The main focus for many on a model railway layout is, of course, the locomotives. It could perhaps be understandable that the rolling stock behind most locomotives can often just be seen as something needed to complete the image of a train.

The first Hornby TTA tanker was introduced in 1973. In the 50 years since then, the wagon has become a Hornby classic, appearing in nearly every livery the full sized wagons have and even some colourful fictional creations. A mainstay of sets too, the Hornby TTA wagon has been to corners of the UK and the world that the full sized wagon can only dream of. The elder TTA tanker has recently appeared in a number of sets, including the Red Rover train set in the Esso livery and Network Traveller set in the attractive if simple STS Liquid Carbon Dioxide livery.

The TTA tanker also took the honours of being the Hornby annual wagon in 2011.

In 2022, it was decided that the Hornby TTA tanker would be retooled and we are thrilled with the results. A dash over to Burnham-on-Crouch, sadly not by boat but by the dreaded M25, brought the team to Mangapps Railway Museum where tanker 67246 has been resident for over a decade. Employing techniques we have never used before, such as the deployment of a camera equipped drone, we were able to accurately capture all dimensions of the tanker for replication.

The design of this tanker in 1:76 scale fell to one of our youngest designers who has been able to do justice to what could be seen as a rather understated prototype as you can see from the images below.

Two variations are the subject of the imagery of this blog, perhaps a case of spot the difference between the above image and the below.

Etched ladders, footboards and metal grab handles all add a level of detail to the wagon not seen before. While it is hard to see from these images, the etched metal on the top of the tanker correctly replicates the mesh pattern on an impressively small scale.

The new TTA tanker is fitted with metal sprung buffers and a plethora of underframe detail. Small details are also accounted for to suit different variants of the tankers, as can be seen in the artwork image further in the blog, the black warning panel is not included as per the prototype.

In a first for Hornby, although not pictured on these samples, the Hornby TTA wagon will be supplied with a miniscule EOT or end of train lamp which, with great care, can be placed onto the lamp iron on each wagon.

We have just received decoration samples of the wagons featuring the iconic BP livery, the Shell livery and the understated Esso livery. In the above artwork shot, you can see the sheer amount of decoration that goes into a TOPS/Sectorisation era wagon, with all the little warning flashes perfectly replicated. 

We’re sure you’ll agree these decoration samples look impressive and we can’t wait for them to arrive! The Esso liveried sample is currently in the studio being photographed so keep an eye on our social media channels next week as we’ll be sharing visuals of it then!

A perfect replication of the TTA tanker in miniature, as we are sure you will agree and a model befitting the 21^st century. The new TTA tanker tooling suite accounts for almost all variants in the 35 and 45 tonne capacities.

If you would like Engine Shed to cover a specific subject in a future blog or if you have any images of your locomotives and coaching stock in action, or maybe you have a suggestion of a particular model that you think we should produce in the future, please do let us know. We are always keen to receive all feedback.

View the collection

Rolling onto your layout!

Expand your layout with new wagons including coal wagons, a ferry van and fish vans, which are all arriving soon! Order yours now and add some fresh new rolling stock to your layout.

R60115  12T Fish Van, Three Pack, BR - Era 6

Message from the team

International Women’s Day

This month we celebrated International Women’s Day by sharing the stories of some of the amazing women in the rail industry and model railway hobby.

Jennifer (IG: @_j_loco_)

Jennifer is a well-known, trainspotter and model railway hobbyist who first became interested in railways as a young girl, enjoying the hobby with her Father and Grandfather who were big steam fans.

She said: “What I enjoy about my model Railway is the escapism it brings. In an often busy and stressful working week, to then escape into my model room and spend time applying grass scatter or sheep is a pleasure and a relaxing hobby at the same time. It also gives me the chance to express my imagination and creative side by building my own little Railway with my chosen model locos to run around it.”

Tegan (IG: @purpletrainlady)

Tegan said: “In 2021 I become disabled with Fibromyalgia and lost my mobility. I decided if I didn’t try and use my muscles I would loose use of them completely, so I got myself a mobility aid. The furthest I could walk/wheel was to the local train station 5 minutes away, I then would need to rest for half an hour.

I started taking pictures of trains to pass the time, and then started reading books on trains, the London Underground and anything else train related. Before I knew it, I had an Instagram page, a reason to live and a hobby I really enjoyed. I love that there is always something new to learn about trains. I never thought I could smile and feel alive again even when I’m in chronic pain 24/7. The hobby helps me forget, and the train spotting and train modelling communities are just so lovely!”

Janye

Jayne’s love of steam began as a small child, on visits to the National Railway Museum with her Dad.

She said: “I can remember standing next to those giants and being utterly amazed with how they could actually work! I come from a family of engineers, so it has always been a real fascination to see these machines up close. Fast forward to age 14 and my Dad took me out on my first mainline adventure.

I can remember the moment Princess Elizabeth pulled onto the platform and being completely blown away by it. We did a few more steam hauled trips, one with Duchess of Hamilton and one with Princess Margaret Rose. I got completely hooked. I can remember thinking - I want to do that one day!”

Rachel (IG: @flyingduckmedia)

Rachel said: “For me railways have been a part of my life since I can remember! With both sides of my family having worked on the railways in various sectors, I have fond memories of day trips by train. Gradually my interest in transport and trains grew from there.”

When Rachel left school, she also developed a keen interest for photography, which soon went hand in hand with the railway hobby.

She said: “I have some fond memories of walking around the Engine Shed at Sheffield Park on the Bluebell Railway, and looking up at Blackmore Vale.”

Claire

Lockdown hobby! Claire’s earliest memories of model railways were at her Uncle Jack and Aunty Jean's house, where she was able to enjoy a small layout when she visited as a child.

During lockdown Claire and her husband Dave decided to create a Harry Potter inspired layout, featuring the Hogwarts Express that they received as a Christmas present.

Claire’s layout takes pride of place in her Grandson’s bedroom, that is extensively Harry Potter themed, and he loves visiting so he can run the trains and visit the 'Wizarding World’ of Harry Potter, making his own adventures come to life.

To read their full stories head to our Facebook or ​​​​​​​Instagram account.

Hornby: A Model World. Series 2 – Over and Out!

Over the past 11 weeks Hornby: A Model World has taken you behind the scenes to discover what really goes into making models in miniature! It has been great to invite viewers to get a much closer insight into the world of Hornby production and we have certainly enjoyed receiving your feedback on how you have found the show. Thank you for joining us on the series 2 journey!

If you have missed out on any episodes you can catch up here. 

Introducing the new HM7000 Bluetooth® Model Railway Control App

Last week we were thrilled to officially launch HM7000 with the release of the HM|DCC app which brings layouts to life with the touch of a fingertip!

The HM7000 model railway control series offers many advantages over the existing old-style DCC units. Firstly, it uses app-based Bluetooth® protocol which can be downloaded onto the majority of smartphones and tablets, which in turn can then be used to control a model railway. No more expensive Command Base units as the HM7000 app is totally free, available on iOS now and the android version is coming soon!

Our app provides a truly immersive and customisable experience that will keep you entertained for hours. We are also offering a range of free unique locomotive sounds, with over 15 available per profile download, with more being added as the app develops.

HM7000 works in all the main scales worldwide: 1:87, 1:76, N scale and the newly launched Hornby TT:120 scale.

For more information on HM7000, please visit here.

The Virtual Collector Club Members’ Day Recap

Last Saturday our first ever Virtual Collector Club Members’ Day took place and what a blast it was! The 8 hour event was filled to the brim with special content from the likes of Phil Parker, Jenny Kirk, Neville Grove, the A1 Trust and so many more! We also announced a brand new Collector Club exclusive model, the LNER, P2 Class, 2-8-2, 2005 'Thane of Fife' which proved to be a popular introduction!

R30130 LNER, P2 Class, 2-8-2, 2005 'Thane of Fife' - Era 3

If you are not a Collector Club member and want to get your hands on this exclusive model, click here to sign-up today!

A big thank you to everyone who tuned in to the virtual event – we hope you enjoyed it! If you do have any feedback please complete our feedback form here. Thank you in advance!​​​​​​​

Be sure to follow Hornby on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram to be kept up to date on all the latest news and product updates. Don’t forget to subscribe to the Hornby YouTube channel and tune in to our Beyond the Buffers Podcast.

Happy Modelling!

The Engine Shed Team

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