Generations of Prized Model Trains

of the oldest and well-known train scale nameson this same time that the HO gauge trains began
for both amateur hobbyists and experiencedcreating a name in other parts of the world.
collectors is the Hornby model train scales. ItToday, Hornby Hobbies of Kent in UK produces
started as Rovex scale models in the early 1950san entire line of both OO and N gauge model
trading as Triang Railways. Hornby was known astrains, gauge locomotives, rolling stock and
the largest manufacturer of British railway models.controllers, along with their Skaledale line of track
In Great Britain, Hornby used OO scale whichaccessories, autos, scenics and buildings. A Lyddle
became an all time popular with a feature that isEnd is also a worth to see N scale line of buildings
large enough for easy handling and display, butfrom Hornby.
small enough for an attractive layout in a smallHO and OO scales use the same gauge track.
space. For more than eighty years, OO scale wasYou will find the 16.5 mm gauge track as accurate
well-known for its wide array of trains and a vastfor the HO scale of 1:87, and OO scale models at
line of accessories.1:76 are also on a track scaled for 1:87. This has
In 1901, its owner Frank Hornby acquired a patentcreated a controversy when HO scale hobbyists
for “Improvements in toy or Educationalclaimed that OO gauge trains are out of scale,
Devices for Children and Young People”.and since most OO scale hobbyists enjoy working
He also founded Meccano, Ltd, where he createdwith the OO gauge trains, the issue was not given
educational sets for schools. Meccano laterimportance.
improved to manufacturing model toys under theIn the model train industry, Hornby model trains
new name “Hornby Hobbies”. Inand OO scale take only a small part, but Hornby
1920, Meccano delivered their first train brandedstill continue to keep their Hornby Dublo and Tri
as “Hornby’.Ang lines popular. Nowadays, you will find a wider
From 1938 to 1963 Hornby model trains becamevariety of OO and N scales gauge trains available.
more popular that they produced anotherOne is the Hornby Flying Scotsman, which has the
collection of model carriages, locomotives andpopular live steam feature.
wagons in a 1:76.2 scale, which is around 4mm toAll Hornby models are well-crafted and valued for
1 foot in size. They ran the cars on 12vdc using amoney with available spares at an affordable cost.
track with 3 rails. A Hornby product that hasIts wide range of model train sets and scenic
become interchangeable with the OO gauge trainsaccessories will allow you build and revive
is “Hornby Dublo”. Anothermemories of a perfect model railroad layout.
popular Hornby is the “Tri-AngHornby model trains and the OO scale has
Hornby”.become among the favorite of many train lovers,
The OO gauge remained popular in England. It wasmaking Hornby prized for generations.