Bygone Relics

The story of Meccano and Hornby Toys is a fascinating tale of innovation, imagination, and British manufacturing genius that shaped generations of young engineers and collectors alike.

It all began in 1898, when Frank Hornby, a Liverpool-based clerk with no formal engineering training, began creating a mechanical construction toy for his sons. His idea was simple yet brilliant: a system of metal strips with holes that could be bolted together to build working models—bridges, cranes, vehicles—anything a child could imagine. Hornby patented the concept in 1901, and in 1907, the system was officially named Meccano.

Meccano quickly grew into a national phenomenon. The toys weren’t just fun—they were educational, promoting engineering, mechanics, and problem-solving. By the 1910s and 1920s, Meccano had spread across the British Empire and beyond, with factories opening in France, Germany, and the United States. The company even published its own magazine, Meccano Magazine, featuring building tips, engineering news, and competitions, further cementing a community of young inventors.

In 1920, Hornby expanded his vision and introduced a new brand: Hornby Trains. These were clockwork and electric model railways, initially in O gauge (1:43.5 scale), and later in the more compact OO gauge (1:76 scale), which became the British standard. Hornby’s trains became synonymous with craftsmanship and realism, and their popularity surged throughout the 1930s and ’40s.

Despite Frank Hornby’s death in 1936, his legacy endured. However, like many manufacturing firms, Meccano Ltd faced hardships. The company was nationalized during World War II to produce war materials, and post-war economic challenges strained production. In 1964, the iconic Meccano factory in Binns Road, Liverpool, was sold to Lines Bros., the owners of Tri-ang toys. The company was eventually split: Meccano went to France, and the Hornby train brand continued under various ownerships.

Even in decline, the cultural impact of Meccano and Hornby endured. Meccano’s precision pieces became the basis for school science kits and engineering clubs. Hornby trains became collector’s items, with models from the 1950s and 1960s still commanding high prices today.

In the 2000s, Hornby made a spirited comeback. Now publicly listed on the London Stock Exchange, Hornby Hobbies owns several iconic brands including Scalextric, Airfix, and Corgi, alongside Meccano (now mostly produced in France) and Hornby Trains. Digital control systems, nostalgic reissues, and cross-generational marketing have kept the brands relevant for both collectors and curious newcomers.

What began in a Liverpool home workshop has grown into a global legacy. Frank Hornby didn’t just invent toys—he inspired generations to build, tinker, and dream, laying the foundation for future engineers and hobbyists. Meccano and Hornby are more than playthings; they are cultural artifacts of an age where ingenuity, craftsmanship, and imagination ruled the day