In a new TV series entitled Hornby: A Model World, one of Britain’s best-loved model-making companies, home to four iconic brands – Hornby, Airfix, Scalextric and Corgi – will open its doors to reveal how its dedicated team of designers strive to shrink a generation of mighty machines.
From century-old steam engines to cutting edge racing cars, each programme follows the process from drawing board to mini replica. The series observes the ups and downs as the designers attempt to get the all-important detail spot on, whether it’s perfecting the sound of a 1930s steam loco or the stitching on a First World War fighter plane.
There’s also a chance to marvel at Britain’s model layout builders who create miniature masterpieces in lofts and sheds across the land. These dedicated enthusiasts spend hundreds of hours building replicas of towns, villages, and landscapes for their locos to travel through, and nothing but perfect authenticity will do in their model world.Â
In the first episode, the Hornby team members go back to the company’s past when they decide to launch a metal diecast replica of a 1940s steam locomotive: the Merchant Navy, General Steam Navigation. It’s a passion project for development director Simon Kohler, who fondly remembers his brother being given one for Christmas as a child.
The new 10-part series will air on Monday nights at 9pm on Yesterday from 11 October and all episodes will be available for catch-up on UKTV Play.
Yesterday is on Freeview 26, Sky 155, Virgin 129, Freesat 159, BT/Plusnet/TalkTalk/YouView 26.
Yesterday +1 is on Freeview 74, Sky 255, Virgin 200.