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 is the nudge to have a quick look.
Firstly, a quick reminder that we discovered our systems were breached earlier this month. We’ve been monitoring closely and have carried out further investigation, but we’ve found no evidence of anything else. If you missed the earlier email, you'll find the details here: https://traintrax.co.uk/2026/02/13/security-notice-important-information-for-train-trax-uk-customers. We are very grateful for the messages of support we received after this incident - it made a difficult situation a little easier for us.
New announcements / pre-orders: the latest pre-order list now includes the Amtrak Amfleet coaches with new numbers (Amfleet I coach set, plus Amfleet II baggage and coach sets). There are also a couple of big European crowd-pleasers in the mix (SNCF TGV INOUI and OUIGO España starter set), plus some Japan highlights like the DE10 (JR Kyushu spec) and 103 Series Orange sets. And yes — the Kato 009 / OO9 Narrow Gauge Unitrack points are on the list (left + right), along with the matching R481-15 curves. “Seven Stars in Kyushu” is also back on the preorder page (both the full set and the little travelling N-gauge version).
Just arrived into stock: on the Japan side we’ve had a proper wave land — 313 Series 1000 (Tokaido Main Line), 315 Series 3000 (including the starter set), and Kiha 25 sets. There are some nice classics too (the 43 Series Night Express Hakkoda sets and EF57 electrics), plus fresh buildings and vehicles like the Station Front Taxi Office and suburban station buildings.
Also worth a flag: we have just a couple of premium Kato USA M2 starter set track packs available, and some Chicago Metra DCC Sound locos and sets have landed.
And a quick note on restocks: a few older favourites have been popping back into stock as well — the sort of things that quietly sell out and then vanish for months. If you’ve been waiting on something specific (starter sets, track packs, or a particular train), it’s worth a quick check — the 10-005 double Shinkansen starter set is one example that’s back in the mix. These aren't listed on the ;just arrived page for technical reasons so you'll have to go hunting!
Links for the curious:
Full details below if you scroll far enough...
Behind the scenes, we’ve been building out some reference guides to Kato Unitrack and more. We’ve called it “Your Railway Resources” and we’d really appreciate it if you could have a read through and let us know if we’ve made mistakes, or missed anything important. Find it here: https://traintrax.co.uk/your-railway-resources
Rolling sale: we’ve been adding extra items to our sale page at https://traintrax.co.uk/sale. Everything is new and unused — it’s simply over-orders and lines that take up shelf space we need for new releases coming later this year.
All the best,
Ian (on behalf of the team)
PS: Preparations have begun for our stand at the Ally Pally show in March — if you’re coming along, do say hello.
I didn’t want to have to write this, but we need to share a serious security update.
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.
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.
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).
At this stage, the information that may be affected could include details entered at checkout, such as:
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.
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.
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.
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
Hello,
We read every review we receive and we take them seriously — it’s one of the simplest ways for us to keep improving.
A few weeks ago a customer mentioned that our shipping felt expensive, so I sat down and properly ran the numbers. The headline is simple: with current Royal Mail prices, packaging and a contribution towards the time it takes to pack orders safely, we’ve been subsidising postage more than we realised.
Because of that, from early next week we’ll be making an upward adjustment to our delivery charges. This weekend is the last weekend on the current rates, so if you had an order in mind, it might be a good time to do it.
On a more human note — January can feel like it lasts about nine weeks. I’ve been thinking a lot about wellbeing and modelling. I’m no expert, but I do think a small win helps keep to mental health under control: pick one tiny job you’ve been putting off on your layout (relay one siding, sort one point, finish one small scenic area) and let that momentum do its thing. What have you achieved this month? Its not too late!
Rolling Sale: we’ve added extra items for January. Most things listed below but a few more things at https://traintrax.co.uk/sale Everything is new and unused — it’s simply over-orders and lines that take up shelf space we need for the new releases coming later this year. If there’s other locos, trains or rolling stock you’ve had your eye on for a while, feel free to reply and ask for a cheeky reduction — no promises but we can sometimes help.
New announcement: New KatoUSA tankers are now up for pre-order. A few of you asked for them before we’d even listed them, which is always a good sign. They look great, and the pricing is generous. See bottom of email for links.
Finally, a quick clarification because it’s come up a lot recently: anything we sell that needs mains power will be supplied with a UK plug or the correct adapter. Different products need different setups, but if you buy it from us, we’ll make sure you’re ready to go. If you buy from elsewhere you might not get that.
Thanks for keeping us busy (and for putting up with my long emails).
All the best,
Ian on behalf of the team.
PS: A quick show diary note — we won’t be attending the Doncaster or Glasgow shows this year. It’s purely a time-and-capacity thing while we keep on top of orders and the behind-the-scenes projects. If you were hoping to see us there, drop us a message and we’ll make sure you’re sorted online. We will be at Ally Pally in March though!
This one’s a bit of a long update again, so grab a cup of tea.
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/
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
Locos and sound
Scenery/buildings (plus a fun detail)
Track and layout add-ons
Bonus non-JR
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)
Japan – highlights
Coaches, freight, and scenery bits
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.
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.
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.
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
Kato Japan (N)
Kato Japan (HO)
Full list here, and highlights below:
https://traintrax.co.uk/preorders-reserve-them-here-c-51-html
A quick note on the new Krokodil
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.
Finally, if you missed it, we published our review of our company financial year 2024/25 a few weeks ago:
https://model-railway-magic.co.uk/2025/12/01/mrm-annual-report-2025/
Believe it or not, we're still getting huge deliveries of stock right up until the last minute, so we're off now to do some more unpacking.
Best wishes,
Ian & the TrainTrax UK team
PS. Keep an eye on the rolling sale page https://traintrax.co.uk/sale - we're adding new items regularly.
Hello Ian
December has rolled round again, layouts are lighting up, and we're selling lots of small curves ready to go round trees.
The last few weeks have seen a steady stream of boxes turning up from Kato, and a lot of cardboard heading back out again.
A few highlights from the Just Arrived page:
Everything on that page is physically in stock here in York and ready to ship.
And there’s more on the way:
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.
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.
If you’re looking for present ideas, a few things that always go down well:
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.
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 website there’s still just a small team in York, spending a lot of time surrounded by boxes and tape.
Right now we’re:
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...
A fairly quick email from us this time. Mainly as a reminder that we're going to be at the NEC this weekend for The National Festival of Railway Modelling.
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!
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!
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
Browse the full up-to-the-minute list.
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.
[Browse all the new pre-orders →]
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, and BNSF 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.
[Explore DCC sound-fitted locos →] (use the filters to find the type and livery you want)
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.
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.
Find them all (plus more) here: https://traintrax.co.uk/just-arrived-c-27-html.
Hard to choose highlights, though the EH800 locos are a bit special.
Latest announcements
Once my post-travel cold cleared, the early-month announcements went live — see https://traintrax.co.uk/preorders-reserve-them-here-c-51-html further down. New signals among them, for which we've been waiting a while.
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:
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!
What’s next?
Click through, have a browse, and maybe treat yourself before the rush kicks in:
👉 [See the Pocket Line sets]
👉 [Check out the Starter Sets]
👉 [Follow us for Japan updates]
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
Unitrack, Unitram and buildings.
Locomotives and Rolling Stock, North American and Japanese outline
"Probably the largest range of Kato Unitrack, Unitram
and buildings available in the UK today"
Train Trax exclusively Kato!
Model Railway Magic Ltd
Unit 15
The Bull Centre
Stockton Lane
York
YO32 9LE
Email: help@traintrax.co.uk
Tel: 01904 215416
VAT Regn No. GB 397 2064 71
Company Number: 12703527
(C) Model Railway Magic Ltd 2023


