WELCOME

THE EDITOR’S PAGE

APPY NEW YEAR – and with it comes

HHornby’s eagerly awaited brand new catalogue for 2023 revealing the latest catalogue for 2023 revealing the latest collection of models planned for the year ahead across steam, diesel and electric motive power, carriages, wagons, accessories, train sets, train packs and much more.

The annual trip to Hornby’s Margate headquarters for the following year’s range launch is always exciting as Mike, Richard and myself speculate as to what might be planned for the year ahead in the new Hornby range.

Needless to say, we are usually way off the mark Needless to say, we are usually way off the mark - but it builds the anticipation to fever pitch. As to the announcements, we have a full eight-page to the announcements, we have a full eight-page special report in this issue which you can read on special report in this issue which you can read on pages 8-15.

In addition to the printed detail, don’t forget to visit www.keymodelworld.com/hornby-newreleases for more news and exclusive images as well as a special KeyModelWorld TV programme well as a special KeyModelWorld TV programme hosted by the Hornby Magazine team, guiding you through the new announcements in more detail than we can include here.

It was interesting to note at the presentation in December that there are still many models working their way through the development process including the BR ‘2MT’ 2-6-0, LMS ‘Turbomotive’ 4-6-2, LNER ‘P2’ 2-8-2, LMS ‘Black Five’ 4-6-0, Class 423 4-VEP Electric Multiple Unit, Greater Anglia Class 755/3 and 755/4 units, Hitachi Class 802/2s and more which are all set to appear during 2023. Hornby’s Marketing and Product Development Director, Simon Kohler, made the point that going forward Hornby intends to only announce models it is confident it can deliver within a reasonable time.

That said, there were still plenty of exciting announcements for the year ahead including a Hornby Dublo version of English Electric DP1 Deltic which is set to include an impressive specification – as well as tractive effort. Equally exciting is the streamlined LNER ‘B17/5’ 4-6-0 rebuilt for use on the East Anglian express passenger trains (a model surely few thought they’d ever see in ready-to-run form), and a new digital control system. Yes, you heard right – a radical and high-tech new Bluetooth digital control and sound system which you can read about in our special eight-page Hornby 2023 news section. Suffice to say, we look forward to reviewing the items as they become available shortly and we’ll keep you informed of developments.

Finally, a reminder that if you are a subscriber to Hornby Magazine, don’t forget to claim your Hornby 2023 catalogue discount. Give our mail order team a call – 01780 480404 – to find out more and order your copy today.

I do hope you enjoy this issue of Hornby Magazine with three superb layout features, step-by-step guides, all the latest reviews and the start of a new series on making buildings from scratch. Here’s to an exciting year ahead! Mark Chivers Acting Editor