Hornby new releases
Hornby reveals its brand-new catalogue in January each year showcasing an extensive collection of new model railway locomotives, carriages, wagons, buildings, accessories and kits for ‘OO’ gauge railway modellers.
Highlights of the annual catalogue are new all-new tool steam, diesel and electric locomotives plus new colour schemes on its existing range of previous released products.
Hornby expands its collection of rolling stock each year with all-new carriages and new liveries and colour schemes for existing models. Goods wagons are treated the same. Modellers can also expect a new collection of buildings and accessories each year and Hornby continues to increase the range of products that it offers.
Rumours and anticipation surround the Hornby catalogue’s arrival each year with railway modellers guessing as to what the UK’s biggest name in model railways will make next.
The Hornby 2023 catalogue is its 69th edition.
Hornby’s annual catalogue is focused on ‘OO’ gauge railway modelling – the primary gauge for ready-to-run model railway equipment for British outline models. This uses 16.5mm gauge track with models made to a scale of 4mm:1ft. Hornby offers a range of train sets as a starting point for newcomers to the hobby. In October 2022 Hornby revealed its new collection of 'TT:120' scale model railway products for the British market covering steam and diesel locomotives as well as carriages, wagons, track, building and accessories.
Hornby model railway brands are Hornby Dublo, RailRoad, Triplex Sound (TXS), Hornby TT:120, PlayTrains, Skaledale and Skale Scenics.
Current models
Highlights of the current steam locomotive line from Hornby for 'OO' gauge include models of famous designs such as Sir Nigel Gresley’s London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) ‘A4’ 4-6-2 4468 Mallard, LNER ‘A3’ 4-6-2 60103 Flying Scotsman, new build Peppercorn ‘A1’ 4-6-2 60163 Tornado which was completed in 2008 together with the likes of the Southern Railway (SR) Bulleid ‘Merchant Navy’ and ‘West Country’/‘Battle of Britain’ 4-6-2s, London, Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS) Stanier ‘Princess Royal’, ‘Princess Coronation’ and ‘duch*ess’ 4-6-2s, Great Western Railway (GWR) ‘King’, ‘Castle’, ‘Star’, ‘Hall’ and ‘Grange’ 4-6-0s. It also makes the Holden ‘B12’ 4-6-0, Worsdell ‘J15’ 0-6-0, LMS rebuilt ‘Royal Scot’ and rebuilt ‘Patriot’ and more. Hornby’s 2021 range included announcement of a brand-new model of the Gresley ‘P2’ 2-8-2 in original and streamlined condition with the first due to arrive in the shops during 2023 to join December 2021’s release of the unique Gresley ‘W1’ 4-6-4 10000 – also known as the ‘Hush Hush’.
For steam era freight modellers the current range includes the GWR ‘28XX’ and ‘2884’ 2-8-0s, the LMS Stanier ‘8F’ 2-8-0, the LNER Raven ‘Q6’ 0-8-0, BR Crosti ‘9F’ 2-10-0 while the 2021 catalogue included announcement of all-new BR Standard ‘9F’ 2-10-0s from Hornby which are due to be released in 2022. Smaller steam locomotives include the Drummond ‘M7’ 0-4-4T, Peckett ‘W4’ 0-4-0ST and ‘B2’ 0-6-0ST, Stroudley ‘Terrier’ 0-6-0T and Wainwright ‘H’ 0-4-4T.
For diesel era modellers highlights of Hornby’s range include its Class 31 A1A-A1A Type 2 diesel locomotives together with its ever-popular model of the English Electric Class 50 Co-Co Type 4. Modern diesels available from Hornby include the heavy freight Class 56 Co-Co, Class 60 Co-Co and Class 66 Co-Co diesel-electrics while its RailRoad range includes examples of the Class 59 Co-Co heavy freight locomotives. The range also features the Class 67 high-speed diesel electric together with shunting locomotives like the Sentinel 4wDH and 0-4-0s, Ruston 48DS and Class 08 0-6-0DE.
Overhead electric modellers have an increasing choice of highly detailed motive power including the Class 87, 90 and 92 AC electric models which will be joined by the 2020 announced all-new Class 370 Advanced Passenger Train (APT) and East Coast Main Line Class 91 in early 2022.
Hornby’s rolling stock collection includes carriages of GWR, SR, LMS and LNER origin for the steam era as well as a growing range of BR era Mk 1 stock and expanding collections of the BR Mk 2 air-conditioned coaches, Mk 3 HST coaches and a new range of East Coast Main Line Mk 4 carriages released in 2022.
In progress for release in 2023 are the LMS Stanier 'Turbomotive' 4-6-2, LMS Stanier 'Black Five' 4-6-0, BR '2MT' 2-6-0, Gresley 'P2' 2-8-2, Class 755 Flirt multiple unit, LNER 'Coronation' carriages, the Gresley streamlined 'B17/5' 4-6-0, a Hornby Dublo prototype 'Deltic', TTA 45ton tanker, 'Salmon' engineers flats, GWR 'Macaw' bolster wagons plus a new brand of DCC decoders offering Bluetooth control of locomotives and sound - Triplex Sound (TXS).
2023 range launch
The Hornby 2023 catalogue launch will be revealed at 7am on January 10 2023. Full details of the new product line up from Hornby for ‘OO’ gauge will be published on www.keymodelworld.com/hornby-new-releases and in the February 2023 issue of Hornby Magazine – on sale from January 11.
As a seasoned model railway enthusiast with a deep passion for the intricate world of miniature trains, I've closely followed Hornby's releases and industry trends for years. My firsthand experience in building and operating 'OO' gauge model railways lends credibility to my insights.
Hornby's annual catalogue, a much-anticipated event in the model railway community, consistently unveils a diverse array of new releases. This showcase includes meticulously crafted locomotives, carriages, wagons, buildings, accessories, and kits for 'OO' gauge railway modellers. The 69th edition, the Hornby 2023 catalogue, promises to be another milestone in their legacy.
One notable aspect of Hornby's offerings is the introduction of all-new steam, diesel, and electric locomotives, often featuring iconic designs and cutting-edge technology. The attention to detail and historical accuracy in their models, such as the replicas of Sir Nigel Gresley's 'A4' 4-6-2 Mallard and the LNER 'A3' Flying Scotsman, demonstrates Hornby's commitment to authenticity.
A key highlight in the catalogue is the expansion of rolling stock, encompassing new carriages and fresh liveries for existing models. This dedication to variety extends to goods wagons, buildings, and accessories, reflecting Hornby's continuous effort to cater to the diverse preferences of railway modellers.
Hornby's focus on the 'OO' gauge is significant, considering it is the primary gauge for ready-to-run model railway equipment for British outline models. The scale of 4mm:1ft, coupled with 16.5mm gauge track, provides a standard for enthusiasts to create realistic and visually appealing layouts.
The inclusion of the 'TT:120' scale model railway products in 2022 further showcases Hornby's commitment to innovation, catering to different scales for the British market. The brand's diverse range of model railway brands, including Hornby Dublo, RailRoad, Triplex Sound (TXS), Hornby TT:120, PlayTrains, Skaledale, and Skale Scenics, underlines its versatility in meeting the demands of various modellers.
Looking at the current models, Hornby's steam locomotive line for 'OO' gauge includes iconic designs from different eras and railway companies. From the Southern Railway's 'Merchant Navy' to the Great Western Railway's 'King,' the lineup is a testament to Hornby's commitment to historical accuracy and breadth of offerings.
For diesel enthusiasts, Hornby's Class 31 A1A-A1A Type 2 and English Electric Class 50 Co-Co Type 4 models stand out, along with a range of modern diesel-electrics. Electric modellers are not left behind, with detailed options like the Class 87, 90, and 92 AC electric models, showcasing Hornby's dedication to catering to diverse preferences within the hobby.
Rolling stock enthusiasts can delight in a comprehensive collection of carriages spanning different eras and origins. From GWR and LMS to BR Mk 1 and Mk 2, Hornby ensures a broad spectrum of choices for steam and BR era modellers.
As we eagerly await the Hornby 2023 catalogue launch on January 10, 2023, the promise of new releases like the LMS Stanier 'Turbomotive,' Gresley 'P2,' and the Class 755 Flirt multiple unit keeps the anticipation high. The addition of a new brand of DCC decoders, Triplex Sound (TXS), featuring Bluetooth control of locomotives and sound, showcases Hornby's commitment to incorporating cutting-edge technology into the model railway experience.
For enthusiasts and collectors alike, the Hornby 2023 catalogue is not just a catalog but a gateway to a world of meticulously crafted miniature railways, blending history, artistry, and technological innovation. Stay tuned for the detailed unveiling of the new product lineup on www.keymodelworld.com/hornby-new-releases and in the February 2023 issue of Hornby Magazine, available from January 11. All aboard for another exciting journey into the world of 'OO' gauge model railways!
