Hornby is a renowned UK brand leader of model railway. Founded by Frank Hornby in 1901, it now is recognized worldwide for its influence on model railroading.
If you wish to start railroad modeling right away, an ideal way is to buy a Hornby train set along with other products to help you take the first step into this hobby. In order to start off, you first need to plan your track layout, add electrical connections and some scenery through which your train will run from the starting point till its destination.
All Hornby trains come with a TrakMat, an underlay sheet with beautiful scenery that will help you plan your layout and know where to place track, trees, buildings, roads and other accessories to make your model look original and innovative.
Toy trains were first introduced by Hornby in 1920. Trains were powered by a high-class clockwork motor, made of pressed metal, and with a ‘0’ gauge size. They proved to be a success, and in 1925, the company produced its first electric train, working on 100-250 volts, later improved in 1929 by electric models running on a 6 volt DC source.
The Hornby Dublo was launched in 1938, about half as big as the ‘0’ gauge system and different from the clockwork set as locomotives were made of cast metal instead of metal pressings, while buildings were made out of wood. Its production ceased in 1964.
In the 1970s, Hornby released new locomotives including the High Speed Train which became an instant hit. In 1985, the Thomas series was launched along with other models such as Mk4 InterCity coaches. The ‘Far East’ released in 1995 became a yardstick of quality for future locomotives.
The first commercially produced ‘00’ gauge steam locomotive was launched by Hornby in 2003, paving way for further developments and innovations in this field.
Today Hornby maintains its position that it has held for over 50 years as the leading model railway manufacturer in Britain.
