There are two schools of thought regarding Hornby trains. Some believe they are worth nothing. Others believe that any examples, regardless of condition, must be worth a fortune. The truth is somewhere in between. Like stamps or coins, a few rarities really are worth big money. The more common varieties are worth modest amounts.
Frank Hornby invented Meccano, which he patented in 1901. By the end of World War I this was so successful he decided to introduce a series of toy trains. The first Hornby clockwork locomotive, made in O Gauge, was launched in 1920. Within 10 years, sales of trains had exceeded Meccano.
Case study: Leigh Mansfiels's Hornby collection
Electric sets were introduced in 1929 and the smaller Hornby Dublo (Double O gauge) series came in 1938, cleverly marketed as suitable for tabletop use. Among collectors, anything pre-World War II is usually the most desirable. Interest stops about 1954 when plastic began to replace the tin and die-cast components.
Thanks to the general interest in all things nostalgic, there is now a steady demand for Hornby and a surprising number of Australian enthusiasts. There are 400-plus members of the Hornby Railway Collectors Association, aged from 18 to 90. They join for a variety of reasons, says the association's president, Leigh Mansfield, some for a social network, others for the club magazine so they can enhance their knowledge.
There is also interest on the secondary market, especially for rarities in top condition. Leonard Joel in Melbourne holds regular toy sales and there is usually a Hornby section. The models shown below were listed at the February auction. Toys specialist Giles Moon promises a larger selection at his next sale in May.
According to Peter Cozens from the Antique Toy World shop in Camberwell, Melbourne, a few Hornby ''investors'' became involved about 15 years ago, picking up anything of value in the hope that prices would skyrocket. They would have been disappointed. Prices have remained relatively stable, partly because so much material is appearing for sale. The majority comes from established collectors who are either downsizing or selling out.
''Are they a good investment?'' Mansfield says. ''No, they are not a good investment. You will not make money. I only collect them because I'm interested in them
as a hobby.''
Advertisem*nt
There may be a few exceptions to this rule, however.
Two of the Hornby ''Holy Grail'' items are the Princess Elizabeth boxed set (sold from 1937-1941) and the Southern Eton set. The Eton is usually described as rarer and the most sought after, although some prefer the Princess Elizabeth. Both would be expected to fetch from $3000 to $5000 in Australia, depending on condition.
''In 15 years I've only had one Eton in the shop, '' says Cozens, who admits he prefers this rarity to the Princess Elizabeth.
''Most collectors would give [their] right eye for one.''
He notes that the last Princess Elizabeth to sell here fetched $4250 several years ago. One prominent Sydney collector is thought to have eight or nine in his private toy box. In Britain, these fetch the equivalent of $7000, the Eton slightly more. Rarity, and potential value, is largely determined by the company name on the side of the loco.
Hornby made versions of real trains run by real railway companies, mainly English. The most common brands are LMS and LNER, followed by GW and SR. Southern Railways trains are the scarcest of the English lines but even rarer are ones featuring trains from Argentina, South Africa, the Netherlands and New Zealand.
It's ironic that no Hornby models were made showing Australian trains as this country represented the company's second largest market. The parochial nature of our railway network was to blame. Each state had its own railway with its own livery, making individual production unpractical.
Accessories are also collected and are not exactly cheap.
A Hornby station spotted at my local antiques centre is priced at $225; an O Gauge level crossing set is $139. The figures that wait on the platform are also valuable. Hornby made its own train set figures, as did Hornby affiliate Dinky and other manufacturers, including Britains.
These are miniature works of art, like characters from a Miss Marple film or episode of Dad's Army. Britains figures are a little oversized but are desirable, regardless. A complete set of IR station staff in original box, including stationmaster, military policeman, guard waving flag, porters with trolleys and various pieces of luggage, sold for $730 at the latest Leonard Joel sale.
Loading
And you can't have a layout without a farm and livestock. Even a solitary pink pig is worth $5 these days.
For model train enthusiasts, a Hornby Association display will be part of the Model Railways of Australia exhibition at the Sandown racecourse in Melbourne on March 12, 13 and 14.
Most Viewed in Money
Loading
This article touches on the world of Hornby trains, a niche but passionate field within collecting and model railways. I've delved into this realm myself, exploring the history and significance of Hornby trains, especially focusing on their evolution, rarity, market value, and the community of collectors.
Frank Hornby's legacy started with the invention of Meccano in 1901, a successful venture that led him to create toy trains after World War I. The O Gauge locomotive in 1920 marked the beginning, followed by the introduction of electric sets in 1929 and the smaller Double O gauge series in 1938, aimed at tabletop use. Collectors typically hold pre-World War II models in the highest regard, with interest waning around 1954 when plastic started replacing tin and die-cast components.
The Hornby enthusiast community is vibrant, boasting a range of collectors spanning different ages. The Hornby Railway Collectors Association, with over 400 members aged 18 to 90, serves as a hub for enthusiasts to share knowledge and connect socially.
Market dynamics for Hornby trains have remained relatively stable, with prices mainly influenced by rarity and condition. Despite some hoping for a surge in prices, the influx of material for sale from established collectors downsizing their collections has kept values consistent.
While some items hold exceptional value, like the Princess Elizabeth boxed set and the Southern Eton set, which can fetch anywhere from $3000 to $5000 in Australia depending on condition, the overall investment potential in Hornby trains is generally regarded as modest. Rarity, condition, and the company name on the train significantly affect its value.
Interestingly, Hornby mainly replicated trains from English railway companies like LMS, LNER, GW, and SR. Trains featuring other countries' railway systems, such as Argentina, South Africa, the Netherlands, and New Zealand, are rarer and hold special allure among collectors.
Beyond trains, accessories like stations, level crossings, and figurines are also sought after, often commanding considerable prices. These accessories add depth and character to model railway layouts and are considered miniature works of art by enthusiasts.
The article mentions upcoming events like the Model Railways of Australia exhibition, indicating the enduring interest and active participation of enthusiasts in showcasing and sharing their collections.
That about sums up the landscape covered in the article. The world of Hornby trains is a fascinating blend of history, craftsmanship, rarity, and a passionate community of collectors and enthusiasts.
