Publications & Catalogues
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The Beginning
Frank Hornby first introduced his Mechanics Made Easy, later to be renamed Meccano at the turn of the last century. The success with Meccano led him by listening to public demand to produce, in 1920 his first tinplate locomotive, branding his new venture 'Hornby Trains'. His ability to understand the market and producing what customers required allowed him, over the following years to significantly expand the Hornby selection of '0' gauge locomotives, rolling stock, buildings and track. His innovative mind created Dinky Toys to complement his Hornby Trains but it was the development of the smaller 'H0' train systems being produced in mainland Europe where he saw potential but sadly died two years before the launch of Hornby Dublo in 1938.
During the past 100 years, Hornby models have evolved from being large, course scale tinplate toy trains, to the increasingly refined and accurate '00' scale models of today. However, with the ongoing developments and refinements associated with their current creations, Hornby still adheres to the original ethos of the company's founder, which is to produce high quality products for the enjoyment of all. Times change but the simple fact remains that for generation after generation, Hornby simply means model railways.
From being a humble shipping clerk in Liverpool who enjoyed inventing toys for his children, to becoming a major toy manufacturer in the early 20th Century, Frank Hornby has left a legacy that lives on to this very day.
The Middle
The operation of the railway nework in the United Kingdom has evolved greatly since the 1826 Liverpool & Manchester Railway Act, which engendered the 'railway mania' of the pioneering local regional companies in the Victorian era and their eventual consolidation towards the end of the 19th Century. This was then followed by the emergence of the 'Big Four' railway companies, after which came the nationalisation of the nation's railways in 1948, the sectorisation of British Railway in the 1980's, the privatisation of British Rail and finally, the modern day franchising agreements.
As a result of discrepencies with the expansion of model ranges across eras, Hornby, in conjunction with partners in the publishing and retail trades, have decided to adjust the era system we use, so that it clearly reflects the time periods covered, especially when taking into account the 'grey' areas that have arisen as one period blurs into the next. For full details of our era system, visit our Support & Advice section.
The End (For Now)
Each year we band together as a team to create our long awaited catalog. Our aim is to showcase the coming year's exciting selection of new products for our Hornby family to revel in just as they launch. However, we also tend to do a large amount of reflecting within the pages, mulling over the last year with each other and all of you. As much as it's a celebration in it's own right to have had another merry trip around the sun, some years more than others, we are reminded of just how important it is to shed one's skin in aid of new beginnings (or new ranges).
With each new catalog, comes a new year, a new us, and a new you. We hope to spend many more years growing, diversifying, expanding and thriving, with all of you by our side. We are very grateful for your continued support and look forward to hearing your thoughts on our latest catalogue!
For all publication and catalog needs and necessities, please continue to check back for updates.