Model railway fans furious after Hornby releases new toy train costing ‘ridiculous’ £550

[dutchman]

Hornby has debts of £19m and is receiving advice from ex- Newcastle FC owner Mike Ashley



MODEL railway fans are steaming after Hornby released a new toy train costing £550.

They slammed the price tag of the Avanti West Coast-liveried Class 805 as “ridiculous”.

The model, with two locomotives and three carriages, is one of dozens of new products in Hornby’s Autumn 2025 range, which collectors claim are too expensive.

Critics also say rival brands offer similar models that are better quality and around £100 cheaper.

Modeller Matt Hill, 44, from Leeds, said: “They seem to be living on the name. But the quality of some newer manufacturers ridicules them.

“They are very overpriced for the quality. Especially with other companies upping their game.

“When I pay £400 for a loco I want it to wow me.”

One enthusiast said online that £550 for the Class 805 was “totally deluded”.

Other products in the autumn range include a £450 Greater Anglia train with Pride livery.

Hornby, founded in 1901 and based in Margate, Kent, has debts of £19million and is receiving advice from ex-Newcastle FC owner Mike Ashley.

A spokesman said: “Over time, the pursuit of greater detail and advanced technology in models has led to increased production costs.

“This includes the need for more components and meticulous craftsmanship to achieve the high standards that many collectors appreciate.”

[dutchman]

In fairness to Hornby they've also massively increased the range of cheaper, more basic models they offer including this complete train set with track and controller at £179.99:



(Additional coaches are available separately for £34.99 each)

While for the nostalgia enthusiasts there is this train set with track and controller also at £179.99: