For many receiving a Hornby train set is the first step to modelling railways. Over the years Hornby’s diverse range of sets has encouraged enthusiasts both young and old to develop their newly acquired train set into a model railway with part of this development being the acquisition of additional locomotives, rolling stock and of course track. These days the majority of Hornby sets include a TrakMat which presents to the newcomer a bird’s eye view of a fully sceniced model railway layout. By adding Hornby Track and Building packs to the track circuit included in the set a model railway layout can be easily and quickly assembled in simple straightforward steps. During the expansion of the layout new locomotives, coaches and wagons tend to be added which are either purchased by the train set owner or given as presents throughout the year allowing for the whole model railways experience to develop and grow in simple stages.
For several years the model railway fraternity have demanded that newly tooled locomotives and rolling stock are produced with more and more detail, emulating as closely as possible the full size locomotives, coaches or wagons that are being modelled. Hornby have consequently responded to these demands by producing models which incorporate extensive and intricate detail. Delicate vacuum pipes, highly detailed cab interiors, fine scale valve gear plus a mass of separately fitted fine scale parts all go into producing a superb model. These marked detail improvements are a key feature to any new generation Hornby locomotive and have been wholeheartedly welcomed by the modeller who can now place a Hornby model on their layout and be confident that they are the owner of a model “par excellence”!
Of course there are those who do not require the high level of detail that is achievable today. There are those who wish to “customise” models with extra detail components themselves, or who may decide to try their hand at painting extra livery features or indeed by repainting the whole model. These are modellers who obtain enjoyment from the hobby by using their own endeavours and by developing their own modelling skills. Then again there are those who want to add locomotives and rolling stock to their train set and are concerned that the extra fine and separately fitted components included on the highly detailed models will be susceptible to damage by the casual hand unprepared and unaware of how to handle models fitted with delicate parts.
Young or old, keen modeller or just a beginner, the Hornby RailRoad range answers the needs of many and is a perfect complement to the variety of locomotives, rolling stock, track, buildings, and accessories that can be found in the current Hornby catalogue. Devoid of easily damaged detail parts the suitably livered RailRoad locomotives are fitted with efficient drive mechanisms and have pickups on all drive wheels ensuring smooth running. All the RailRoad models are fitted with the standard Hornby hook and bar type couplings and will therefore easily couple to those locomotives and rolling stock in both the standard Hornby and Thomas & Friends ranges. With this in mind it is easy to see that those models that make up the Hornby RailRoad range are a simple and cost effective way of adding to a train set providing a suitable and most appropriate stepping stone into the varied and fascinating World of model railways.
The introductory range offers not only a selection of individual locomotives, rolling stock and accessories but an assortment of train and wagon packs ideally suited for either train set rolling stock enhancements or for those who wish to experiment and try their hands at developing their modelling techniques!
The Hornby RailRoad range – The first steps to modelling railways.
