From Liverpool Clerk to Global Icon
Hornby Hobbies Ltd began with Frank Hornby (1863-1936). A Liverpool shipping clerk who started making toys for his sons from sheet metal in 1899. Without formal engineering training, Hornby invented three iconic toy lines. Meccano (1901), Hornby Model Railways (1920), and Dinky Toys (1934), which transformed the toy industry forever.
Hornby Visitor Centre in Margate (Credit: www.wikipedia.org)
The first Hornby train sets launched in 1920 as clockwork O-gauge models. They quickly gained popularity for their attention to detail and quality craftsmanship. In 1938, Hornby Dublo was introduced with OO-gauge electric trains. This became the company’s main product and established OO as the British standard for model railways.
Hornby Clockwork Train Set, 1920s (Credit: www.hornbyhobbies.com)
Pre-1964 Hornby train sets have enjoyed significant collector interest since the 1940s. The Hornby Railway Collector’s Association was founded in 1969 and now boasts nearly 3000 members worldwide.
The brand has remained Britain’s leading OO-gauge manufacturer for model railways, despite various ownership changes over the decades. After financial struggles and corporate takeovers through Triang, modern Hornby experienced a renaissance. Later acquisitions of Airfix (2006) and Corgi (2008) strengthened the brand.
The company returned to profitability in 2020 with sales growing 30% during the pandemic. This demonstrates the enduring appeal of model railways across generations.
Popular Hornby Train Sets Valuable at Auction
Hornby Thomas Engines
The Thomas & Friends range was produced from 1985-2018, spanning 33 years of continuous production. Early electric models with incorrect faces from 1985 were pulled from production. However, they had already reached shops, and these imperfections make them highly sought-after collectables today.
The range included complete Hornby train sets. Individual locomotives and Skaledale buildings taken directly from the TV series created peak collecting opportunities.
Hornby Flying Scotsman
The Flying Scotsman remains “the most famous locomotive and train in the world”. It features in numerous valuable Hornby train sets. Original 1970 Flying Scotsman sets are particularly valuable to collectors. Vintage O-gauge versions reach significant prices at auction houses.
Modern Hornby train sets retail around £200-400. Vintage examples command premium prices depending on condition and rarity. This makes them excellent investment pieces for model railway enthusiasts.
Hornby Dublo
Dublo (1938-1964) represents the golden age of OO gauge collecting. Some rare sets can fetch upwards of £2,000 at auction. Values range from £69 for basic sets to £600+ for complete boxed examples. The original packaging significantly increases their value at auction.
Items like the elusive red boxed 5075 Home Junction Signal have sold for over £300. Late polystyrene tray Pullman sets are extremely valuable.
Hornby InterCity
Hornby’s High-Speed Train (HST) sets celebrate the iconic InterCity 125 trains. These were introduced in 1976 as officially the world’s fastest diesel trains. Modern HST Hornby train sets retail between £230-395. Sound-fitted versions command premium prices at both retail and auction.
The recent introduction of TT:120 scale HST sets has created new collecting opportunities. Original 1980s InterCity sets are increasingly sought after, and these vintage model railway pieces are becoming more valuable each year.
Hornby Mallard
Hornby Locomotives OO Gauge, Boxed to include Two ‘Mallard’s’ and Two ‘Britannia’s amongst others
Mallard holds the world steam speed record at 126mph since 1938. It remains one of Hornby’s most iconic models for model railways. The A4 Mallard has been produced continuously since 1979. This spans multiple generations and liveries across different Hornby train sets. Limited editions like the 80th and 85th Anniversary packs are highly collectable.
Why Hornby Train Sets Remain Valuable
Hornby train sets maintain their value for several key reasons
- Quality craftsmanship ensures longevity
- Historical significance creates emotional connections
- Limited production runs increase rarity
- The active collector community supports strong auction prices
- Model railways continue attracting new enthusiasts globally
Whether you’re buying vintage Hornby train sets or modern releases, research is essential. Check auction results for comparable items. Understand the specific model’s production history.
Do you have Hornby train sets you’d like to sell?
Our team of expert valuers are available every Tuesday from 9am-3:30pm at our Silverdale saleroom, where they can value your Hornby train sets and advise you on consigning to auction. To book a free appointment, use our online form here.
You can also email us at enquiries@potteriesauctions.com, or call us on 01782 638100. We can even provide valuations via WhatsApp: simply send clear images of your items via the app to 07864 667940.