I didn’t want to have to write this, but we need to share a serious security update.
Summary
We identified and removed malicious code on our website. Out of an abundance of caution, we are notifying customers that details entered on our website may have been compromised.
What happened
Monday 2 February: we were alerted to the possibility that our checkout may have been compromised
Tuesday 3 February: we confirmed the issue, disabled the site immediately, and alerted the ICO
Wednesday 4 February: after making the site safe, we re-enabled it
Since then, our own developers Firepages, and Wordfence’s specialist incident response team have investigated. Wordfence identified malicious code on the site and removed it.
Thursday 12 February: we emailed all customers who bought from us over the last two years out of an abundance of caution.
We believe it is currently safe to browse and place orders via the website including using credit cards. If you'd rather place orders another way then please contact us (details below).
What information may be involved
At this stage, the information that may be affected could include details entered at checkout, such as:
Name
Billing/shipping address
Email address and phone number
Order details
Payment card details: based on what we currently know, any risk here mainly relates to customers who entered card details at checkout (card payments processed via Stripe). No card details are normally stored on our systems.
We are aware that some customers have had card details used elsewhere after shopping with us. We’re extremely grateful to those who reported this quickly, because it helped us identify the problem.
Timing
Although we were alerted on 2 February and acted immediately, the investigation suggests the issue may have been present earlier. We’re still working to confirm the time window and scope, and we’ll share clearer information if we can do so confidently.
What we recommend you do now
Check your bank/card statements for any transactions you don’t recognise
If you entered card details at checkout on our site recently, contact your card provider and ask them to monitor your account (they may recommend replacing the card)
Be alert to phishing. We will never ask for passwords or payment details by email
If you reuse passwords across sites, change them, and use a unique password for important accounts
What we’re doing next
We had protection in place before this incident, but it did not work as it should have. We’re taking that extremely seriously, and we’re applying hardening and security recommendations coming out of the investigation.
Contact
If you have any questions, please reply to this email and we’ll help as best we can. You can also contact us at help@traintrax.co.uk. As a tiny business we have limited capacity to answer the phone in realtime but if you need to speak with us in person then please try 01904 215416.
We’re genuinely sorry for the worry and inconvenience this may cause. Thank you to all those who have sent messages of support since we announced this.
— Ian, TrainTrax / Model Railway Magic Ltd
This one’s a bit of a long update again, so grab a cup of tea.
The news
Sale: new items added
We’ve added more lines to the sale pages, including older favourites and slower movers we’re clearing to make space for new stock. A few of these are proper “once they’re gone, they’re gone” bargains, and the best ones tend to disappear quickly. If you’ve had something in mind, it’s worth a quick look now rather than later. Browse the sale here: https://traintrax.co.uk/sale/
New Japanese arrivals
A good wave of Japanese stock has arrived and is now on the shelves, ready to post. The “Just Arrived” section is the best place to start, but here are a few highlights:
Japan – big-ticket trains and classics
Odakyu Romance Car NSE (3100 series) 11-car set
C62 3 (Hokkaido type) steam loco
Express “Niseko” 6-car basic set
Anniversary 287 series “Kuroshio” 60th wrapping 6-car set
E235 Yamanote Line 4-car basic set + “Traveling N Gauge” version
787 series “36 Plus 3” 6-car set + “Traveling N Gauge” version
Locos and sound
ED75 700 (Orient Saloon colour)
ED76 0 (late model, JR Freight test paint)
Sound Card 22-241-8
Scenery/buildings (plus a fun detail)
Local Police Station (with two light green police cars)
Town Hall (monotone) and Local Bank (concrete)
1/150 crow and pigeon figures
Track and layout add-ons
Three-light automatic traffic light signal (with auxiliary track)
Concrete tie track pieces: 315mm radius 45° curves, plus 62mm / 124mm / 248mm straights
Bonus non-JR
Taiwan Railway EMU3000 (Blue) 6-car add-on set
January announcements (including Europe)
Kato’s January announcements include European items too, and we’ve just posted them on our website on the pre-orders section.
Europe (DB S-Bahn EMUs)
ET426 2-car EMU (standard DB S-Bahn) and Bodensee S-Bahn variant
ET424 Köln 4-car set
ET425 “DB REGIO” 4-car set
Japan – highlights
EF66-0 (late stage) Blue Train electric locomotive
EF65 1000 (late) electric locomotive
ED71 (first-order type) electric locomotive
E657 series “E653 revival colour (blue)” 10-car Special Project set
211 series 3000 (Boso colour) 5-car sets (incl. variant with two pantographs)
JR 103 series items: “Sky Blue” 4-car set + matching middle-coach sets (Sky Blue / Light Green)
Coaches, freight, and scenery bits
K5000 automobile freight car
Passenger coaches in brown/blue (Suha 43, Ohafu 33, Oha35 variants)
Figures/animals: freight station staff, postman, and (yes) dolphins
A bit of focus for 2026
DCC range discontinued
We’ve decided to wind down our stock of the KatoUSA DCC-fitted range. If you had something in mind, it’s worth checking what’s left while stock remains. We’ll still be able to order on demand, and we’ll probably keep at least some of the sound-fitted locos.
Super has now gone
The ‘Super’ payment option has now been discontinued on TrainTrax.co.uk. Feedback was clear that it made checkout harder for some customers, so we’ve simplified things.
Train Trax (aka fastrak99) eBay sales ceasing
We’ll also be stopping our eBay sales. Going forward, everything will be focused through the TrainTrax website, where we can keep stock control tighter and provide the level of service and detail we aim for.
London: Ally Pally
Our next show will be The London Festival of Railway Modelling at Alexandra Palace on 21–22 March 2026. We’re not attending Doncaster or Glasgow this year.
It’s our first time exhibiting in London, so if you’re going, please come and say hello. The show runs 10:00–17:00 Saturday and 10:00–16:30 Sunday (with doors at 09:30 for pre-booked ticket holders).
Thanks, as always, for your support — and if there’s something you’d like us to stock, improve, or explain better, just reply to this email. We do read every message.
Best wishes, Ian Miller TrainTrax.co.uk Model Railway Magic Ltd
Hello,
There’s a lot of stuff below, but first we want to wish you a very happy Christmas, and to say thank you for your support this year. We’re genuinely grateful for every order, message, and bit of encouragement.
It’s difficult to write a message like this without sounding too trite, but my hope for you over the season is simple: peace on earth, goodwill, and a lighter heart going into the new year.
If you’re spending it with family and friends, I hope it’s easy company and good conversation. If it’s a quieter one, I hope it’s properly restful.
On with the rest of it…
Christmas delivery and opening dates
Royal Mail Tracked 48 last posting date was today. By the time you read this, it is too late, so FedEx Next Day is available right up to Tuesday 23 December.
Vouchers are sent digitally so delivery is immediate!
We’re 'open' (answering queries and sending parcels) until Tuesday 23 December. After that we’re taking a break and we’ll be back on Friday 2 January. You can still place orders on the website and email queries to us in the meantime, but replies and dispatch will restart in the new year.
New pre-orders just announced (Kato Japan + Kato USA)
If you like to get in early and plan ahead, these are now live to reserve.
Kato USA
GG1 electrics (including new Amtrak and Conrail Bicentennial liveries), with DC and DCC-fitted options
F40PH in Amtrak Phase III, plus DC, DCC-fitted, and DCC-sound variants
Kato Japan (N)
883 series “Sonic”: yellow 5-car set, renewal sets (basic + expansion), and the 30th anniversary wrapping 7-car set
287 series “Kuroshio” 60th anniversary wrapping (2nd) 6-car set
EF65 0 (JR specifications)
Tokyu 5050 series (antenna expansion) 8-car set (Special Projects)
E721 series: 2-car, 4-car, and the combined 6-car set
It’s one of the most eagerly anticipated releases of the year. We love it, but it does need careful handling when removing it from the packaging. Kieren has put together a short guide here: https://traintrax.co.uk/2025/12/15/how-to-handle-a-crocodile
Super payment service ending + rewards reminder
We’ll be discontinuing the ‘Super’ payment service on TrainTrax.co.uk early next year. We introduced it to pass on a 1% saving, but we’ve also had significant feedback that it has been making purchases more difficult. We’re keeping checkout simpler.
If you’ve built up a cashback reward, please use it before 5 January or it will be lost. You can check by entering your mobile number in the box at checkout.
Sound-fitted Surfliners: SC-44 Surfliner 4-car and 8-car train packs with DCC sound on board.
North American diesels: SD70ACU in CP Military Heritage green and Norfolk Southern liveries, plus new ES44ACs and other freight power.
Japanese freight and electrics: the Koki 102+103 “Kangaroo Liner SS60” 8-car container set, EH800 and ED79 electrics, and the EF210 container train set.
Urban EMUs: fresh E233 series sets for the Saikyō and Chūō lines.
Starter sets: F7 freight starter sets in Santa Fe Blue Bonnet, Red Bonnet and Union Pacific – ideal for anyone who wants “open box, add power, go”.
Figures and details: new people packs including shoppers and flag-wavers to give platforms a bit more life.
Everything on that page is physically in stock here in York and ready to ship.
Yesterday we opened our first boxes of fresh Kato Europe items, including the much anticipated “Krok” - see above. Due to the volume of pre-orders to sort out on these it may take us a while to list them on the Just Arrived page.
If you are chasing something specific, reply to this email and ask – we may have it tucked away even if it hasn’t made it to the top of the page yet.
Last call for 5% off in-stock items
A quick reminder that our early-season offer is still running: 5% off all in-stock items until 6th December only with the code BLACK-FRIDAY-5 at checkout.
If there’s something you’ve been eyeing up, this is the moment to grab it before the code, or the stock, disappears.
Gift ideas (for you or someone you like)
If you’re looking for present ideas, a few things that always go down well:
Starter sets – track, controller and train matched up and ready to go.
Scenery and details – trees, and little green bits that bring any layout to life and fit easily into a stocking - check out themodeltreeshop.co.uk which we also operate.
Track 'V' box sets – simple ways to turn a basic oval into something more interesting.
Gift vouchers! - delivered by email, so great for the last minute and they leave the choice to the recipient. Available for Train Trax and The Model Tree Shop.
If you’re stuck, reply to this email and tell us what you have already and your rough budget. We can suggest a few sensible options.
Christmas ordering and posting
We’ll keep sending orders out as quickly as we can through December.
Our last posting date for a decent chance of Royal Mail delivery by Christmas Day is Thursday, 18 December. We will also be offering Fedex as a next day option, but don't leave it too late!
If you need something for a particular date, add a note at checkout or reply to this email and we’ll let you know what we can do.
Behind the scenes at TrainTrax HQ
Behind the website there’s still just a small team in York, spending a lot of time surrounded by boxes and tape.
Right now we’re:
Picking and packing orders as fast (and as carefully) as we can
Trying to keep the stock room in some sort of order as new deliveries arrive
Tweaking the website and getting frustrated with payment systems
Answering questions about occasional delayed parcels, lighting kits and “which set next” in between parcels
Testing the Rhb Krok!
Thank you for keeping us this busy. Your orders in this season really do make it possible for a little specialist business like ours to keep going for the rest of the year. It's 'Small Business Saturday' this weekend - our request is that you think about where your other money is going! Best wishes, Ian & the Train Trax UK team
PS
Nearly forgot, there's some newly announced KatoUSA Amtrak Phase III items available to pre-order. See below...
This is the first time we've had a stand at this or its predecessor show, but we're looking forward to seeing how it all works, and of course meeting our customers face-to-face. Hopefully we'll get a moment to see some of the 60 layouts and other attractions!
It looks like the show plan has us as 'Model Railway Magic Ltd' on stand 12. We'll be bringing the bestselling Train Trax KATO stock as well as selected items from The Model Tree Shop.
To guarantee that we bring what you want – and enough of it – you can order from our website for collection by 3 pm on Thursday. No delivery charge. If you're a little unsure about something but want to take a look with no commitment, then drop us an email before the same deadline and we'll try to find room to pack it. We leave York early on Friday and sadly can't bring the whole of the KATO or tree ranges in full!
KATO Announcements
As promised in our last email, the latest announcements from KATO in Japan are now available to pre-order. All will be arriving during the next six months or so. Take a look below for details, but in summary we have:
• N: 683 “Thunderbird” starter set + renewed 681/683 add-ons • N: E259 “Narita Express” (renewed colours) – basic & add-on packs • N: E233 Saikyō Line 40th-anniversary 2-car top set • N: Tobu 8000 (Tōjō & Urban Park) 6-car sets • N: E4 Shinkansen “Max” & “Max Toki” 8-car sets • N: JR 50-series coaches + ED78 & EF71 electrics • N: SBB RAe II “Gottordo” set • HO: EF81 (Cassiopeia & general colours) + upgraded parts
We certainly weren't expecting the Gottordo set. This is a DCC friendly re-run, representing the preserved/refurbished version, featuring the iconic red-and-cream TEE livery!
Now in stock
Just Arrived at TrainTrax HQ🚄:
• NEW: Nagoya Rinkai Railway ND552 2-car loco set (special project) • EH800 (with/without JRF mark), EF210-300, EF64-1000, ED79 • “Kangaroo Liner” Koki 102+103 8-car freight set • Hoki2000 8-car cement hoppers • E233 Saikyō Line (4-car basic + 6-car add-on) • E233 Chūō Line with Green Car (basic, A/B expansions + special 2-car set) • Figures and accessories: People with Smartphones, flag-waving sets, shopper pack • Starter sets: F7 Freight (UP, Santa Fe Red/Blue) • North America highlights: VIA Rail P42, CPKC ES44AC w/ factory DCC + Sound
Whether or not you're coming to the show, I hope you all have a productive weekend modelling. I think it's going to be one of those weekends when you want to be indoors!
Best wishes, Ian & the Model Railway Magic team
PS. Now it's past my wife's birthday; I'm officially allowed to talk about Christmas. More next time, but in the meantime, don't forget to mention our vouchers to anyone asking for ideas!
I've concentrated on Japan in the last few e-mails, so I've decided that it's time to turn our attention to some special KatoUSA items this time.
Just announced for pre-order
New M2-based track sets paired with your choice of Big Boy, FEF, or both. Strong value, with delivery expected by December 2025.
Kato starter sets are a tidy way to get moving without faff: a well-matched train, Unitrack that clicks together cleanly, and a reliable controller that just works. You’re up and running in minutes, with smooth slow-speed running and solid electrics, and there’s a clear path to grow - add a couple of curves, a passing loop, points, scenery. Ideal for a first layout on the kitchen table or a calm evening of “train time,” and a great foundation you won’t outgrow.
Recently added to our KatoUSA sound-fitted range: VIA Rail P42, CPKC ES44AC, andBNSF ES44AC. There’s a healthy choice of types and liveries if you’re in the mood to treat yourself.
Kato DCC sound-fitted locos just feel a cut above: proper presence on the rails, with well-voiced horns, brakes and idle that sit naturally in the room, silky slow-speed control, and lighting that behaves as it should. The trademark Kato drive keeps things whisper-quiet and dependable, while CV tweaking gives you room to fine-tune. It’s the kind of upgrade that makes home running and show days alike more involving, with the confidence that it’ll simply get on and do the job.
Stock levels are good across most lines; plenty of track landed this week. If you can’t find something, ask — we’ll try to help.
Next Up: Japan Updates & the NEC
Japanese announcements: I’ll round up the latest Kato Japan releases and news in the next email. If there’s something specific you’re waiting on, reply and I’ll check the details for you.
NEC show: We’ll be at the upcoming NEC show in Birmingham (we're bringing themodeltreeshop.co.uk as well). If there’s anything you’d like us to bring, demo or set aside for collection, please tell me in advance so I can pack it. Best wishes, Ian & the Train Trax UK team
P.S. I took an hour this week to hear Julian Richer speak here in York about the Good Business Charter. We’ve been members for about three years, and it was a useful reminder of why: a public commitment to fair pay, customer care, and paying our taxes properly. As far as we know, we’re the only model railway company signed up. Not saying everyone else is bad, but we’re officially “Good.”
More October news from Train Trax UK - we're back and excited for the coming modelling season!
Back from Japan Hello again from York. I’m back from Japan. It was great, apart from picking up a horrible bug on the way home. If you fancy a read, I’ve put some notes here: https://traintrax.co.uk/2025/10/21/tokyo-notes. I’d love to hear what resonates with you.
This email has a Japanese theme. North American modellers, I'll try to adjust the emphasis next time!
New arrivals While I was away, a lot of Japanese stock landed.
While I was away, a lot of Japanese stock landed:
- EH800 locos
- Complete Chuo Line E233 commuter trains
- Retro coach sets in Blue or Brown
- E8 Series Yamagata Shinkansen
- Joban Line E231 commuter trains
- Eizan Electric Railway 900 series in three colours (pretty!)
- EF58 and Hayatama Night train sets.
In stock here in the UK and ready to despatch now.
NEC show — nearly there We’ll be at The National Festival of Railway Modelling (the NEC show) in about a month. If there’s something you’d like to see or pick up, let me know and I’ll try to bring it along or set it aside for you. Some poor folk who made assumptions about what we'd have at TINGS went home disappointed.
Seasonal help in York I’m beginning to think we need some seasonal help for our busy period. If you know someone local to York who’s careful, practical and happy to pitch in with packing, unpacking and customer queries, please feel free to put them in touch. Hours and exact responsibilities can be flexible.
Stock update Stock levels are good across most lines, with more on the way. If you can’t find something, ask — we’ll try to help.
Best wishes, Ian & the Train Trax UK team
PS. Running a small business can be tough. Your messages, stories and orders (mostly the orders) keep us going, so thank you!
October news from Train Trax UK - What's new in stock from KATO?
New arrivals, starter sets and a trip to Japan
Just Arrived Fresh off the boat (well, air-freight), three new Kato Pocket Line sets have just rolled in at TrainTrax HQ. These little budget gems are always a hit:
A no-nonsense Freight Set that’s small but mighty.
They’re affordable, fun, and tend to disappear fast — so if you fancy one, best not leave it too long.
We've also got a select few of the Kato Europe Class 66/77 locos left in stock. 66004 'Climate Hero' pictured above on our layout. When they’re gone, that’s it for now
Starter Sets – too early for Christmas? My wife won't be happy if I mention Christmas already, but experience tells us that once November hits, starter sets fly out quicker than mince pies at the office. Right now the shelves are full:
So if you’re thinking about treating yourself or someone else, now’s a very good time for maximum choice.
Japan next week Next week I’ll be heading over to Japan to catch up with KATO, explore Tokyo's trains and and soak up the inspiration behind the models we love. I’ll share a few snippets while I’m out there — worth keeping an eye on our social media updates if you’re curious.
Don't worry, Kieren and Jonathan are staying behind to deal with all the orders and queries while I'm away!
Right, I’m off to shuffle some boxes around to make room before the next delivery lands.
Best wishes,
Ian & the Train Trax UK team
More September 2025 news from Train Trax UK - All the latest announcements from Japan and TINGS
Thanks to everyone who joined us at TINGS 2025 – it was our busiest yet, with plenty of sales, great conversations, and even a few visits from Mr Kato himself
The trams we had on demo were a smash hit (sold out!) and track stock ran short too. One customer told us we’re their “favourite shop ever” — that made our weekend. Thanks for all the enthusiasm, much appreciated!
Now that we’re back in York, unpacked and somewhat recovered, we’ve opened pre-orders for the new items announced this month by KATO Japan and KATO Europe.These are for delivery between now and Spring next year. Links further down the email, but here's our summary:
Japan:We're excited by the classic EF57 locos and Hokkoda sets, and the Seal and Owl figures are rather fun too. There’s also more of the E231, 315, 313 and 321 series - essential stock for any contemporary Japanese city layout.https://traintrax.co.uk/product-tag/sept25
Europe:The headline items from this announcement are the TGV sud-est sets. This is a celebration of KATO's first European model back in 1983, so will be sure to be a bit special. The details, features and tooling have all been brought up to the latest standards for release in spring next year. All the details are available on their own website https://www.kato-special.com/kato-tgv-en
There will be a 10 car special edition and a 5 car basic set (each with different running numbers/destinations). You can add a 5 car add-on to the 5-car basic to make up a full length orange streak. They can be combined with a drawbar if you have space for a 20 car train!https://traintrax.co.uk/product-tag/tgv-sud-est
UK:We've also opened pre-orders for the exciting new liveries on the British Class 800 family Hitachi trains announced at TINGS.These are a bit different from our normal process. Our system needs a price in the box to open pre-orders, so the price listed is our current educated guess, but will be subject to currency fluctuations, final volumes etc and is still to be confirmed. We will let you know when we get confirmation of UK RRP for these models. Our final prices will be discounted as normal. https://traintrax.co.uk/product-tag/class800
Which new models will you add to your collection? Click through to secure yours now — demand is already building.
Thanks again for your support,
Ian & the Train Trax UK team
PS Don't forget those KatoUSA HO Scale Amtrak Loco and coaches. Available exclusively via pre-order before noon on 26th September 2025. Arrivals Spring 2026 onwards.
September 2025 news from Train Trax UK - TINGS This Weekend: Pre-Order by Thursday 3pm
If you’d like to make sure we bring exactly what you want, you can place an order online for collection at the show. Please note the cut-off is 3pm this Thursday so we can get everything packed in time. Just choose the collection at TINGS option at checkout.
At the show we’ll also be showcasing the Hex-TRAK modular system with some new scenic Hexes and a Unitram mash-up.
Over on the KATO stand they will be displaying a range of Mini Dioramas created by our customers and others - we've seen some and they are fantastic!
And don’t worry if you can’t make it — we’ll be sharing more news next week about the latest Kato announcements and upcoming releases.
See you at TINGS, Ian & the Train Trax UK team
PS: Reminder about the Train Trax Pre-Order Deadline for recent HO Scale items: Noon, Thursday 26th September. See below. Secure your KatoUSA HO items now to avoid disappointment — once the deadline passes, we can’t guarantee availability.
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Exclusively Kato!
Unitrack, Unitram and buildings.
Locomotives and Rolling Stock, North American and Japanese outline
