Model train sets are fascinating things. If you were lucky enough to operate one as a kid, you would understand the thrilling experience to see a real train, not a cardboard wreck running smoothly in circles on your living room floor. There even used to be some people, so fanatical that they would convert their entire rooms into one grand terminal with tracks twisting out from under their bed posts and along the walls, scenery et al. Hornby train sets were originally meant for these hardcore fans, but lately the company has become a stock name in the UK for model train parts and toys, producing 00 and N gauge sets.

Hornby started off typically enough as a father’s dream for his son. Way back in 1901, Frank Hornby, a Liverpool clerk patented his Meccano line of construction toys, made of sheet metal. By 1920, building trains was big business and Hornby Railways was born. The company went through many ups and downs during the Great Depression and World War II, being bought off by rival Tri-Ang. The company revived in 1972 and in order to meet growing competition has since moved its production to Guangdong province, China.

Hornby train sets are widely considered as collectible items, due to their intricate designs and metalwork. In fact, some of Hornby train sets are considered to be far superior in quality and design to Bachmann’s, a close competitor.

As a beginner to the world of model trains, Hornby train sets such as “Local Freight” would be the perfect choice, with its inclusive locomotive, controller and oval track. “The Blue Highlander”, compounds on the Freight model, and includes a siding to make the set more varied.

If your young ones are really interested, you can get them Hornby train sets based on popular children’s series, like the “Thomas Electric Train Set”, based on the popular “Thomas and Friends” book and TV series. Thomas’s friends Coaches Annie and Clarabel are also included. There’s also a Hogwart’s express line, based on the extremely popular Harry Potter series, by British author J. K. Rowling, with the lovable red coach departing station 9 ¾ from your bedroom.

Hornby train sets are not only popular with little boys, but with girls, older adults and teens as well. Train sets for girls tend to come in girly colors and designs with floral motifs, but the train sets which really interest the collectors male or female, young or old, are the Digital and Analog train sets. There are even Diesel and Steam engines, like the “Flying Scotsman” which bellow real steam, with all the whoops and screams!

The digital train sets such as, Virgin’s ultra modern Pendolino set of high speed coaches and locomotives, are responsible for Hornby’s grand status among model train enthusiasts. These digital sets can be run on analog tracks, but you won’t be able to control 99 trains with only one controller on them! You can even make sure the trains run at a constant speed, and pass their stations on time, unlike in the real world that is!

Hornby’s model trains are a great gift to anyone interested in a little landscaping or fond of rail travel. It’s the sort of gift which you can build up over time, track set by track set, building by building and tree by tree. It’s a legacy which can be passed down generations.