18 November 2024
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Two of the UK’s most iconic brands Hornby and The Beatles have come together to create a series of unique model trains that have captivated collectors.
Iconic Hornby Models with a Beatles twist
Horby’s collaboration with Apple Corp has resulted in beautifully designed train models inspired by Beatles albums and singles. The ‘Singles from Liverpool’ train pack, is the most unusual in the series, it features a Class 73 loco with accompanying Beatles artwork. The limited edition train from 2022 consists of a specially liveried Class 73 electro-diesel and two GUVs (General Utility Van). Only 1000 of these train packs were produced, they also include a numbered certificate, making it a collector's dream.
Liverpool is a city of firsts
Liverpool is home to the world's first commercial wet dock, which led to one of the most advanced dock systems of its day. Additionally, the city also had the world’s first purpose-built passenger railway, followed by the first scheduled transatlantic passenger service. These technologies had a vital impact on the industry and transport systems.
Hornby, Meccano and the Beatles
Meccano Ltd, a Liverpool-based brand, dominated the tory industry due to its groundbreaking Hornby trains and Dinky toys. Today Hornby’s Beatles range extends this legacy by combining nostalgia with creativity. The collection reflects The Beatles influence on pop culture.
The Yellow Euro Submarine
A standout Beatles train, consisting of 18 carriages of a Class of 373 Eurostar was vinyl wrapped with scenes and characters from the 1968 ‘Yellow Submarine’ Beatles cartoon. Travelled between London, Paris and Brussels for three months.
Beatles Tax
Hornby have to be congratulated on their imaginative reworking of some classic models. The team are justifiably proud of the success of this collaboration. The models sell out every year, and Hornby don’t carry stock over to the next year. The models recognise a demographic crossover between Beatles fans and railway modellers. They are great gift ideas for anyone with an interest in music and model railways. As such, they have exposed new people to railway modelling and train collecting, which can only be good news.
Do Hornby plan to release other bands who would look good on trains, like the Stones or Led Zeppelin? Their cryptic answer is; “The success of the Beatles range has opened a mindset in this space, so never say never!”
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