Hornby’s first sets were not as accurate and true to scale as those made by Bassett-Lowke or the top German makers, but they were well made and they were soon market leaders, selling huge numbers and not only in Britain but all over the world.
After his success with clockwork trains, Hornby made the obvious move into electric trains and in the 1930s created the world beating three-rail electric sets. However, despite the fact that the more sophisticated – and more expensive – electric sets received more attention, manufacture of clockwork trains continued well into the second half of the century.
Today, clockwork trains have a very large and loyal following, and from time to time we make enthusiasts very happy when we assemble decent collections of clockwork items to go under the hammer.
What is often remarkable – particularly when you consider that it tended to be younger children who got clockwork trains before they moved onto electric railways – is the condition. We see items that are still in their original boxes and in virtually mint condition.
One can marvel at the paragons that owned these toys, treasuring them and taking care of them, when everybody else was kicking them or throwing them at the cat when the temper tantrum was upon them. They have of course had the last laugh – and a very affluent laugh it can afford to be.