Hornby model trains are found primarily in England and Germany. It is one of the most popular model trains to be found anywhere. Almost all of the millions of model train hobbyists worldwide are familiar with the Hornby name.
The unique nature of Hornby trains has made them a favorite of collectors everywhere. The old trains from the start of the 20th century are expensive to collect, but are like gold to a knowledgeable model train collector.
Hornby models were originally known for their distinct attention to detail. The old tinplate models are much more true to this standard than the Hornby trains produced by manufacturers today. Collectors love the older models because the reproductions of actual trains were the best that could be found.
When plastic trains became the standard, Hornby struggled to compete with other manufacturers. Through buyouts and acquisitions, the train line survived far past many of the other producers of the early days.
During the late 1960's, Hornby introduced the pre-Nationalisation liveries for steam locomotives, and during the same period launched the Battle Space and Battle Zone. During this era, the E3000, Hall Class, Coronation Class, Hymek, M7, Class 37, Flying Scotsman, and the Evening Star became popular.
During the 1970's, the Footballer, King, Duchess Classes, Patriot, and A4 were introduced. The High Speed Train from this era became an instant success. In addition, new coaches were introduced which were popular for many years. A live steam model of Stephenson's Rocket was manufactured that preceded DCC models.
In 1986, Hornby became a public company, Hornby Hobbies, Ltd. A lot of retooling took place in this era along with the introduction of Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends, based on a television show. Other new models of that era included Mk4 Inter City coaches, and Class 90 and 91 locomotives.
In 1995, Hornby moved its manufacturing division to China and introduced the Far East model, a rebuilt Merchant Navy Class locomotive. This train was followed in 2003 by the first commercial OO gauge live steam locomotive.
It is possible to use the same gauge track for the OO as the HO scale model train. Because of this, some modelers say the OO is out of scale. The OO train is so much fun to work with, however, most hobbyists are not overly concerned with any inaccuracies in the design.
Hornby produces the Skaledale product line, which consists of track and building accessories for the OO scale of trains. Lyddle End is another range of buildings made by Hornby for the N scale model. Buildings in the Lyddle End line are made from die cast resin. The buildings are primarily designed to resemble structures from the Great Western Railway.
Hornby introduced the Lyddle End products based on the large success of the Skaledale line. A large number of the buildings are the same in both lines except for the scale variation. This saved the company the cost for a totally new product design.
Today, Hornby Model Trains produces more than 650 items. Their 2009 catalog boasts the addition of 250 newly introduced products. Their product line offers:
o Lighting and accessories
o Trees, grass, and gravel
o Exceptionally detailed vehicles
o Landscaping materials (lichen, scatter, ballast, scenic mats)
o Buildings and accessories
o Power supplies, controllers, wheels, and couplings
o Track and accessories
o Passenger coaches
o Live steam products
o Freight rolling stock
o DCC controllers, locomotives, and accessories
o Steam, diesel, and electric locomotives
o Thomas and Friends, Harry Potter Hogwart's Express
It remains, as it has for the last fifty years, the top model train company in England. Unlike many of the old time model manufacturers, Hornby was able to adapt with changes in its production methods and the buyer's market to remain a viable company in the industry.
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