class 153 stand out in any set. Whether you're building a model of Scotland's scenic routes or simply looking for an eye-catching centrepiece for your layout, this Class 153 is sure to impress.

Personalize Your Model with Your Own Running Number

What makes this release especially exciting is the ability to choose your own running number. Rainbow Railways is offering modelers the unique opportunity to make their Class 153 even more personal by selecting from a range of available running numbers. Whether you want to match a real-life unit or create your own fantasy number, the choice is in your hands. This level of customization is perfect for those who want their models to be unique or wish to represent a specific unit that holds personal significance.

This customisation option doesn’t just stop at numbers. You’ll also have the ability to choose from various accessories, such as door markings or additional decals, to further enhance your model’s authenticity and appearance.

Key Features of the Heljan Class 153 Model in ScotRail Livery:

Limited Edition

As with many of Heljan’s releases, this model is a limited edition, so be sure to act fast if you want to add it to your collection. This a rare and exciting opportunity for model train enthusiasts.

How to Order

Ordering your very own Heljan Class 153 in ScotRail livery with a custom running number is simple. Just head to Rainbow Railways website to place your order. When purchasing, you will be prompted to select your running number, ensuring that each model is tailored to your preferences.

Whether you're a seasoned model railway enthusiast or a newcomer looking to expand your fleet, the Class 153 is sure to elevate your collection to new heights. Don’t miss out on this exciting, limited edition release—get yours today and run your very own customized Class 153 on your layout!

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