There is some properly interesting KATO news this time, especially from the American side of things.KATO USA has announced two releases that are not everyday subjects. First, the M497 “Black Beetle” Jet Powered RDC. Yes, a jet-powered railcar. A real one, not something produced by a modeller after too much coffee and access to spare […]

First of all, thank you to everyone who ordered during our recent summer sale. The sale was very well supported, and that genuinely helps. It has set us up well for the slower summer period and for our own financial year end - not quite as exciting as a new locomotive release, perhaps, but rather […]

The Train Trax summer sale is now live. From today until 24 June, 10% off everything in the shop: Japanese N gauge, North American, European outline, Unitrack, accessories, buildings, the lot. The only exclusions are items in our ‘Just Arrived’ category. If you've been sitting on something in the rolling sale, it's worth knowing that […]

A few TrainTrax notes this week - including another event for our friends near York: On Saturday 13 June, the NGS Yorkshire Area Group and WorldWide Group Annual Gathering takes place at Heworth Community Centre, York. I’ll be there with TrainTrax, bringing a selection of KATO, Unitrack and Japanese/international N gauge stock. These are usually […]

Be Kind, please.It is Mental Health Awareness Week, and that feels like a good moment to say something gently but clearly. You never know everything about the people you're talking to. Might be just having a bad day, or might be burnt-out, depressed, lonely, or grieving. From our perspective, the world could do with a […]

Thank you to everyone who came to see us at the York show. Most of the time, Train Trax and The Model Tree Shop exist for most people as a parcel arriving at the door, an email update like this, or just occasionally a stand at a show. On the Early May Bank Holiday, Monday […]

Kieren adds a 20-860 V1 Mainline Passing Siding Set to his M1 oval. The Kato UNITRACK Master (M) and Variation (V) sets are the ultimate expansion track sets, perfect for beginners who are looking to get started in the hobby, while also providing complex structures for those seeking to create more complex and advanced layouts! […]

Last weekend at Ally Pally was a good one. Thank you to everyone who came to see us, bought from us, had a chat, asked questions, or just reminded us that model railways are best when shared with other people. Shows are hard work, but the good customers make them worth it. Now we turn […]

All being well, this weekend we’re off to Alexandra Palace for the London Festival of Railway Modelling, which means the usual mix of planning, packing, second-guessing what to take, and trying not to forget anything important. TrainTrax and The Model Tree Shop will both be there, and we’re looking forward to seeing plenty of familiar […]

Hello, If you only read one bit of this email, read this bit: the new OO9 points are finally on the pre-order list, we’ve had a big restock week (including older favourites), and there’s a fresh wave of new arrivals alongside the latest pre-orders. If any of that is on your “waiting for…” list, this […]