PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS ISSUE IS ONLY AVAILABLE AS PRE-ORDER!
ANY PRODUCT ORDERED FROM THIS ISSUE WILL NOT BE DISPATCHED UNTIL THE OFFICIAL ISSUE DATE 19TH FEBRUARY!
Royal Mail is releasing a new set of commemorative stamps to mark the 125th anniversary of Hornby Hobbies, a brand that has shaped British hobby culture for over a century. Founded by Frank Hornby in 1901, the company introduced its first clockwork trains in 1920, followed by electric models and the iconic Hornby Dublo range in 1938. These innovations transformed model railways into a cherished pastime, inspiring creativity and technical skills across generations.
Hornby’s story reflects Britain’s engineering heritage and evolving social trends—from childhood play to adult collecting and nostalgia. Despite wartime interruptions and industry challenges, Hornby adapted with new technologies, from realistic detailing to digital control systems, ensuring its continued relevance. Today, Hornby remains a leading name in model railways, celebrated for craftsmanship and authenticity.
This stamp issue honours a brand that has entertained millions, preserved the romance of rail travel, and become a cultural icon of British design and imagination.
Celebrate 125 years of Hornby with this stunning collection of eight First Class stamps, each featuring an exclusive image created by Royal Mail. These beautifully photographed scenes showcase iconic Hornby models that have defined generations of railway enthusiasts. Each stamp is a piece of history, celebrating Hornby’s craftsmanship and its role in British culture. Perfect for collectors, railway enthusiasts, and anyone who loves design and nostalgia.
1st Class GNR No.1 Locomotive (1920) – The original clockwork classic that started it all.
1st Class BR 4MT Tank Locomotive (1954) – A post-war favourite from the Hornby Dublo era.
1st Class InterCity 125 High Speed Train (1977) – A symbol of speed and innovation.
1st Class Bournemouth Belle Pullman Cars (2009) – Luxury in miniature detail.
1st Class Princess Elizabeth, LMS (1937) – A majestic pre- war express engine.
1st Class AL1 Electric Locomotive (1963) – Capturing the modernisation of British Railways.
1st Class Merchant Navy Class (2000) – Heralding Hornby’s new era of authenticity.
1st Class ‘Hush-Hush’ Experimental Locomotive (2021) – A tribute to engineering ambition.
