An association of model train collectors is celebrating its 55th anniversary with a special exhibition at Newark Showground.
First formed in 1969, the Hornby Railway Collectors Association will be opening its doors to non-members this Sunday (April 7) to mark their milestone as events are usually members only.
The 55 th anniversary exhibition will be held at the Lady Eastwood Hall at Newark Showground and will include some 22 operating layouts, plus 12 displays and extensive trade support for those hoping to expand their collections or start their own model railway journey.
The world-famous former Meccano factory in Liverpool produced Hornby O Gauge, Hornby Dublo alongside Dinky Toys and Meccano itself, all with a signature level well engineered quality
Hornby Trains and the later Hornby Dublo products were sold in most corners of the world and were sold not only by specialist model shops but in toy shops, newsagents, bike shops and even chemists and amassed a huge fanbase.
The Hornby Railway Collectors Association currently has around 2,400 members and in the 55 years since its formation has ensured that the model trains have kept running and have been gaining in popularity with regular appearances at model railway club exhibitions around the world.
Association president, Nicholas Kitchen, said “It has been five years since we last assembled such a large display of Hornby O gauge, Hornby Dublo OO trains, other Meccano brands including Dinky Toys, Meccano and the Bayko building system.
“Members are attending from across the world and we are delighted to be able to provide non-members with the chance to come along and meet us — hopefully encouraging them to keep these trains operating for many years to come.
“It is over 100 years since Frank Hornby launched his first clockwork train set and we have come a long way since then.
“Such was the engineering prowess of the Meccano factory, that keeping these old models operating is not as difficult as people imagine, thanks to a comprehensive supply chain producing spare and replacement parts.
“While the Binns Road factory (in Liverpool) is no longer in being, the trains manufactured there are still clocking up the miles — long may they continue to do so”.
Sunday admission charges to the event at Newark Showground will be £5 — cash only and accompanied children go free.
The exhibition will be open from 10am to 4pm and further information can be found on the Hornby Railway Collectors Association website.
