HORNBY 2003 - the REAL ACTION KICKS OFF THIS YEAR

royaloak, you mention the Frank Hornby book. I too have recently read it. I agree entirely, a wonderful man and a story very well told. I would recommend any one interested in the current Hornby story to read about the origins of the company. The book is 'The Toy Story - the Life and Times of Inventor Frank Hornby' by Anthony McReavy, published earlier this year.

Where indeed are the modern day Frank Hornbys! It is interesting to speculate how the original Frank would view performance at present day Hornby. Pleased no doubt to see the increasing degree of innovation, pleased too at the quality of product and amazed at the Chinese connection. There are also things that Hornby did from which I I suspect the current company can learn. In general
perhaps is the whole notion that what he was doing was doing was educational - based on Victorian notions of self-help. He saw it as his job to create young mechanics and engineers. But this was also astute business. Parents were encouraged to believe that purchasing his toys would be developmmental for the upcoming youngster. And the degree of support and enthusiastic feedback Hornby achieved from his young hobbyists, through the competitions he organised, membership of the Meccano Guild, readership of the Meccano Magazine, etc, created a sort of virtuous circle of education, product endorsement and purchase. Or maybe just another come on? Either way great marketing and a great business model.

I am not yet convinced however that the the present day company have got the same loop going. Just how effective is the present day dialogue between hobbyist and company? No doubt I will be flamed for asking such an impertinent question!

May be others are better informed on this point? How interactive are the present day Hornby/Scalextric Clubs? Are the various Hornby/Scalextric websites are as good as they could be. The proposed visitor centre will no doubt be a great help with feedback. I am sure they will get there.

I am also sure McReavy's book will be read with interest by all at Hornby as well as those of us following their present day fortunes. And of course it is marvellous for Hornby as a company to have this proud history, for them to have the example and standards set by Frank Hornby to aim for.

FDH