Whatever happened to Hornby shop demonstration layouts?

208 posts

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Posted at 19:08:45 Tue 26 May 2015

How many of you remember the layouts that larger shops often had to demonstrate Hornby products? I would guess they would have been about 8'x4', and usually covered with perspex (or at least on the sides). Typically double track ovals, sometimes on multiple levels.

My memory is hazy, but they were very well presented. I may be totally wrong, but I seem to recall some being coin operated (maybe for a worthwhile charity)?

Does anyone know, were these provided by or commissioned by Hornby, or did individual shops just build their own? I know our local Fenwick had one for years, but I've seen them in many large department stores over the years. I guess with model railways being less popular (despite a recent resurgence), and shop space being at a premium, they have all but disappeared.

So, does anyone know what happened to them, or indeed, can they still be seen today?

Their - belongs to (it is their train set) / There - a location ( I have been there) / They’re - short for “They are” (They’re happy with their new train)

Last Edited 23:27:23 Sun 18 Mar 2018

Deltic610

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Posted at 14:57:36 Sat 17 Mar 2018

Hi

The demonstration units were a Hornby marketing exercise. My father was manager of T & G Allan's shop in Morpeth, Northumberland and they had a coin operated example.

When the shop was being refurbished in 1983-4 they were going to scrap the model. I bought it and converted it to run on 2p coins. It kept my two children and their friends amused for hours.

I still have the model in the loft. The track needs replacing as the curves are worn out. Not sure what to do with it. Any suggestions?

Hi there - old thread I know, but do you (or anyone else) still have on of these layouts you want to sell? Would love to recreate my own childhood with one of these...

Last Edited 15:23:49 Fri 27 Aug 2021
Posted 14:57:36 Sat 17 Mar 2018

Rana Temporia

1645 posts

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Posted at 15:08:29 Sat 17 Mar 2018

They had one of these at the East Lancs Railway last time I visited which wasn’t that long ago.

Posted 15:08:29 Sat 17 Mar 2018

JJ

2619 posts

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Posted at 23:27:23 Sun 18 Mar 2018

There is a Local Model shop in Chesterfield, Derbyshire which has a good lay out I suppose which is a demo Layout what works well :)

My product reviews and layouts can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLimAq38evXTjOybXJBGr3FGbBLARf8lgk - Also on TikTok @Jimyjames73

Posted 23:27:23 Sun 18 Mar 2018

Monkey 1980

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Posted at 17:25:29 Wed 18 Aug 2021

I have one of these in my parents garage. Coin operated, old 5p/ half shilling coin if I remember correctly.

My grandad bought from a closing down toy shop probably mid 80’s

Last Edited 20:20:27 Wed 18 Aug 2021
Posted 17:25:29 Wed 18 Aug 2021

81F

4312 posts

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Posted at 01:28:27 Sun 22 Aug 2021

There was one in the Hornby concession in the now closed Boswells Department store in Oxford. When Hornby closed the concession I remember asking what was to become of the layout but was told that someone had bought it.

Modelling a combined 00 and 009 gauge Layout (GWR/GVT) mostly

Posted 01:28:27 Sun 22 Aug 2021

ray_liffen

17 posts

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Posted at 15:19:17 Fri 27 Aug 2021

In the 1950s, there was a shop in Crouch End* (North London) which actually made its living with a Hornby model railway layout that filled the shop. You paid to go in and could then watch this multi-level layout in all its intricacy. I presume they must have sold stuff as well but the main source of income seemed to be spectators.

*Now the Clock Tower Launderette on the corner of Elder Avenue with Tottenham Lane.

Last Edited 15:24:29 Fri 27 Aug 2021
Posted 15:19:17 Fri 27 Aug 2021

Whatever happened to Hornby shop demonstration layouts?

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