At the height of manufacturing in the 70s Hornby had 2000+ employees. This number fell dramatically in the 80s to something like 300 which it remained at, give or take until manufacturing ceased on the Margate site in 2000.
Great to see the old factory and where it all began, Mr Kohler you are a true gentleman, I can see the passion that you have for the company and the hobby, Thankyou
I noticed the 4 Sub in there. I remember seeing that speeding through Haassocks station in the early 90s. It hung aroundin the sidings at Brighton, sometime around 1991 or 92. Certainly in NSE days.
Fascinating video. I don't normally watch videos this long on RUclips but I did today. So nice to follow Simon around the factory with Richard - thanks for that. Really nice to hear Lyndon, Montana and Mike speak about what a nice bunch of people work there. I am pleased to say I know then all, and I have displayed in that very building, so memories for me even too, and I'm just a newbie. Fred I met at Warley and they are deserved winners - well done chaps. Hope AIMREC works out. Thanks guys for making this video - very, very interesting. Laurie.
How times have changed. Really liked the history tour where Simon explained where items once were. History everywhere. Some lovely looking locomotives. Even watching Simon stop and look around you can tell the place and the locomotives are a big part of his life. This was a really touching video and I was captured throughout. All the best, Clint
I would like to thank Simon Kohler for his very informative tour of the old Hornby factory in Margate, sad to see the emptiness of the factory, perhaps in future years the international situations might change and models will again be made back in the factory made local people. This is the first time that I have learned about the 12 inch to the ft locomotives and rolling stock collection stored in the Hornby factory. Is this an over flow from the NRM or the start of another railway collection ? I owned a hobby shop called Platform 1 in Napier, New Zealand for many years, and I first meet Simon at the annual International Toy Fairs, twice in Melbourne, Australia, demonstrating Hornby's then new OO live steam locomotives, then later at Nuremberg. . Good to see Simon fit and well and still full of enthusiasm for our hobby. I have run my 18.83 mm gauge model rail for the past 15 to 20 years using one of Lenz first DCC control units and decoders, but I would have loved to have had a live steam Merchant Navy or King Arthur class locomotive pulling a rake of RIchard Maunsell coaches, but in those early days Hornby Live Steam and Lenz DCC were not compatible, so what did happen to Hornby's OO Live steam locomotives system ? Best Regards Barry Davis
Just found Hornby Magazine's actual magazine after finding your channel on RUclips. Gotta say that it is one of the most quality and informative modelling magazines I've ever read. So much information for a good price! Just starting on a new model railway myself, so got a years subscription, and the tutorials really give you a lot of confidence. Keep doing what you do.
Simon, you've turn Hornby around but with everything that's been happening do you think it maybe time to bring production home to the UK, I'm sure the people surrounding the factory would love the jobs and income.
I could not finish watching his tour. His descriptions of all the work that used to be done in those vast spaces was too depressing. Thoughts of all the people who spent years there only to watch their jobs head overseas.
The front of that building was exactly like the front of the Engineering company where I started my apprenticeship back in 1980, that went to the wall in 1986 due to competition from Japan and Italy. We had 2000 employees when I was taken on and gone, so looking at the empty building brought back memories of that. Its decimation of British industry to the benefit of China, and look what they have done with this virus, decimated Europe and the UK economy even more, so sorry to say I am not really a fan of China and us continually funding work there.
I have always said it and I will say it again. If Hornby did the (Hornsby Size) TV commercial again, it would inspire a whole new generation of customers! The old factory floor would be awesome as the UK version of Miniatur Wunderland really showcasing the wonderful world of model railways, Hornby products, a great source of revenue and advertising.
what a brilliant video..well done all involved...only sad part was with simon walking around the factory..this is where we used to build..this is where we used to make..to paint...however times change..its a superb hobby ..this months mag is great ..heres to the next 100yrs ...cheers
Brilliant video as ever guys. I forgot the 1:1 collection had a Deltic nice to see it back amongst the fleet. I've only purchased two of the Hornby diecast vehicles (the Fordson tractor and grey van) and I'm really impressed with them, now debating whether to order Evening Star if theres still any available. Keep up the good work and stay safe James P.s many thanks for including my email in the reader memories of Hornby 🤝
I've said oit before (more or less) and I'll say it again, OO is not my scale, but you guys and your team are just brilliant ... greetings from Stage 3 lockdown in regional Victoria, Australia (which is waaaaay better than being in Stage 4 lockdown in Melbourne).
1:03:00 - Times are hard at Hornby, they can only afford one microphone between three people :) - On a serious note, this was very interesting. Its a shame to see so much factory floor space going to waste, and that economics resulted in production moving to China... with the loss of those 2000 employees. But there are not many model / toy businesses still trading for a 100 years, so well done Hornby
Well, Marklin Trix are older, have an annual turnover 3 times that of the Hornby group, turn a small profit, and still make most of their stuff in Europe.
Why has Hornby not thought ever of making scale models of Indian Railways. The railman community in India has increased for the past years and there is a huge demand for models. Hornby India would be a great idea, I would be among its first buyers.
Have literally hundreds of Hornby products and the coaching stock from the last 15 years has been at times outstanding. The locos are a bit hit and miss but my favourite over my 50 years of modelling is the Black 5. Had the original in the 70s and now have several newer versions. Would love a new tooling one soon
Look at all those moulds! I work in injection moulding and I can only imagine what treasures might come out if I put those in a press! That or piles of random, mostly useless bits 🤣
The men in suits with pointed shoes took over businesses in the 1990's onwards and decided it would be best to build in cheaper labour countries to save money. It's still happening with now with other British companies, Land Rover now build the new Defender in Slovakia and not at the original home of the original Defender and Series Land Rovers in Solihull because of cheaper labour.
@@robinforrest7680 I know Dapol are planning to move some of their wagon production back to the UK next year. Maybe other manufacturers will start moving production back the UK or Europe if politics escalate between China's government?
And the best best best of all the new releases is the scale people fighting over toilet paper !!! Brilliant ! The Germans are not supposed to have much of a sense of humour, or if they do then it can be a bit weird (I should know, I've lived/worked there) but this is just fabbo. :-)
There was a big gap of modern Diesel Electric in the Hornby 100 range. Not a class 50 or 47 or 43 to be seen ! Odd. But kind of made up with the Capt Tom Moore 66.
A Triang factory sadly associated with Hornby now, much prefer Bachmann as my recently items of Hornby j36 and Hornby 2Bil had bits falling off which is poor quality.
Why is this guy talking about the good times of Hornby as those its still an on going thing. Just a name now thats bowed out of England and belongs to China and India.Sad.
Carmen, why shouldn’t Simon talk about happy memories? Most of those viewing this excellent video have probably been fascinated to watch it and listen to him and his colleagues
My head hurts at the idea that place would even produce their own etching plates (most companies using Tampo printing, which is used in many industries, not just models) or had over 100 people just making new tools completely did away with manufacturing themselves. Sorry to be rude, but as an outsider the Brits must be mad.
Ex Hornby factory is a waste of land. Needs to be sold off and developed. All that quality gone sold out to china and India still trading off the name.
Well, every company will ‘trade off’ its name. But right now Hornby is actually ‘trading off’ its customer base appreciating the high quality of the product.
At the height of manufacturing in the 70s Hornby had 2000+ employees. This number fell dramatically in the 80s to something like 300 which it remained at, give or take until manufacturing ceased on the Margate site in 2000.
Great to see the old factory and where it all began, Mr Kohler you are a true gentleman, I can see the passion that you have for the company and the hobby, Thankyou
I noticed the 4 Sub in there. I remember seeing that speeding through Haassocks station in the early 90s. It hung aroundin the sidings at Brighton, sometime around 1991 or 92. Certainly in NSE days.
Fabulous tour of the factory and many thanks to Simon Kohler. One day hopefully production can return . Really good to see Tony's trains featured too
Fascinating video. I don't normally watch videos this long on RUclips but I did today. So nice to follow Simon around the factory with Richard - thanks for that. Really nice to hear Lyndon, Montana and Mike speak about what a nice bunch of people work there. I am pleased to say I know then all, and I have displayed in that very building, so memories for me even too, and I'm just a newbie. Fred I met at Warley and they are deserved winners - well done chaps. Hope AIMREC works out. Thanks guys for making this video - very, very interesting. Laurie.
How times have changed. Really liked the history tour where Simon explained where items once were. History everywhere. Some lovely looking locomotives. Even watching Simon stop and look around you can tell the place and the locomotives are a big part of his life. This was a really touching video and I was captured throughout. All the best, Clint
I would like to thank Simon Kohler for his very informative tour of the old Hornby factory in Margate, sad to see the emptiness of the factory, perhaps in future years the international situations might change and models will again be made back in the factory made local people.
This is the first time that I have learned about the 12 inch to the ft locomotives and rolling stock collection stored in the Hornby factory. Is this an over flow from the NRM or the start of another railway collection ?
I owned a hobby shop called Platform 1 in Napier, New Zealand for many years, and I first meet Simon at the annual International Toy Fairs, twice in Melbourne, Australia, demonstrating Hornby's then new OO live steam locomotives, then later at Nuremberg.
.
Good to see Simon fit and well and still full of enthusiasm for our hobby.
I have run my 18.83 mm gauge model rail for the past 15 to 20 years using one of Lenz first DCC control units and decoders, but I would have loved to have had a live steam Merchant Navy or King Arthur class locomotive pulling a rake of RIchard Maunsell coaches, but in those early days Hornby Live Steam and Lenz DCC were not compatible, so what did happen to Hornby's OO Live steam locomotives system ?
Best Regards
Barry Davis
Just found Hornby Magazine's actual magazine after finding your channel on RUclips.
Gotta say that it is one of the most quality and informative modelling magazines I've ever read. So much information for a good price!
Just starting on a new model railway myself, so got a years subscription, and the tutorials really give you a lot of confidence.
Keep doing what you do.
Great to have you along, dont forget you can login to Keymodelworld too with your subscription
Thank you very much for the information.
Simon Kohler really does have that place running through his veins. Great video guys! 👍
That's why hes known as Mr Hornby
Simon, you've turn Hornby around but with everything that's been happening do you think it maybe time to bring production home to the UK, I'm sure the people surrounding the factory would love the jobs and income.
Mr K. comes across as such a lovely chap. Very genuine.
I could not finish watching his tour. His descriptions of all the work that used to be done in those vast spaces was too depressing. Thoughts of all the people who spent years there only to watch their jobs head overseas.
The front of that building was exactly like the front of the Engineering company where I started my apprenticeship back in 1980, that went to the wall in 1986 due to competition from Japan and Italy. We had 2000 employees when I was taken on and gone, so looking at the empty building brought back memories of that. Its decimation of British industry to the benefit of China, and look what they have done with this virus, decimated Europe and the UK economy even more, so sorry to say I am not really a fan of China and us continually funding work there.
fab Centenary Special. Was good having a tour of the old Hornby factory. Nice to see my class 66 put to good use on the layout as well!!
Thanks Matt! You're 66 has made a fantastic addition this month!
I have always said it and I will say it again. If Hornby did the (Hornsby Size) TV commercial again, it would inspire a whole new generation of customers! The old factory floor would be awesome as the UK version of Miniatur Wunderland really showcasing the wonderful world of model railways, Hornby products, a great source of revenue and advertising.
Great video and very enjoyable, thank you.
Great video, thanks! How do you stop the video from jerking when you move it though?
Great, great show!!
Thanks for this totally absorbing look into Hornby’s history. A fine video production. Didn’t realise the place was built the year I was born!
You're very welcome
what a brilliant video..well done all involved...only sad part was with simon walking around the factory..this is where we used to build..this is where we used to make..to paint...however times change..its a superb hobby ..this months mag is great ..heres to the next 100yrs ...cheers
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
can you recomend a good pendolino sound chip thanks guys
Great interview with Simon.
Fantastic insight into the Margate factory.
Thanks glad you enjoyed it
I'm of an age where I always relate Margate (Westwood) to Triang. Hornby however you try to dilute the originality, belongs to Liverpool.
At 9:07, are those old plastic injection moulds?
I believe so yes
Nice video set up and looking to get out now and grab the 100 years of Hornby magazine.
Great stuff, I love the cover 😁
Brilliant video as ever guys. I forgot the 1:1 collection had a Deltic nice to see it back amongst the fleet. I've only purchased two of the Hornby diecast vehicles (the Fordson tractor and grey van) and I'm really impressed with them, now debating whether to order Evening Star if theres still any available. Keep up the good work and stay safe
James
P.s many thanks for including my email in the reader memories of Hornby 🤝
You're welcome James, thanks as ever!
15:06 That's actually a sprinkler manifold not compressed air.
Superb.Thank you !
Thanks!
Brilliant video as ever the best yet, keep up the good work from Matt at ( Wolds Way )
It's a shame Simon that you don't make the stuff here, instead of this Chinese stuff..
great video, thank you everyone
Thanks Andy!
I have just had a visit to Smiths Model Railways and bought some of those very Oxford wagons! How interesting!
A lovely day out to visit those guys 😁
Yes it was very fun, just after visiting the North Norfolk Line!
I've said oit before (more or less) and I'll say it again, OO is not my scale, but you guys and your team are just brilliant ... greetings from Stage 3 lockdown in regional Victoria, Australia (which is waaaaay better than being in Stage 4 lockdown in Melbourne).
Ahhh, China Dan's State.
Thanks, Glad you enjoy it!
i wish my brother was here to see this, all these new versions of these old trains
Thanks Andrew!
Keep up the great work guys.
Thanks!
1:03:00 - Times are hard at Hornby, they can only afford one microphone between three people :) - On a serious note, this was very interesting. Its a shame to see so much factory floor space going to waste, and that economics resulted in production moving to China... with the loss of those 2000 employees. But there are not many model / toy businesses still trading for a 100 years, so well done Hornby
Its hornby magazine and isn't technically linked to hornby itself, they only use the hornby name for the magazine
Well, Marklin Trix are older, have an annual turnover 3 times that of the Hornby group, turn a small profit, and still make most of their stuff in Europe.
Why has Hornby not thought ever of making scale models of Indian Railways. The railman community in India has increased for the past years and there is a huge demand for models. Hornby India would be a great idea, I would be among its first buyers.
Have literally hundreds of Hornby products and the coaching stock from the last 15 years has been at times outstanding. The locos are a bit hit and miss but my favourite over my 50 years of modelling is the Black 5. Had the original in the 70s and now have several newer versions. Would love a new tooling one soon
It's crazy how it builds up
Fantastic I like to See Clan Line with Golden Wheels on the office test layout fitted with sound
I'll see of we have one
The layout is very, very, VERY interesting!
Ucsept for the Gient 🕷 seen...😱
Thanks!
Look at all those moulds! I work in injection moulding and I can only imagine what treasures might come out if I put those in a press! That or piles of random, mostly useless bits 🤣
very interesting!
I wish Hornby would make a c12 and a c15
Centenary video! Can already tell this is going to be a good one
Good grief this special
no pressure!
LOL...Love the toilet paper figures....I so want rhem.
Very modern image products
I'm afraid I find the deserted factory tour rather sad. 2000 jobs gone and all the production shifted to China. What happened to poor old England?
It is sad but also a happy memory that should be remebered and celebrated.
The men in suits with pointed shoes took over businesses in the 1990's onwards and decided it would be best to build in cheaper labour countries to save money. It's still happening with now with other British companies, Land Rover now build the new Defender in Slovakia and not at the original home of the original Defender and Series Land Rovers in Solihull because of cheaper labour.
Weren't there plans a few years ago to shift some production back to Margate? Or was it just wishful thinking?
@@robinforrest7680 I know Dapol are planning to move some of their wagon production back to the UK next year. Maybe other manufacturers will start moving production back the UK or Europe if politics escalate between China's government?
I want Bachmann to do the class 333 and 185
I know but Bachmann suites them both better
Who knows what's in the planning
It's a shame to think of all those people who lost their jobs. Sorry but that's the way I think about it 😡
It is sad how times change, only time will tell if it was the right decision for Hornby
And the best best best of all the new releases is the scale people fighting over toilet paper !!! Brilliant ! The Germans are not supposed to have much of a sense of humour, or if they do then it can be a bit weird (I should know, I've lived/worked there) but this is just fabbo. :-)
I'd love to see the flying scotsman done in its black war time livery in dcc
They did that a while ago
Very nice choice
Why do the Hornby passenger cars with SIX-AXLE trucks sit so much HIGHER than the others?? That ain't right...
I no this is off topic but being that they are 100 years old 1st congrats but will hornby ever do re runs of trains in dcc like the Thomas and friends
That brand is now in the hands of Bachmann who are re-doing the range. :D
@@hornbymag thxs for replying to me i know you must be busy
My pleasure
can Hornby do a c12 please 4 4 2
I can't wait
Woop!
@@hornbymag woop woop
There was a big gap of modern Diesel Electric in the Hornby 100 range. Not a class 50 or 47 or 43 to be seen ! Odd. But kind of made up with the Capt Tom Moore 66.
Lots in the main 2020 range though. 👍🏻
Yea are u waiting
Hi me
Oh henao owa
No god plz no no nnnooooo!
*door bangs*FBI open up
Wtf
A Triang factory sadly associated with Hornby now, much prefer Bachmann as my recently items of Hornby j36 and Hornby 2Bil had bits falling off which is poor quality.
Duchess has to be the best
Stunning
Why is this guy talking about the good times of Hornby as those its still an on going thing. Just a name now thats bowed out of England and belongs to China and India.Sad.
It's very much apart of Simon having worked there for so long.
Carmen, why shouldn’t Simon talk about happy memories? Most of those viewing this excellent video have probably been fascinated to watch it and listen to him and his colleagues
My head hurts at the idea that place would even produce their own etching plates (most companies using Tampo printing, which is used in many industries, not just models) or had over 100 people just making new tools completely did away with manufacturing themselves. Sorry to be rude, but as an outsider the Brits must be mad.
I have 3 Hornby magazines at my house my parents got them at Waitrose
Woop!
Licking very good
Thanks
Ex Hornby factory is a waste of land. Needs to be sold off and developed. All that quality gone sold out to china and India still trading off the name.
But it's being used to save the engines that Hornby has modelled 👍🏻
Well, every company will ‘trade off’ its name. But right now Hornby is actually ‘trading off’ its customer base appreciating the high quality of the product.