Hornby August 2025 News Update
Did you catch all the Hornby news this month? We’ve thrown ourselves into the Railway 200 anniversary celebrations, announced new products and worked hard behind the scenes to enhance your railway modelling hobby. See what you’ve missed here.
The weekend of 9-10 August was a big one for everyone at Hornby Hobbies, as we all rallied together to create the most memorable Open Day for the One:One Collection of full-sized trains, located next door to our building.
The turn-out was incredible and we had a great time meeting everyone who came to see the “big trains”. We’d love to hear your stories and best bits from the day – leave us a note in the comments below.
The most hotly anticipated event of the railway calendar happened at the beginning of August and it did not disappoint. Featuring the largest temporary assembly of rolling stock and railway-related exhibits in a generation, we’d been counting down the days for this one. We had such an incredible time, that we dedicated a whole blog post review to it. Read our full Greatest Gathering write-up here.
From Derby, to Margate, to Ashford – we really have been touring the country this month! Ashford has one of the largest railway depots in the region, making it the perfect host for full sized heritage trains and model railway enthusiasts. We used the opportunity to show off our latest engineering samples and new arrivals. It was the perfect way to round off a busy month.
New product announcements
We unveiled our Smokey Joe train set at the beginning of August and the response has been amazing. Seems that many of you have been waiting for this exact set, so you’ll be delighted to know that it is due in stock in the next few weeks. Pre-order yours now and you’ll be one of the first to get it.
We also created some new bundles, and these have been racing off our warehouse shelves! If you want to get your locomotive and matching coaches in one convenient purchase, with a small discount, then browse all our bundle options here.
New arrivals
With everything else going on, it would be easy to let our new arrivals slip into stock unnoticed. But then you might miss out on these wonderful models. Here are all the models that have arrived in August.
This versatile model is ideal for both freight and passenger layouts and as a RailRoad Plus model, it offers the perfect combination of durability and detailed design. Plus, it’s sound-fitted, bringing authentic railway sounds to your layout.
GBRf, Class 50, Co-Co, 50049 'Defiance' Digital - Era 11 (Sound Fitted)
Your search for the ideal Class 50 Co-Co is over, as our ‘Defiance’ model is now in stock. Sound-fitted and ready for your TT:120 layout, this bright blue design is certainly a show-stopper.
Plank wagons
Three new plank wagons have just rolled into stock, including the Guest Keen & Nettlefolds No 117 - 7 Plank Wagon, BQC - No423 - 4 Plank Wagon, and Charles Abell No214 - 4 Plank Wagon, perfect for transporting goods around your layout.
RailRoad BR, 20T Brake Van - Era 4/5
This Brake Van is the perfect choice for those just starting on their model railway journey, bringing realism and authenticity to your trains in the most durable way.
Santa’s Express Train Set - Rechargeable Battery
We know, it’s slightly too early to think about the ‘C’ word, but Santa’s Express is now in stock, whenever you’re ready to start planning your festive layout. It’s not December without this train running around your tree.
Plus, Santa’s Reindeer Wagon is also now back in stock, so you can start to build up your train.
Perfect for that soothing cup of tea, coffee or hot chocolate that you enjoy while railway modelling, we’ve got three new ceramic mugs on our website. Sporting nostalgic model railway artwork, every hobbyist needs one of these!
Engineering samples
Saint Class
This month, the development team have had some exciting samples come across their desks, including a sample of our upcoming Saint Class locomotives. The team are extremely happy with the latest samples, with no major changes and only a few minor changes needed to improve the overall production of the models. We can’t wait for ‘Lord Palmer’ and ‘Lady of Legend’ to make their way onto your layouts.
Tavern Cars
Other samples you may have seen at events during the summer are our Kitchen and Buttery Car & Composite Restaurant Tavern cars.
Another great set of samples for the tea, with no major changes to the models. Adjustments are being made to the interior LED lighting to ensure the best illumination down the corridors.
With BR ‘White Horse’ and ‘Jolly Tar’ on the way, these models have been hugely popular, and we are excited to see the decoration samples which will really bring them to life.
Behind the scenes at Hornby Hobbies
In between all the chaos, we managed to squeeze in a photoshoot for our new Playtrains models. It was such a fun day, that even Hornby's Mike had to get involved! Here are some of the images – let us know what you think.
What are you hoping to see from Hornby in September? Let us know below.
Related Products
Further Reading
Related Products
Discontinued
GBRf, Class 50, Co-Co, 50049 'Defiance' Digital - Era 11 (Sound Fitted)
TT3015TXSM |
1:120 Scale
Further Reading
TT120 July Announcement
Celebrating 150 Years of Nigel Gresley
