Hornby 2017: A Return to Tradition with New Toolings and Classic Spirit
Hornby’s 2017 catalogue (63rd Edition, R8154) marked a deliberate return to the company’s traditional catalogue format, showcasing a broad, revitalised product range across steam, diesel, electric, rolling stock, sets, accessories, and the expanding Hornby Railroad line. Presented over 140 pages, the catalogue highlighted the brand’s renewed creative stride, with four brand-new locomotive toolings forming the backbone of the year's main-range announcements. These included fresh steam and electric prototypes, supported by a host of revived favourites and an impressive array of new liveries that signalled a confident push into both nostalgic and contemporary modelling markets.
The 2017 edition also placed noticeable emphasis on accessibility and breadth: new train sets, an expanded Thomas & Friends™ range, upgraded Passenger and Freight rolling stock, and fresh RailRoad-category additions designed to welcome newcomers into the hobby. Many high-profile locomotives featured prominently across the catalogue listings—including Flying Scotsman, Mallard, Evening Star, and Tornado—reflecting Hornby’s strategy of combining enduring icons with newly tooled centrepieces. Enhanced detailing, multiple version options, and broad era coverage all worked together to position the 2017 catalogue as a revitalising moment for Hornby’s lineup, appealing to both collectors and operational layout modellers alike.
How 2017 Set the Tone for the Late-2010s Catalogues
The 2017 catalogue helped set the direction for Hornby’s subsequent offerings, particularly its increased investment in new toolings and expanded editorial presentation seen in the 2018 catalogue. Its mix of classic engines, modern electric units, and improved Railroad offerings created a more balanced range from which the catalogues of 2018 and 2019 would build—with 2019 pushing further into premium main-range toolings and broader steam variety. In retrospect, 2017 stands as a year of “re-centring” Hornby’s catalogue identity, blending tradition with renewed development energy.
