TT:120 Four-Year Anniversary: Our Top 5 Best Sellers So Far

It was October 2022, four years ago, that Hornby first revealed its plans to enter the world of TT:120. It is fair to say it received a lot of scepticism at first, with many doubting the longevity of the scale. But here we are, in 2026, with a growing catalogue of locomotives and rolling stock with no plans to slow down.

With this recently revealed Class 47 and a number of unannounced projects already underway, there is plenty for enthusiasts to look forward to in the short, medium, and long term.

Now that the scale is firmly established and its future is looking bright, its the perfect time to look back at some of the most successful projects released under the TT:120 banner so far. 

Honourable mention - track

Of course, no model railway would be complete without something to run the trains on, so special mention is made to our range of track pieces. By some margin, these are our most popular items by volume sold: across all different types, we have sold over 200,000 pieces! It is a testament to the growing popularity of the scale, and we aren’t resting on our laurels either. Next year will see the release of new types of points, offering a bit more flexibility in setting up your layout.

5. Class 37

It’s no real surprise that the English Electric Class 37 made it on to this list, it’s such an iconic locomotive and rightly is a popular choice with railway modellers from all around the world. Particularly successful has been D6700 in BR Green – the first Class 37 built and preserved as part of the NRM collection. You can still see it run too; it is currently based at the Great Central Railway!

We recently announced three new tractors as part of our October range launch, including D6865 in BR Green. If you missed out last time, be sure to pick this one up when it arrives.

4. LNER Toad Brake Van

If there was any one product that has surprised us with how well it has sold, it would be the LNER Toad Brake Van. This unassuming little brake van has consistently sold out, and quickly too, leaving customers often asking us when the next batch is due. It makes sense, brake vans were an everyday feature of the railways from the very beginning, so it’s no wonder that so many of you want one for your freight trains.

If you are still looking for a ‘Toad’, two more are currently on order with a delivery date of early next year, and we also have the LMS 20T Brake Van due to arrive roughly the same time to add a bit of variety to your fleet!

3. Pullman Cars

Formed in 1882, the ‘Pullman Car Company’ was set up to construct highly luxurious first-class carriages, complete with a kitchen service to serve cooked meals. There was significant interest from many of the railway companies at the time; an interest that lasted well into the ‘grouping’ of the 1920’s.

In TT:120, Hornby produces perhaps one of the finest designs: the K-Type Pullman’s from 1928. These extravagant steel-bodied coaches were used by the LNER and SR on prestigious services like the ‘Queen of Scots’, ‘Tees-Tyne Pullman’, and the ‘Bournemouth Belle’. That means they would have operated behind Gresley’s Class A1/A3 and A4 Pacifics, which have been part of the TT range since launch.

In fact, our first train set ‘The Scotsman’ consists of those very components: Class A1 2550 ‘Blink Bonny’ and a trio of K-Type Pullmans. Beyond the set’s exceptional popularity, the coaches have also sold strongly as individual models, with eight 1^st Class Kitchens and four 3^rd Class Brake Cars produced to date.

2. High Speed Train

A train that needs no introduction, the HST is a predictably impressive seller in the TT:120 line-up. Not only is it synonymous with Hornby as a brand, but it is also a globally famous design for being the fastest production diesel locomotive in the world, and it’s only right that it featured early in the range plans for TT.

The initial tranche of HST’s included a train set in BR Blue & Grey, and then individually available Class 43 Power cars and Mk3’s in InterCity Swallow, GWR Green, GNER, Virgin Trains, and First Great Western. The demand for BR Blue & Grey and InterCity Swallow Mk3 Trailer Cars has been highest, which is why we are re-producing a selection of BR Blue & Grey Mk3’s – ideal for pairing with the HST Train Set.

Rest assured, we will also be announcing new liveries of the HST next year, so head to social media or the Hornby forum to discuss what paint scheme you want to see next.

1. LNER Pacific’s

Finally, we come to the number one spot, and it won't surprise anyone to hear that  our delightful LNER Class A1, A3 and A4 Gresley Pacifics. When you have a class of locomotives that includes both 4472 ‘Flying Scotsman’ and 4468 ‘Mallard’ in its ranks, you know that the overall performance of the model is likely to be positive, but we are forever blown away at just how popular these two steam locos are.

You’d be forgiven for thinking that the sales of the ‘regular’ Pacifics would pale in comparison, but even the everyday workhorses are popular. In particular, the bright and colourful No.60025 ‘Falcon’ in BR Express Blue sold especially well, and it won’t be too long before this stand-out livery returns to the range with a new identity.

And with that, we come to the end of the list. Were there any surprises? Anything you can’t believe didn’t make the cut? We have a super exciting year ahead in TT:120 with some cracking models both announced and unannounced due to land. 

Thank you for your continued support.