hornby train set

Tips For Building a Model Train Set

noreply@blogger.com (playground) — Sat, 4 Sep 2010 09:55:00 -0700

There are many different type of lay outs for the serious model train hobbyist. There are also different type of scales. When choosing what type of layout one wants it is important to keep in mind what type of scale one will use. As far as scales go for different types of model trains go, the most popular ones are O, HO and N. The garden sized trains are usually the G model. The smallest ones are labeled Z. This type are so small, one could design an entire set on top of a table.

The model G is great as an outdoor model and model train hobbyist will build these in their gardens and use some very realistic gardens. One favorite trick in the book when building a train set out doors is to make the artificial scenery close to where people are standing a little larger than the scenery in back. This way when the train moves away from you to the back, it will create a better illusion of traveling further away. There are people who spend lots of time tediously recreating a specific landscape, in order to enhance the feeling of distance.

Once one has decided on the scale of the train, the next step is to decide what layout one will do. There are plenty of books with pictures and not to mention the internet that will give one a sense of what to do. Looking at such pictures one can get an idea about different geographical features of a given area. The 2 most popular landscapes to recreate seem to be forest and mountains and desert landscapes. When one looks at other examples one will be able see different examples of depths that can be achieved by various sizes and features.

Deciding on the layout is similar to what a landscape architect would do. One needs to sit down with a pencil and paper and first do a rough drawing. After doing that more and more ideas will come up and one can add them to the drawing as it goes. The next thing to keep in mind would be, is the lay out going to be moved around? Or is it going to be permanent. If it is permanent then obviously one will have greater flexibility as to what landscape features can be done. If one builds tunnels be sure to have hidden access panels so that one can reach the train if need be.

5 Tips For Building Model Railways

noreply@blogger.com (playground) — Sat, 4 Sep 2010 09:54:00 -0700

If you are interested in starting a model railways collection, the best way to do it would be with a Hornby train set.

1. The first thing you need to know how to do is to lay down tracks, be able to add electrical connections and also beautify your layout. Moreover, before you actually built a layout for your children, you have to first consider the layout's playability.

2. Instead of concentrating on the fine detail of the layout, you have to concentrate on ensuring it survives your children's usage. In addition to this, while building a model railway; you have to do so while keeping your children's likes in mind.

3. This means you will have to add bridges, tunnels and roads to the layout. Even matchbox cars are not a bad addition to the layout as children will love playing with it. Instead of just using tankers, your kids will really love your adding a few wagons that hold things like car transporters and trucks to your model railway layout.

4. On the contrary, if you are using Hornby model railway layouts as part of your or any adult model railway collection, you will have to concentrate more on detail and realism. You will have to build your layout based more on reality.

5. Basically, before building layouts, you have to decide if you want something detailed or something fun to play with as both are not compatible. While realistic layouts don't have much of moving action because of little track, fun layouts are full of imagination and will be packed of all the fun things you and your kids love.

Hobby Trains 101

noreply@blogger.com (playground) — Sat, 4 Sep 2010 09:46:00 -0700

Hobby Trains 101
This just scratches the surface of what's in this book. It gives you everything you need to know about hobby trains, including how to clean your trains, some tips for storing trains, the most popular brands of hobby trains, how technological advances have enhanced the hobby train experience, even a history of how hobby trains came onto to the scene!...In short, it gives you everything you need to know.

So, what are you waiting for?... An exciting world of hobby trains awaits you today!

Exceptional Bachmann 66 on a Hornby OO Layout

noreply@blogger.com (playground) — Sat, 4 Sep 2010 09:43:00 -0700

You would be forgiven in thinking that a marriage between a British track layout and an American locomotive is fraught with danger and you would be right. This combination has had some serious criticism for some years and there are many web pages dedicated to the subject.

Actually in the opinion of most expert modellers there is no problem and any faults lay in either track condition or locomotive condition and adjustment. In theory of course, so long as the gauge dimension is within limits and soundly installed using all best practice and the locomotive is properly lined up, dimensioned and installed there is no reason for any issues.

The main problem has always been one of derailments. There are a host of reasons for this and all are concerned with attention to detail by the modeller. Actually considering the number of Bachmann 66s sold and all for OO gauge layouts there have been relatively few problems but they seem to be escalated somehow.

It is not really too difficult to imagine why some of the issues are so noisy. If a Hornby model has been running trouble free for years on a OO track, then a Bachman 66 is introduced it is possible that it needs to be run, tuned and adjusted to the track. After all the same would probably happen to a new Hornby locomotive. The weight of evidence is that the fit is a good one.

The Bachmann Class 66 is a superb locomotive and looks and sounds great on any modern layout. there is fantastic detail on the 66, it even has a crewman in the front cab. The buffers are sprung (a bit stiff perhaps) and other details include roof grilles.

The 66 runs extremely well. It makes for impressive performance with all 12 wheels powered thus negating the need for rubberised drive wheels. It can easily pull 12 - 15 wagons. So there is nothing wrong with the specification and we know Bachman quality is sound, so that leaves the track and it actually matters very little who made the track. So long as the dimensions are kept constant and it is correctly installed the is never a problem.

The gauge of OO has stood the test of time and no matter who makes the track the Bachmann 66 is a great choice of locomotive being tough and versatile.

The Essential Guide To Model Trains

noreply@blogger.com (playground) — Sat, 4 Sep 2010 09:40:00 -0700

The Essential Guide To Model Trains
Here’s 6 more big reasons why you’ll need this guide:

- When to add onto your set with locomotives and rolling stock
- 7 everyday but often overlooked tips and tricks for building the best layouts for your scenery
- A pennies on the dollar approach to finding model train parts
- How often to do general maintenance on your model trains and tracks
- How to recongnize different train scales such as G, O, HO, N and more
- The once famous but forgotten secret that instantly allows you to create depth within your landscapes

This guide will show you step-by-step how to build, design, and maintain the perfect model train -- not tomorrow -- not next week, but right now.

Hornby O Gauge Trains Through the Ages

noreply@blogger.com (playground) — Sat, 4 Sep 2010 09:38:00 -0700

Model railroading is a hobby that can take up a few hours at the holidays or be more like a second occupation with an entire room displaying the elaborate setups. Hornby was the first name for the production of trains and was based in Liverpool. The first release was the Hornby O gauge which did not prove to be very successful. The small amount that were manufactured were sold in France in 1920.

The earliest of the many model railroads came about in the 1840's. Electric renditions made their way into homes in the early 20th century. Although somewhat crude in appearance, their popularity continued to grow and eventually evolved into the ornate setups that are available today.

The original Hornby O gauge was unsuccessful primarily because it required a high voltage operating system which many thought to be too dangerous. The safety factor led to the development of 4V and 6V models of motors. Eventually a 20V AC system was developed in the '30s. The clockwork model of the Hornby O gauge trains remained their most produced model until the mid 1930's. 20V was the only power that was available in Liverpool at that time.

A branch of Hornby built a factory in France. There they built primarily French style trains. Liverpool however, did dominate the export activity in other countries. They exported to New Zealand, Argentina, Australia and Scandinavia. While trains were labeled with foreign names, the trains maintained their familiar British look.

Hornby tried to break into the American marketplace with their Hornby O gauge by building a factory in Elizabeth, NJ. There they were planning to make American style trains. The competition within the United States made competition fierce for the Hornby O gauge. The US manufacturers prices were lower and the products offered by Hornby were not better than what was already available. The stock market crash put an end to the American branch and the factory sold the location to A.C. Gilbert Co. By 1930, Hornby trains were a memory in the United States.

Hornby remains in business today, but after the Hornby O gauge models faded from popularity, the created their OO gauge. In the meantime, hobbyists around the world took on the project of outdoing each other with model railroads that would impress anyone that was fortunate enough to look at them. There are railroaders that will set up their displays with exact replicas of favorite scenes, or complete cities on the boards. The fantastic displays can only be outdone by someone with a greater imagination.

Today there are buildings, track signals, roads lights and features that can only be outdone by the real thing. Today's model railroads are very realistic and there those who recreate events or specific periods in history. Far from the creation of the Hornby O gauge, there are model railroaders today who have recreated actual railroads that can be ridden. The opportunities are virtually endless. Museums are established that can be enjoyed by individuals who have been taken by the hobby or families that may be entertaining the idea of recreating these masterpieces of years gone by.

A Look at the Past and Present Popular and Not So Popular Train Models

noreply@blogger.com (playground) — Sat, 4 Sep 2010 09:37:00 -0700

The Hornby Railways company is a big manufacturer of the 00 gauge Hornby model trains. First created in the early 1900s, the Hornby Railways company is the innovator in steam train railway modeling for the country of the United Kingdom, designing the Meccano clockwork 0 gauge models; this company also produces the live steam 00 gauge model trains.

Looking At The Past Hornby Model Trains

During the early 1920's until the 1930s, the company manufactured the high voltage 220 to 240 volt AC electric clockwork 0 gauge, a very popular brand for its time. Later versions of four and six-volts were made; however, because of the safety fears. The 00 gauge model was created in the late 1930's to combine the now standard 12-volt DC model trains, which are sold in the United Kingdom.

Now the newer ones had a mixture of clockwork and electric and because of it, they gained in their recognition very fast. However, with the WWII in full force, production on these brands was suspended. The clockwork models were reintroduced at the end of the war but soon ceased production in 1950. There was just one other clockwork Hornby model train designed for its 70th-year anniversary commemoration. During the 1950, the two-rail track and molded plastic rolling stock was introduced but it was just too complex to manage when compared with its rival models.

A New Hornby Introduction That Failed To Materialize And Movie Replicas

During the 1970s, the Hornby Railways Company introduced another model; this was the George Stephenson's Rocket train model. The Zero I was also introduced during the 1970s; it was a multiple engine controller program. However, this early DCC system Zero I failed to do well because the controller units and decoder modules were too expensive; on top of that, the engines didn't run on other train systems. During the 1980s, the Hornby Railways train business chose to go public and in the late 1990s, the company made the decision to invest in movie train set replicas. For instance, they made a replica of the steam engine seen in Harry Potter movies. An additional Hornby model train was designed in the early 2000s; this was the Mallard, which was the first steam-powered 00 gauge model engine.

Two Key Model Railroading Systems From Hornby Railways

There are two main railroading models of the Hornby Railways. They are the Lyddle End and Skaledale. The Lyddle End and the Skaledale are similar in their accessories but the Lyddle End models have a bigger scale of 1:76. These accessories include platforms, tracks, shops, station buildings, etc. This model is based off the fictitious Lyddle End village setting in England. These models are similar with the 00 gauge models and very similar to one another, despite the scale size differences. Model builders tend to like this range much better than other models.

Since the majority of model manufacturers have a scale difference, it's highly important that the companies produce their own tracks and rolling stock to support the scale they use. With no standard 0-gauge track width, the majority of tracks may not be compatible with others.

The Hornby model trains is, no doubt, one of the more popular steam powered engines that work for both as toys and enthusiasts. Still, the company list includes the N and H0 scale models, which came when the business overtook the Italian model railway manufacturer called Lima; these are named the Arnold and Rivarossi. The Hornby model trains also has high detailed steam and diesel engines; these are:

- BR 9F
- Class 08
- Class 31
- Class 50
- Class 60
- SR Merchant Navy

Model Trains by Hornby

noreply@blogger.com (playground) — Sat, 4 Sep 2010 09:36:00 -0700

Hornby is a brand name almost synonymous to the model railroading hobby. With almost a century's worth of models contributed to the world of model railroading, the Hornby name is well known not just in its home in Britain, but around the world.

The road to success wasn't easy for Hornby. When it started in the 1920s, it had to work with non electric model trains. Electric motors were not yet stable enough for model trains so the first Hornby models were O scale clockwork trains. These ran completely mechanically, like a wind up clock. Eventually they would produce OO scale electric trains in the 1930s and this would end up to be the line that put them on the map.

However, as the market got more competitive around the 1950s and 60s, the company ran into trouble. It changed hands three times during the years between 1960 and 1980. They first got merged with their rival company Tri-ang Railways. Then they were bought by Dunbee-Combex-Marx. Finally in the early 80s, Hornby got a fresh start through a management buyout, making it an independent company from then on.

With this new start, the company stayed true to what made it great. Their OO scale electric trains are now one of the most popular trains in the world if not the most popular, especially in Britain. The product line up has grown so big, including new and old trains as well as coaches, cars, and carriages. They have even modeled some famous trains in the entertainment business, namely Thomas the Tank Engine from the popular TV show and books and The Hogwarts Express from the Harry Potter movies. They are today's largest producer of the OO scale all around the world.

Hornby has even introduced a live steam engine in the OO scale. These live steam engines are actually run by steam power. They use electric heaters to heat up the water in their tanks and make the resulting steam run the train engine. One of the first models they made for the live steam line was of the famous Mallard, the British steam engine that broke the world speed record for steam powered locomotives.

The OO scale has been the corner stone of the Hornby production line and Hornby has delivered more and more every year to the scale. Their models and miniatures have come to include not just the trains and tracks but also replicas of the world itself. Their Skale world products have given enthusiasts ready-made models to build their own life like miniature towns and cities. These include the Skaledale line for houses and buildings, the Skaleauto line for cars and other vehicles, the Skalescenics for trees, grass, and other vegetation, and the Skalelighting line for realistic miniature lights. They even have landscaping materials for the enthusiast to build whatever miniature world imaginable.

With its success, Hornby has also expanded into other scales as well. With their acquisition of Italian and French companies like Lima, Rivarrosi, and Arnold, they created Hornby International, an umbrella company that sells HOs and N scale trains and sets. With their acquisition of Corgi Classics Ltd, and its model train company Bassett Lowke, they now also sell a die-cast metal O scale train line.

With great products and a vast array of available choices, the Hornby brand is a shining picture of success. Today, it has continued to grow in popularity and has found its way into the hearts and homes of many hobbyists around the world. Should you have dreams of starting your own train set or collection, Hornby may be the right place to start.

Hornby Flying Scotsman

noreply@blogger.com (playground) — Sat, 4 Sep 2010 09:35:00 -0700

Brief History: The Flying Scotsman was the name given to a scheduled railway service, the 10.00 London Kings Cross to Edinburgh and the returning 13.00 Edinburgh service to the capital.

Initially this service started way back in 1862 and the journey lasted, on average, 10 1/2 hours. This included a stop over at York for dinner and a comfort break at Newcastle (no lavatories on the train back in yesteryear). Following the First World War, a great deal of rebuilding to the railway network was undertaken including wholesale building of new steam locomotives.

With many well documented steam locomotives coming off the drawing boards, one of the most admired was the A3 designed by Sir Nigel Gresley for the Great Northern Railway (GNR). One particular A3, built in 1923, was unceremoniously given the GNR number 1472N and carried the new London and North Eastern Railway branding. This locomotive was soon re-numbered to 4472.

Although all of her A3 stable mates were named after racehorses, in 1924, 4472 was named 'Flying Scotsman' and so the legend began. With quality and speed improvements over the East Coast main line, it was decided that on 1st May 1928 there would be the first non-stop timetabled passenger service between Kings Cross and Edinburgh.

The decision was taken that 4472 Flying Scotsman was to haul the very first run over the 392 mile distance. This became a record for a scheduled service and set the standard that the competing pre-nationalized railway companies had to content with. 4472 also entered folklore.

Though many locomotives hauled the 10.00 from Kings Cross and 13.00 from Edinburgh, it was 4472 the Flying Scotsman that will forever and a day be synonymous with the majesty of East Coast travel.

As well as having such a famous name, the Flying Scotsman will also be remembered as the first steam engine to reach the milestone of 100mph in 1934. Although Flying Scotsman was re-numbered on three further occasions to 502, 103 and eventually E103, she will always be remembered as No. 4472. Following nationalization of the railways in 1948, Flying Scotsman was yet again re-numbered as BR 60103 and continued in service until her withdrawal from the main line in 1963.

By this time, the 10.00 and 13.00 return service had been taken over by the Deltics, a diesel locomotive class that would eventually gain as much popularity as their steam predecessors.

Flying Scotsman was rescued from the cutters torch, a fate that befell the majority of her classmates and after a lengthy restoration and journeys around the world as a showcase, now has pride of place at the National Rail Museum in York (UK).

At the time of writing, the Flying Scotsman is in the capable hands of engineers at York NRM and is subject to a total restoration. The plan is to have this locomotive back to her exquisite best and prepared for a return to main line service again in 2011, almost 50 years after withdrawal. Over the years, many models have been produced of the Flying Scotsman both in HO, OO and O gauge.

One of the most popular by far is the much improved Hornby Flying Scotsman.

This is a super model with an immaculate finish and has lovely detailing. It is produced in a variety of guises - as an individual model, as a limited edition or in the very popular Hornby train set with complementary coaches, track and an AC power controller. The Hornby model inspires any layout depending on the era as you can find most variants of the livery / running number to suit.

As there have been so many variations of this model over the decades, the continuation of production and the enhancements to the moulding prove that the Flying Scotsman romance is still as strong as ever both in model form and in reality. The Hornby model accurately reflects the original and is a testament to the beauty and finesse associated with 4472 powering up the East Coast with that eponymous headboard on the front of the locomotive - the Flying Scotsman.

Choosing a Hornby Train Set

noreply@blogger.com (playground) — Sat, 4 Sep 2010 09:35:00 -0700

Hornby Train Sets make great gifts that you can give to yourself or to someone else. They are perfect for all ages and come in a variety of styles from all eras. Hornby also produce many accessories to go with these sets.

Possibly one of the best features of Hornby Train Sets is that there is a set to fit any budget. Even a low-cost, basic set can easily grow into a huge model railway with scenery, buildings, and complex track layouts. If you're thinking about buying a train set then here's some information about some of the different ones available.

Hornby Train Sets For Beginners

Hornby make great train sets for beginners, these sets are typically inexpensive and very durable. Furthermore they can be easily made into much larger train sets simply by adding Hornby Track Packs and other accessories.

Beginner's sets include "Local Freight", this set has everything you need to get started. It includes the locomotive, controller, and an oval track, which can easily be expanded in the future.

Another great set for beginners is the "The Blue Highlander". This set is very similar to "Local Freight" but includes a siding that makes the set a little more interesting as the wagons can be shunted back and forth.

Regardless of which of these two sets you decide to go with, children will love playing with them, and they'll especially enjoy putting small items in the wagons.

Hornby Train Sets For Younger Children

For younger children Hornby offers trains sets that feature characters from the popular "Thomas & Friends" books and television series. Thomas, Percy, Gordon, James and all the other popular characters feature in these sets.

One the most sought after Thomas & Friends sets is the "Thomas Electric Train Set" which includes Thomas and his coaches Annie & Clarabel, an oval of track and everything else you need to get started.

Hornby also makes many Thomas & Friends themed accessories too. These include locomotives, wagons, buildings, and much more. Also, all the Thomas Sets are compatible with other Hornby Train Sets and accessories, so the set can grow with the child.

Hornby Train Sets for Older Children & Adults

Choosing a Hornby Train Set as an older child or adult is a lot of fun because there are so many different sets too choose from. Typically these sets come with more accessories, more track, and much greater detail. Of course extra care has to be taken with these sets and they are more expensive than the sets for younger children. However, the extra cost is well worth it because you get an amazing train set.

"Flying Scotsman" is one great train set that Hornby offers, and is one of their most sought after sets. It's based on and features one of the worlds most famous steam locomotives, the LNER "Flying Scotsman".

If you prefer a more modern train set than perhaps the "Virgin Trains Pendolino" set is right for you. This digital train set features Virgin's state-of-the art Pendolino high speed train and coaches.

Hornby Digital Train Sets

When choosing a Hornby Train Set one of the major decisions you'll have to make is whether to go with a digital set or a non-digital set. The digital sets are more expensive but they provide the user with greater benefits such as more control and the ability to operate two independent digital locomotives on the same track. Since the digital sets do cost more money and are slightly more complex, they are best suited for older children and adults.

Hornby Train Sets: The Right Choice

Choosing a Hornby Train Set is always a good time regardless if it's for you or for someone else. That's because there are so many great sets to choose from and no matter what age person the train set if for, Hornby has a perfect set for them. In addition, as the child grows, or as the adult's hobby expands, the Train Set can grow and expand too.

Steam Loco Engineering Set Classic Kit

noreply@blogger.com (playground) — Sat, 4 Sep 2010 09:34:00 -0700

Airfix A05871 1:32 Scale 1804 Steam Loco Engineering Set Classic Kit

Plastic scale model kit
1:32 scale
Skill Level: 2 (where 1 is for the beginner and 4 is for the more experienced modeller)
Number of parts: 106
Requires painting: yes

Picture of Hornby Train Set

noreply@blogger.com (playground) — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 19:06:00 -0700