Hornby Model Trains
Hornby model trains have been treasured by generations of model train enthusiasts. As a well known name in the model train industry for over eighty years, Hornby model trains are popular both with collectors and modern hobbyists. In fact, the OO scale used by Hornby model trains remains a popular scale in England. Hornby OO gauge trains are small enough for a nice layout in a limited space, yet large enough to be readily handled and viewed. And the OO scale includes a wide range of trains and accessories that appeal to a wide range of model train enthusiasts.
Hornby enjoys a lengthy and popular history. Meccano Ltd, the predecessor to the modern day “Hornby Hobbies” company, was founded in 1908 by Frank Hornby to manufacture model toys. Mr. Hornby had received a patent for ‘Improvements in Toy or Educational Devices for Children and Young People’ in 1901. Meccano began with an educational set Hornby created for schools. Meccano then released their first train, branded as Hornby, in 1920.
For many, Hornby model trains are synonymous with their popular product line of OO gauge trains called ‘Hornby Dublo’. This 1:76.2 scale collection (4 mm to 1 foot) of locomotives, carriages, and wagons was produced from 1938 to 1963. It ran on 12 vdc utilizing a 3-rail track. While the OO gauge of the Honby Dublo remained popular in England, much of the rest of the world adopted HO gauge. In addition, Hornby is associated with another popular line of model trains called Tri-ang Hornby. Both lines of Hornby model trains remain popular with collectors and enthusiasts.
Today, Hornby Hobbies of Kent, UK produces a wide range of models for OO and N gauge trains, including a full line of OO gauge locomotives, rolling stock and controllers. Complementing these models are their Skaledale line of buildings, autos, scenics, and track accessories. Hornby also produces a line of buildings for N scale called Lyddle End.
The history of Hornby and the OO scale also includes controversy. Both the OO scale and HO scale use the same gauge track. However, this 16.5 mm gauge track is accurate for the HO scale of 1:87. Thus for OO scale, the models are scaled at 1:76 while the track is scaled for 1:87. This inconsistency in scale has generated controversy among some enthusiasts, claiming that OO gauge trains are inherently out of scale. Regardless, for many the satisfaction of working with OO gauge far outweighs any debate over inaccuracies in scale.
While prized by both collectors and enthusiasts, Hornby model trains and the OO scale are just one small part of the diverse world of model trains. While Hornby Dublo and Tri-ang trains are popular with collectors, Hornby continues to change with the times. Today, Hornby provides a wide range of OO and N gauge kits, trains, and accessories. For example, the Hornby Flying Scotsman with live steam is a popular feature of the product line. Hornby model trains and its associated OO scale continues to appeal to many model train hobbyists.
