Hornby 2021 Product Range

An interesting set of items coming from Hornby this year including a new 'kiddies' range as well as some interesting new adult models, really interested in the W1, P2 and Rocket myself

[Super]

I am not too impressed with the new children's, 'Play Trains' line with its tiny wheels and possible 'pinching' track connections or Hornby's attempt to start a new character show.

But I do love all the new engines coming out in its main line OO scale especially the new original version Flying Scotsman with NO smoke deflectors and the Doncastle with its six huge, spoked wheels.

Okay, the “R. Fripp Mining” truck in the Valley Drifter set gave me a chuckle. There must be some King Crimson fans in the Hornby design studio.

The kids’ line seems logical in light of Honrby losing the Thomas license a while back. On the one hand, I look at as yet another “anthro train” wannabe Thomas attempt. On the other hand, Thomas seems to be turning in to a preschool fantasy property that has little in common with the beloved book series, so I doubt they could do much worse!

EDIT: I like those Prairie class tank engines but I wish they would’ve given us more than a brief glance. The Gresley P1/P3 Pacifics are nice too and possibly the classic British locomotive for many of us outside the UK.
Was there actually a Lifeson Coal Board or is that another hat tip to a famous guitarist?

Okay, the “R. Fripp Mining” truck in the Valley Drifter set gave me a chuckle. There must be some King Crimson fans in the Hornby design studio.

You noticed the name on the loco?

On an historical note, 'In The Court Of The Crimson King' was the first vinyl LP that I ever bought. I still have it.

I am not too impressed with the new children's, 'Play Trains' line with its tiny wheels and possible 'pinching' track connections or Hornby's attempt to start a new character show.

But I do love all the new engines coming out in its main line OO scale especially the new original version Flying Scotsman with NO smoke deflectors and the Doncastle with its six huge, spoked wheels.

I hear what you say Super, but at the same time consider the only competition in the kiddies market here (discounting the wooden BRIO etc...) all we have is the crappy Fisher Price Thomas range and the track etc... with that is highly suspect.  Besides the whole point of the Hornby move is to snag kids into the hobby with nominall OO gauge toys which (hopefully) Santa upgrades to a proper entry OO set at some point as the kiddie grows up leading them into the full range - at least it's nice to see someone trying to increase interest in the hobby

On another note did you notice this new controller method they are pushing in the OO range?  Basically up to two trains controlled via a phone app if you have the little control box that comes with the entry level set.  As you can control two trains at once it hints at it being a very rudimentary digital setup, again like the kiddies range not a devestatingly brilliant setup, but an interesting intro to a digital setup instead of the old style analog controller used in HO/OO sets which could lead to buyers later upgrading to the full Hornby Digital offering...

I think Playtrains are not that bad, actually. There are sets with play pad, tracks, a remote controlled bi-directional train with lights and sounds for GBP 49,99 (Train sets without the tracks for GBP 29,99). Too bad tunnels and stations are cardboard, though.

They are character trains (Thunder, Bolt and Flash) with the background story, and will have "very strong digital presence" ... I think the children will love Playtrains.

[Ucwepn]

I wonder if its the same track as the early battery powered Thomas set. Hornby have certainly had many goes at capturing the junior market.

[Super]

I have seen plastic tracks similar to this type in some other children's toy train sets. I am wondering if the tiny wheels were designed to alleviate the frustrations that children have in trying to put the trains onto the rails properly or will they make it worse?. I know that was a specific problem with my Grandson when he was quite young even with the 'O' scale larger battery operated plastic trains. This was really evident with the engines that had the 4 wheeled swiveling front trucks.

Good point Super, to be honest I don't really know.  Although I suspect like most train sets the kiddies won't be playing with it alone anyway and there will be bigger hands to help getting the trains on the track.  The use of magnetic couplings though tend to confirm they are being made for easy use so I would suspect they've gone for the best option for kiddies.  The other thing about small wheels is you can limit the speed and maybe remove the need for any level of complicated gearing thus making the motorised models more reliable...

Yes, kids will need some help in the beginning, especially with the remote control: there are buttons for stop-go, forward-reverse, sounds... But they would figure that out quickly, I suppose. The box says: "multiple sounds" (whistles/horns?) and lights with "3 x forward & reverse speeds"! The kids would love that stuff, I'm sure!