Jump to content

Tell Me Anything You Know About Hornby


RoseScully

Recommended Posts

Hi there,

 

I'm here because I work in a store that sells '00 Gauge' Hornby but I'm not too well versed on some things. I was hoping anyone would be kind enough to tell me what they know.

I know the general digital DCC Fitted/ready but I'd like to know about the trains & the tracks. Which are better then others, etc. Also the accessories, Double Crossings, Point Motors (I have no clue what they are). I generally know the function of each item but that's about it.

Also, is the flexible track any good?

 

Thanks for your time,

 

RoseScully

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Train sets are a good way to start for new modelers. My best advice to you is to get a set and mess about with it, that wil get you familiar with all the componant parts. Build the trakmat layout first, it is surprising how helpful that can be for a new modeler.

Other things you may want to know: trains- DC unless marked, DCC ready=DC with a decoder port for a 8 pin decoder, DCC fitted- not really to be used on a DC layout. 8 pin decoders are standard hornby decoders.

double level crossings are the length of an R600 on both tracks. Points are the length of an R600 and require a 3rd radius single curve to correct to being paralell again. 2 types of point motor, surface mounted and the other one meant to be mounted underneath or mounted in a point motor housing. They are designed for moving hard to reach points or beng lazy in where you control the points from. You will need a passing contact switch for a DC layout per set and an accessory decoder between 4 on DCC. Flexi track is good, but isn't supplied with fishplates, so you need to get packs of them while you are at it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I presume this is to help you in your job. As above there is so much information you have asked for that I can only suggest is to start with some magazines. Try the hornby one to start with good for beginners also find a model railway club and nip down they don't normally bite. Plus it my help with people popping in to your shop. Once you start to get to grips with the hobbie you may want to know more on a specific subject which will be much easier to answer on here.

Flexible track can be vary good when set track does not make the shape you require. Generally a more gentle curve is wanted.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi RoseScully

 

OH BOY!!! where do we start I would sugest a very long chat with and a visit to Hornby but that would only cover Hornby brand trains.

 

Where track is concerened Hornby make set track components that conform to british standard geometery model railways are built to certain standards.

 

It is a set of different pieces that allow a layout to be built quite easily with multiple loops and they can get quite complex.

 

Flex track is more aimed at the serious hobbiest who can bend and cut it to exactly what is wanted it is not a childerens product it requires the use of sharp tools or mini power tools to use it.

 

Many people on this forum will be users of flex track as we are old enough to be able use the tools and have the skills needed to lay it.

 

One thing not yet mentioned with train sets they are best not set up on the floor and definatly not on carpeted floors they will pick up all the c##p on the floor and then have to be serviced and cleaned in very short order and worse case the loco will have to be replaced.

 

it is best if the set is set up on a table that has been made for it.

 

What you really need to do is read some of the many books printed on building model railways talk to the local model railway clubs reading a bit about real railways will help as well.

 

Because you are going to get questions like I have a set what next?

 

How do I make a hill? how do I wire up this? which brand makes this item and is it any good? and fair or not customers will expect you to know.

 

Railways have a language all of there own and you will need to understand some of it

 

You could allways go mad like the rest of us and build a model railway yourself nothing teaches like expierience.

 

regards John

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi Rose,

 

My advice would be to look at the catalogues of the various main companies to see what accessories and other items are available and are they interconnectable/changeable,. most are but some do have small issues which need to be overcome i.e. in set track Hornby standard points use a second radius curve peco's are narrower so they can not be used together without small infills of track to equalise them.

 

It is no good asking us which engines or rolling stock are the best or worst because each of us have had both good and bad experiances with all manufactures with items which have disapointed us.

 

Tony

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

×
  • Create New...