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Royal Mail has launched a new set of twelve stamps celebrating Hornby Model Railways, honouring more than a century of British craftsmanship and cultural heritage. The commemorative collection features exclusive photographs of iconic Hornby models and can be pre-ordered from today.
The stamps showcase some of Hornby's most recognizable models, including an InterCity 125 High Speed Train, Bournemouth Belle Pullman cars, and a 1920 No 1 locomotive. All photographs were specially commissioned by Royal Mail for the collection. Four additional stamps are presented in a miniature sheet featuring classic packaging, catalogue covers, and promotional artwork from different eras.
Each stamp is set against an illustrated background showing a London, Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS) locomotive in full steam, adding to the nostalgic appeal.
Cultural Icon Status
David Gold, Royal Mail's director of external affairs and policy, emphasized the cultural significance of the collection. «Hornby trains entertained millions, preserved the romance of rail travel, and become a cultural icon of British design and imagination,» he said. «Each of these stamps celebrates a piece of history, of Hornby's craftsmanship and its role in British culture for generations.»
Martyn Weaver of Hornby expressed pride in the recognition. «To see Hornby Model Railways celebrated on Royal Mail stamps is a real honour. Hornby has been part of British life for more than a century, inspiring creativity, craftsmanship and a lifelong interest in railways and modelling,» he said. «These stamps recognise the enduring appeal of model railways and the role the hobby continues to play in bringing people together across generations.»
Heritage and History
The Hornby brand traces back to 1920, when Frank Hornby, inventor of Meccano, produced the first clockwork Hornby Series trains. By 1929, the company introduced models representing real British locomotives, marking a milestone in railway modelling.
Pat Hammond, archivist to the Train Collectors Society, highlighted the brand's longevity. «The Hornby brand is over 100 years old and that is a major achievement. It is part of Britain's heritage, and long may it be so,» he said.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
