For the first time in over 50 years the UK world of model trains wakes up to a complexly new product range from the UK brand leader – Hornby.

Scaled to 1:120 and known as tabletop railways or ‘TT’, this new scale and brand, Hornby TT:120 is smaller than the more traditional and familiar ‘00’ models but still easily handled by young and old. The added advantage is that an impressive model railway can be accommodated on a much smaller baseboard, easily stored under a bed. No need for a layout to be banished to a cold and damp garage but to the warmth and comfort of a bedroom or other suitable indoor space.

Continuing a tradition which started over a century ago, Hornby are offering a complete model railway system, consisting of trains sets, locomotives, carriages, wagons, a truly comprehensive track system and of course buildings and accessories, in fact virtually all you need to build a truly impressive train layout in a small space.

‘We have been developing Hornby TT:120 for several years’, explains Simon Kohler, Marketing & Product Development Director, ‘and it represents a substantial investment. Hornby TT:120 provides many solutions for those who really want to create a model railway but have little or no space for the larger ‘00’ size. The hobby is enjoying fresh interest since the Covid lockdown days and there really is no other creative pastime that can provide so much enjoyment, while learning about social history, logistics, physics, architecture, topography – well the list just goes on.’

‘Also, the days of the hobby being male dominated are disappearing fast’, continues Simon, ‘as Hornby TT:120 is well and truly aimed at all genders and a creative pastime for the whole family to enjoy!’

While the Hornby warehouse is already bursting with the new scale track, the sets will start to arrive just before Christmas. Hornby is also breaking their traditional form of distribution. With Hornby TT:120, the Margate based company will be selling and distributing via their own dedicated online service. Hornby will also be encouraging customers to join the Hornby TT:120 Club where members will enjoy certain benefits one of which being an automatic 15% discount off all purchases. ‘Such a marketing approach will allow us to talk directly with the end user’, explains Simon, ‘so as the system grows we can accurately tailor the product development to their requirements. Exciting times.’