Hornby

Hornby — A History 

Since 1920, Hornby has been building quality trains loved by model enthusiasts the world over. A quintessential British business, the first Hornby factory opened in Liverpool, and the company still maintains a strong manufacturing presence in the United Kingdom.

While Hornby's first few models were clockwork powered, they quickly made advancements in their product line to include electric vehicles. Hornby is known for many things, not least their attention to detail and commitment to harnessing the latest technology to bring the hobby of collecting and constructing model trains into the 21st century.

While the popularity of model trains has waxed and waned over the years, Hornby has remained one of the world's most popular manufacturers and still occupies an integral place in the industry.

If you're looking for Hornby trains in Australia, check out the range available at Hobbyco.

What Is The Best Hornby Train Set To Start With?

Collecting model trains can be a fun and rewarding hobby. But for those just starting out, the task of choosing the right type of train can be daunting. Many different types of trains are available on the market, from simple starter sets to high-end replicas. In order to make the best choice, it is important to understand the different features and options out there.

One of the first decisions to make is scale, which refers to the model train’s relative size in proportion to the real vehicle. The most common Hornby train scales are HO, which is 1:87, and O, which is 1:76. The scale you choose will depend on several factors, including the size of your track layout and the level of detail you want in your trains. 

Another important consideration is the power source. These days, Hornby trains have progressed to the point where they can even be controlled via a mobile device, as is the case with the OO iTraveller 6000 Train Set. Alternatively, you might prefer an old-school analogue controller, like that which comes with the OO Flying Scotsman.  

There are many other factors to keep in mind when starting a model train collection, but these are some of the most important to consider. By taking the time to research your options, you can ensure that you choose a type of train that best suits your needs and interests, increasing the likelihood that you'll fall in love with this wonderful hobby.

What Is The Difference Between Hornby And Hornby Dublo?

If you've spent any time researching model trains online, you've probably come across the brands 'Hornby' and 'Hornby Dublo.' Hornby Dublo is a subsidiary of Hornby, and the two companies specialise in slightly different types of trains. Hornby makes OO gauge trains, which are arguably the most popular type of model train in the UK. Hornby Dublo, on the other hand, makes HO gauge trains, which are smaller and more delicate than OO gauge trains.

Both companies make high-quality products, including tracks, tools, and accessories to please any model train enthusiast. So, whether you prefer the more robust OO gauge trains or the slightly smaller HO gauge trains, you can't go wrong with either Hornby or Hornby Dublo — particularly when you're shopping at Hobbyco! 

Are All Hornby Tracks The Same Size?

To understand the answer to this question, you first need to know the difference between two terms commonly used when discussing model trains: scale and gauge.

As mentioned, scale is the size of the model in proportion to the real-life vehicle. Gauge, on the other hand, is a term used to describe the distance between two tracks. 

If you browse the range of Hornby track products available at Hobbyco, you'll notice that they all have a gauge of OO, which can be a little confusing for first-time buyers. If I have a HO train, can it still run on an OO track?

The short answer to this question is yes. There are a variety of historical reasons as to why both HO and OO trains run on the same track — the only thing you need to know is that the scale of the train doesn't necessarily dictate the gauge of track it uses.

If you have any further or more specific questions prior to making a purchase, contact our friendly and knowledgeable team.

Does Hornby Make HO Scale Trains?

Hornby Dublo, a subsidiary of Hornby, does produce HO scale trains, many of which are available at Hobbyco, including the popular Class 67 Transport for Wales and the A1 Class ‘Doncaster’.  

Can You Mix Hornby With Other Train Sets?

One of the most frequently asked questions by those new to the world of model trains is, 'can I mix two different brands of product?'

The answer is yes — with some exceptions. You can usually mix and match different brands of train sets and accessories. In fact, many hobbyists enjoy doing this in order to create their own unique layouts. However, it's important to keep in mind that not all brands are compatible, and you may need to do some research before committing to a purchase.

If you're starting out, we recommend sticking to one brand at first. Doing so will make it easier to build your layout and avoid compatibility issues. Once you're more familiar with the hobby, you can experiment with mixing and matching different brands to create your perfect train set-up!

Shop For Hornby Train Sets At Hobbyco

If you're looking for Hornby trains, you've come to the right place. Hobbyco stocks a comprehensive range of train sets, tools, scenery supplies, tracks and accessories to help you build your dream set-up.

Browse the complete collection available online today, and be sure to contact our team if you have any questions.