Hornby TT:120 - I Have Opinions...

Having been critical of Hornby earlier this year, and I would say justifiably so, I certainly have one or two things to say about the Hornby TT:120 announcement. TT being a scale of 1 to 120, of course. That being said, my opinions are perhaps in stark contrast to what I've said about the Margate model railway giant in Januari...
LINKS
Hornby's announcement - • Introducing Hornby TT:...
Hatton's Heljan list of products - www.hattons.co...
Heljan's TT announcement - www.heljan.co....
Rails of Sheffield's list of Heljan's cancelled products - railsofsheffie...
Discord server - / discord
Twitter - / teawithcaramel1
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[@FlyingScott]

I should correct myself: the range has been in the works since 2017, according to Simon Kohler.

[@Northerner_Transport_Hub]

Bloody hell 5 years to develop. I'm not thinking of purchasing any myself, but if I'm honest, that LMS Duchess/Princess looks gorgeous. Such a wide variety of coaches too.

[@Trainskitsetc]

@@Northerner_Transport_Hub actually, a piddlingly tiny variety of coaches, even compared to the offerings in kit/scratch aid offerings in 3mm scale.

[@lawmanVR2828]

I got that too

[@Northerner_Transport_Hub]

@@Trainskitsetc oh bloody ell

[@Trainskitsetc]

@@Northerner_Transport_Hub more variety of 3mm coaches available in the form of etched sides and ends that you just have to add bogies and a roof to on the website of ONE supplier than the whole hornby range. 🤣 Go on, take a nip over to worsley works and look at the biblical lists of etches available in 3mm scale, then go look around a bit more for other suppliers.

[@ModelMinutes]

I agree with a lot of your thoughts on this new range. I think the main problem I have with Heljan getting upset and cancelling their product development pretty much just tells Hornby that they can announce whatever they want and will therefore have the monopoly on a scale. Invoking a healthy competition between companies and allowing modellers to vote with their wallets is a good thing...

[@FlyingScott]

Exactly, I encouraged Heljan to keep it up and not let Hornby know they have that kind of power, the problem is that Heljan has a history of throwing hissy fits so what's one more. They seem to think of themselves as above others whilst declaring Hornby has that very same problem. Judge all equally, et tu Heljan.

[@Aaron-uf3sl]

Heljan had absolutely nothing except an announcement

[@OlivierGabin]

@@FlyingScott Agreed. There is tons of models to manufacture in UK 1/120 TT scale, it's a start from a blank page ! Hornby does a TT class 31, so, what ? You have dozens of liveries and versions possible for a class 31, where is the problem ? (Don't say in Denmark...)

[@NJRD977]

I probably fall directly into the target market for this (apart from not having kids but I do have pre-teen nieces and nephews). Late 40s, did some model railways stuff as a kid through to my early teens, lost interest as I moved into other things, have seen model railways through my adult years at various shows and thought it might be an interesting thing for winters evenings but dismissed it due to a complete lack of space in my apartment. Covid hit and I rediscovered lego technics, got completely obsessed and bought far too much, built it all and then sold it. Moved into Tamiya and built a couple of RC cars. Meanwhile my nieces and nephews are also obsessed with Lego and post lockdown we built Harry Potter and Star Wars models together. One of my nephews expressed an interest in a trainset, so I made the fatal error of going into a couple of different model railway shops - the most awful cliquey condescending experience I have had. It killed the chance of that young lad and his slightly younger sister getting into the hobby because I was pretty much told it was not for kids. What does TT 120 put on the table for a customer like me? - it is smaller footprint so more practical for the space available (both in my apartment and the various family member houses). It is being sold in an ecosphere like that found in the lego store (if Simon is as market savvy as he seems, Amazon and supermarkets will get this before a sweaty model railway shop) which makes it simple for beginners to buy into - we can be confident it all fits with together without lots of complex modelling skills to begin with.There is a big range of options and promises of more to come. If we want to run intercity trains with pullman coaches because they look pretty together, there will be no sneering by the internet shop. If there is a club for an 11 year old to get excited about, fantastic. How do you reach us? Same way as lego do - mainstream media, social media, supermarket placement and promo tie-ins. If that makes you shudder as a 'traditional' modeller - who cares, you don't have to come play, you never wanted us to come play with you anyway

[@markorollo.]

You pretty much told my story too lol. . Late 40s, no kids. Had a train set as a kid (BR intercity) but lost interest, got into Lego again thanks to covid, and my own health stuff, now got over 50 sets!. Not much space for a 00 gauge track, mostly because of the Lego, and other things. I'm really interested in getting one or two of these sets, I have the corgi diecast Hogwarts Express train, I was actually surprised how well detailed it is due to its small scale, hopefully these are the same and don't lose much if any detail compared to 00.

[@captaincool3329]

2:22 I'm being a bit picky here (I didn't know until recently either) but although N gauge is normally a 'correct' scale like HO, British N gauge has the same drawback as OO, as the scale is too large for the track because of small British prototypes and past difficulties with microsizing model mechanisms. Either way, great video. P.S. (1)- Was the infamous Heljan review the one of the O2? P.S. (2)- Hornby are staying quiet about this, but- definitively- only UK retailers are being cut off from TT, as my local model shop here in Australia has announced they will actually stock it, so maybe- depending on where you live or the specific outlet's relationship with Hornby- you might be able to buy one with going online from the Hornby website.

[@robertmarsh3588]

Really hope this works out. I'm a little disappointed in isn't 3mm scale as 1/120 seems a bit small and I love the size of the old 1960s Triang locos, nevertheless having another scale (1/101) and using the correct 14mm track wouldn't give much space saving over OO gauge and isn't compatible with continental 1/120 systems so was probably a non starter. I've ordered a lot of stuff already including both sets and two more locos (class 50 and an 08). Planning on retiring in a couple of years and was already buying more OO locos to get back to my old hobby. Am now going all in on TT, even though comparing the Corgi 1/120 static models with old Triang 1/101 3mm leaves me with a twinge of regret that the size I really wanted will never now be widely produced commercially. Nevertheless, eagerly awaiting the Castle, 57xx Pannier and GWR buildings in phase 4 and hoping there are some WR Hydraulics to follow. PS kids don't really watch TV these days.....

[@FlyingScott]

Oh you're absolutely right on that last point, but it's the closest thing to reaching the either silent majority/minority that do, to straight up asking gaming KZbinrs for interest in a sponsorship.

[@johnd8892]

14 mm gauge that no one makes track or stock for and would also be difficult for collectors of decrepit coarse Triang TT to convert to. Does not seem a winner

[@andrewwalsh6790]

@@johnd8892 You can get 14.2 mm track from the 3mm society

[@jasonoshea7947]

Great video man, finally a video by someone that's mostly positive on this new development. I was about to start on a new n-gauge layout but when Hornby announced this I was intrigued. I decided to pre-order one of the train sets & several track packs to test the waters & joined their TT club which is free atm & offers a 15% discount on all TT products.You would think that in a hobby that struggles to bring in new & younger people to it, that more people would be positive about a major player in the hobby taking a risk on a scale that has been dormant for so long in the U.K & will match up with product from the U.S & Europe. On a side note that Heljan statement makes no sense, they pulled out of a market that's just getting started because another company is making a similar product but are happy to keep making OO gauge stuff in a market that is over saturated. Then they talk about supporting local retailers as the backbone of the hobby but you know how you could of supported them Heljan ? by being the first company to have British RTR TT 120 scale Loco's in said retailers stealing a march on Hornby who for the time been will only be sold from their online website. It's like Heljan doesn't understand the word ''competition ''.

[@richardlee653]

One of the problems with cutting out the retailer is that it is not worth retailers stocking third party stuff in TT120, because they won't be able to stock the big, expensive items.

[@shakeyhandsshedmodelrailwa2494]

it'll fail again like it failed the first time around ,, it is a niche scale that covers neither of the camps N and OO do . filling a LIMITED space N will be the go to ,, being able to fit in detail OO .... both N and OO have vast ranges of locos rolling stock , buildings , track , figures , TT is a hugely limited range . look closely at what hornby are really offering very limited range of locos / rolling stock most are re liveries and re numbers to make the range look bigger , two train sets ( both LNER ... HOW PREDICTABLE ) if building a realistic layout 90% of your work will be scratchbuilding ................. my feelings are that it like everything else hornby do nowadays is done to fill shareholders pockets rather than cater to the market

[@khtrains]

I have one other thing to add about TT: The 12mm gauge is perfect for modelling 3ft 6in gauge railways in HO scale. I am in Queensland, Australia and I know many modellers of our local railway and trains who make their models to 12mm gauge. I think of those people when I see this range. This will introduce a plethora of new RTR chassis for scratchbuilding loco and rolling stock bodies onto! Previously, rolling stock and only diesel locomotives were possible to make using RTR parts, but this will also allow 3ft 6in steam locomotives to be modelled in 12mm gauge! Some people I know are already busy working out which models will be of use - I think they've worked out that the planned Princess Coronation locomotive has a close enough wheelbase to model a BB18 steam locomotive.

[@ToledoRails]

The larger media approach Simon teased with Hornby is something they need to have done flat out, opposed to limiting it TT. They very well could have a winner on their hands, but making it online only is another issue that shoots themselves in the foot. I don't think a new scale is the answer to solving the gender gap in this hobby, but advertising is! Mon and son or Dad and daughter playing with their trains on a commercial (on digital or traditional TV) could be the push needed for a more positive trend. Also regarding Heljan, it is suspicious Hornby announced those models after they did, but that's more speculation. If Heljan, or anyone entering the TT Game boasted they'd be selling their models in shop, that's a key to stealing the thunder from Hornby. The corporate world has moved to digital shopping, but it's safe statement to say that consumers prefer to see the product in a store, and in person before their purchase.

[@Ivan_Cornelius]

As an American I would love this to come to the US. N scale is really hard for me to work on and my small HO build takes up the majority of my largest room.

[@gamerfan8445]

I doubt it.

[@jonathanparry7824]

Peco Hornby etc would absolutely have been talking about this, hornby are not cashing in it was probably agreed between multiple company’s to launch tt scale together

[@raffica26]

The concerns regarding website based shopping have (un)fortunately been answered already. This approach has proved itself through major German webshops - e.g. ELRIWA. Although they do actually have a big physical shop (one), they have clearly been a “hate-to-see” success compared to traditional shops - very much also in the TT scale. I myself in Hungary also buy TT from them or a local Webshop, but I am good friends with these guys as they are very nice people in general. I used to buy at local shops before, however I ended up experiencing that I do get a friendlier and 😅better service, more information, regular product information articles and videos from the web based retailer. In addition a better price. I hate to say, that sometimes I still stroll into shops but I do make my purchases just like my education in this hobby over the net. My major concern is around quality. The webshops I mentioned are still retail shops and they do check the products they receive before selling the, to me. That is an important control step in the chain. They also have a range of various suppliers, actually in TT, so for me Hornby is just one more that is British. I took my chance by ordering. Just to try.

[@OlivierGabin]

The good thing with Hornby TT, it is their choice of the TT standard of 2,54mm for the foot, with 1/120 scale, instead of the 1/100 and 3mm/ft of the past. There is now zero reason to do so, and the UK TT market is today highly confidential. I'm too invested in OO and N (for my UK models, I am on HO for my continental models) to start on TT 1/120 for my own, but this launch by Hornby is promising. UK TT will be scale accurate, unlike OO and UK N. My point as a continental about the need to buy from Hornby instead of my usuals UK (and the one who is German !) retailers : @$£$#@#* ! Retailers exist, it's for a good reason !

[@furripupau]

As an American, who has always been frustrated by the scale incongruity between OO and HO, I was relieved when I heard Hornby were making their TT line to a proper scale. I was surprised that modelers in England were not enthusiastic about this, or even hostile to it - I guess they really, really, do not like the idea of modelling anything from another country? I don't plan on making a layout modeled after any British line, but I still find the rolling stock interesting, and do like if it matches whatever else I have. Will be interesting to see if any American prototypes end up in TT (probably not, because we never get anything nice).

[@theenigmaticgamer]

I have tried 00, HO and N gauge and never finished each project. Other hobby commitments being mainly the reason. Having moved house and downsizing I was about to start a new layout in 00 again, but the TT announcement really caught my attention. I have ordered one of the starter sets and joined the TT club. I think it’s worth a punt. I wish Hornby success in their venture and despite all the nay sayers, believe it will be good for the hobby. Warlord Games came in for similar criticism when they launched their”Epic” range of wargame figures.(I am a wargamer as well as a model railway fan). People complained about their marketing and the fact that the were not “true15mm” scale etc. Ok, it didn’t appeal to me, but that’s no reason to carp and complain. They were expanding the hobby, which In my view can only be a good thing. It’s not compulsory to buy these things, but at least be grateful for the fact that we have a choice. Enjoyed the video.

[@fatwalletboy2]

I think we will quickly see TT rolled out to model shops if direct sales are slow. Watch this space......

[@DangerAngelous]

Here in Australia Hornby’s TT showed up in our hobby shops immediately, presumably though that’s because if their website was the only option there would be zero exposure compared to the Australian models and they wouldn’t go anywhere, and having seen them in person I kinda dig it, but I have too many very specific models in OO to consider totally downsizing

[@mattsmocs3281]

I would like TT to thrive, as someone who models HOn42 i need it to succeed for equipment and parts. Also a revival of H.P. products would be nice.

[@OrSomeBricks]

Thanks for a thoughtful and balanced video. I really hope this works out well for both Hornby and Modellers. They must have spent many millions developing the range over many years. I think TT is an attractive scale offering a lot of options for us space starved modellers. I worked in N for many years but am finding it fiddly as I get older. The Hartlepool Model Exhibition had a layout featuring the New Hornby TT 120 track, Mk1 coaches and buildings. I was very impressed by what I saw. I think Peco track may be a better options as the Hornby points seemed to have rather too much plastic at the frog. That said small engines ran over them without any problems. I can see problems when people turn up at Model Shops to buy scenic items there won’t be any! It’s a great shame that Gaugemaster and Heljan have dropped the plans for TT. Do I do narrow gauge or TT ????

[@andrewblake2254]

There are many continental kits in TT and some HO is too small hence suitable for TT. But yes its a huge undertaking to get the market to supply all that is needed.

[@OrSomeBricks]

@@andrewblake2254 Yes - some of the older N gauge kits can also be adapted - the brickwork always looked more like TT than N scale! A Hong Kong firm also make some great right hand drive buses in 1:120 . Sadly Brexit makes it more difficult / expensive to get kits from those well stocked German model shops.

[@alfredbarten4901]

I’ve been a fan of shunting layouts for a good many years now. I also like to build micro layouts. I’m from the States, but was attracted to British outline because of the short wheelbase tank locos and 4-wheel wagons. So far I’ve not been satisfied with N or OO. What has really worked is the good old Tri-ang 3mm. I could be interested in the new TT120 if there were some tank locos - even just one - and the couplings work as nicely as the Tri-angs. My OO couplings don’t work as well, and I’m assuming it’s because the many manufacturers have made their own versions. I have no idea how well the standard TT120 couplings work.

[@anindrapratama]

when i hear TT Scale, i think of East German model trains…

[@little_britain]

I believe UK N is also a "narrow gauge", being 1:148, whereas the track would be 1:160 (the international N scale). I want it to succeed, as the ONLY affordable, ready to run accurate scale in UK outline.

[@neiloflongbeck5705]

UK N gauge track should be 9.7mm if modelled to scale, but as the rail head is 1mm this discrepancy is hardly noticeable at a normal viewing distance especially if using Code 40 rail. It like comparing EM and P4/S4 gauges, the difference is not noticeable at a normal viewing distance.

[@little_britain]

@@neiloflongbeck5705 It is not so much the track issue as the issue with figures, scenic props and buildings - although I don't much like the track for N scale as it makes the sleeper spacing and thickness look even worse .

[@neiloflongbeck5705]

@@little_britain the sleeper spacing issue is one created by railway modellers. In the real world there are area where sleeper spacings are not consistent. One such example is at Grantham on the ECML where the sleeper spacings on the Up and Down lines are visibly different, one looks like Finetrax and other looks like Peco. The only down side to Finetrax is that you have to put it together your self, but it does look so much better. A 6ft man in British N gauge (2.06mm:1ft) is 12.36mm tall but in TT120 (2.54mm:1ft) he becomes 15.24mm tall, hardly a much of a difference. The same is true for the buildings, trees, vehicles, etc. It's funny that Hornby in their promotional video only compare their new scale against their traditional scale.

[@little_britain]

@@neiloflongbeck5705 I have some PECO bullhead and some legacy bullhead track for 00, and it looks way better in every respect to any code 75 track I have seen before. I model both Canadian and UK outline, and I grew up in the UK in the era I model, and walked the tracks every day. As for being almost the same as N gauge, yes it's quite close to UK scale, which again is narrow gauge. However when compared to true N scale, the difference is more obvious. As for

[@neiloflongbeck5705]

@@little_britain the only UK 4mm scale Code 75 ready to lay plain track track I'm aware of is SMP, which always had the "correct" sleeper spacings of scale thickness, unlike the PECO bulkhead. As for sleeper spacings very few both to model the sleeper spacings correctly even on plain track even those modelling the steam era until you get to O gauge. They modell all the sleepers at the same spacing even at rail joints. Mainly because it's not worth the effort as you won't notice it once tgs track is ballasted. Even 1:160 track is flawed as it is over scale, but to such a degree that no one would even notice. The same is true for EM and UK N gauge.

[@warrenlehmkuhleii8472]

I do hope this TT:120 thing goes well. I have my moral issues from Hornby, so unless that changes I am probably not going to try it out myself; however, I do hope this re launched scale goes well. The OO being a seven scale inches too narrow does not bother me that much, but if it did, this would really interesting. N scale it just too small for me.

[@bennickss]

I am currently contemplating a shelf layout of Severn Valley’s Kidderminster Station in TT gauge. Hornby’s 50049 is pushing me into it. Edit: Scrapped. 50049 isn’t releasing until 2025.

[@eisenbau]

British N gauge is not correct. The 9mm track is at a scale of 1:160, whereas the stock is 1:148. This stems from the same inaccuracy in running 4mm / ft stock on 3.5mm / ft track. TT is correct where stock and track is at the same scale. Also as you know now the actual models have the counterweights in the right place. It is a shame Hornby released so much marketing material using pre production models that were incorrect. Spot on with your competition comments, especially Heljan. Business is business, it's a tough world. Compete, fight back or lose out!

[@neiloflongbeck5705]

Triang's version of TT was to 3 mm/ft and not 2.54mm/ft. So this is a new scale for UK designs. With N gauge in the UK the scale is 2.06mm/ft the argument about space doesn't make any sense over N gauge. Whilst the TT track will be to scale, there are no real advantages to this new scale over the long established N gauge. During WW2 the British Railway Modelling Standards Bureau wanted the standard to become EM gauge instead of OO. But what did Hornby do, once production resume, yes they stuck with the Frankenstein OO gauge. Funny, what 70 years does to a company....

[@musoseven8218]

Wise, thoughtful words my friend👍✌️😊 I've always loved 3mm (TT), it became a builders scale after Triang production ceased. I already model in two builders scales, so I admired it and the Society from afar. It's sad that there's no Hornby tie in with The 3mm Society - I can see Hornby's reasoning to an extent. One thing that jars? The European couplings Hornby are set to use, awful, like standard N gauge couplings. Is anyone really going to run European TT models with their British outline models? Why couldn't Hornby have innovated there too? I wrote about an "issue" with Heljan in a fairly major, respected, guild based journal and they kicked up a stink too (certain forums don't like factual critiques either - read on and you'll see why), I was factual and honest, informed too as I had friends in retail and manufacturing etc. The editor said "be published and be damned" we did publish for the greater good (there's since been yet another splinter group). Not only did that "club" fail it's members (it's reason for being was to develop and work with suppliers and manufacturers on behalf of the scale, gauge and membership), but it failed members re the Heljan issue which cost members dear in some cases. Heljan were less than truthful about a recurring 12 year (iirc) issue with expensive price point models. In addition Heljan are a LONG way from being innocent in terms of IP/ownership and the use thereof. Plus magazines (and club publications) being the only way to get decent reviews? Many are bought via advertising revenue from said manufacturers, they won't, then, ultimately, bite the hand that funds them. We've seen the same with the MSBM, and others, re vaccines for SARS2, so this strategy is top to bottom, a serpent feeding upon its own tail and it creates shills who are biased in favour of certain businesses. In addition there's freebies that don't always have to be returned by reviewers etc. There's always more to business than meets the eye. Hornby are taking a huge risk and they've dropped some clangers in the past. I like Simon et al, I remember speaking with him at a Steam Museum event in the early and mid 2000's about RTR O and TT. Simon has a lot of drive and enthusiasm for an iconic brand. Time will tell. I'm not sure that cutting retailers out is a wise move for the hobby, longevity etc, but I understand the thinking behind such, I'm well versed in supply and value chain alignment and control, but no man is an island either.

[@gregmacdonald927]

Totally agree with your outlook, only I am more inclined to agree with online only to begin with. One issue though- look at the points. Looks like a BIG plastic frog, especially for smaller scale locos. Compare with the PECO TT unifrogs I can see that being a significant annoyance at slow shunting speeds.

[@Benjamin.Jamin.]

This might be the thing that finally gets me to actually buy some trains instead of just watching vids about them. It's cheaper and smaller. It will be me and son playing with them although my missus will approve as it's not computer games! Maybe that's what they mean by marketing at women... Some hobbies seem more acceptable to them lol

[@grahamsharpley4889]

The old 1950’s 60’s TT models were a bit of a dead duck then and being Triang were prone to warping. Today I would expect better longevity. I know there are many 3mm modellers out there who may be happy with this revived ideal. Me i could not care less with my 7mm scale railway, at least i can see it in my old age😊

[@johnd8892]

Even in the early sixties the Triang TT range did not keep up with development in the OO/HO range. Eg see though spoked wheels, pin point bearings giving closed axle boxes and Magnadhesion.

[@gilbertporter4992]

Now I wonder why Heljan and this other manufacturer canceled their Class 08 and Class 33?

[@clangerbasher]

I found the lack of a tank engine strange too. I remember one of the makers of small steam engines for garden railways saying that most don't start their project with a basic engine. Most buy something impressive first and then look for something more modest afterwards as a second purchase. I think Hornby have chosen the right mix. Perhaps they should have produced a 47 not a 50. But 50's are so pretty. A Deltic perhaps? It is a shame Heljan have stupidly decided to pull the plug on 31. I think they would have had more sales with Hornby in the market than without Hornby. But hey ho.......

[@MrToradragon]

Well, the engines in start sets used to be, and perhaps still are, not the most detailed one. I used to have one such in TT and compared to old BR 92 by BTTB (well, both were made by BTTB) that I have inherited when my great-uncle passed away, it looked more like toy, than model. So I understand that people will buy something impressive at first.

[@clangerbasher]

@@MrToradragon Yes. That would be Berliner TT Bahn wouldn't it?

[@MrToradragon]

@@clangerbasher Yes, that is. I would say that their steam locomotives can still be good for those who don't have or don't want to spend that much money at the beginning. But the situation will perhaps be very different between Britain and Czechia, Germany and Slovakia, maybe Poland..

[@clangerbasher]

@@MrToradragon I think so too.

[@MrToradragon]

@@clangerbasher To be honest, I always wanted to build my own layout (that one that my uncle had was dismantled and to be frank was not that good to begin with), but never had money, time or I became interested more in other stuff (DIY electronics, martial arts, writing, photography and some other stuff, but hey, I am still quite young. (I feel like railway modelling is slowly becoming more and more thing of older gentlemen)), but I occasionally check various e-shops with model railway stuff, and I always came to conclusion that buying new tracks and getting one or two other BTTB steam locomotives would be best option. But again, that is option for me as I always can pretend that it is some station near borders where you can meet both, ČSD and DR rolling stocks, or that it is some special occasion. But IIIrd and earlier epochs are not what I am interested in, beside few special locomotives that are not commonly made (KkStB 310, ČSD 498) Nor Epoch IV is that interesting to me, maybe little bit Epoch V, but what I like to do is layout inspired by present days. I feel like it allows for greatest variability and most fun. You can have Vectron of private company meeting with something like Class 363 in retro scheme while BR 92 comes with tourist train from Saxony. (Or maybe somebody bought it and now uses it for freight trains on branch line LARPing as main line. You would not believe how common that is here. LARPing, not the steam locos, those are in short supply.) But I understand that what is option for me, is not option for most folks in Britain. Building layout inspired by some branch line in Shropshire or West Midlands and then running BR 92 there would be... interesting at least.

[@AyebeeMk2]

First point regarding Hornby's advertising; a couple of years back they came up with a "whole family layout all in one box set", the thrust of it being "the whole family can be involved with the project". They advertised this novel idea how ? With a grey haired man doing everything and no input from any other type of person. So they need to be a bit more creative at that point.... Also model railways ARE nostalgic.... you cannot remove that 'then and now' or ' young / old ' connection out of the hobby. As for getting females involved..... good luck with that one ( I do know there are dedicated and creative female model makers out there and they are welcome, they are however exceptions to the rule). But.... I do hope the new scale works, because many 00 scale model will be available on the second hand market; for those models I will be waiting....

[@Lamp_2155]

Mixed thoughts on tt. Very unlikely to convert entirely but I’d use tt for shelf layouts or custom small engines. The oo locos available are just so much more that it would take years to catch up. I think selling cheap and modern kits would sell well if they were readily available 🚂

[@andrewblake2254]

Yes 3D printing might be the go for kits in this scale. Maybe some generic chassis.

[@speleokeir]

Good video and I agree with most of it. For me TT looks a good option. I got back into the hobby during lock down. However I only live in a small terrace house so don't have the space for the kind of extensive a layout I'd like really like and I've never been a fan of N gauge which I find too small. Ideally I'd like to model two mainlines, each with an up and down line so 4 in all, plus enough room to do some landscaping/modelling. With OO I'll have to compromise as I don't have quite enough space even in my loft to do that. I'll either have to lose a line or have limited modelling space. TT solves that problem It's also cheaper and more affordable than OO if you want to buy new models. The downside is of course a much smaller range at present and no secondhand market. However I intend to buy a set, see what I think of it and If I like it I'm very tempted to trade in the OO stuff I've bought and build the kind of layout I'd really like rather than having to compromise. I'll get a 3D printer too to allow me to make some of my own accessories. It looks like Hornby realise they need to go all in on this. I really hope it's a success. If so it may be the saving of the company which can only be a good thing. it also opens a world market for them as TT is already well known in the US, Europe and Japan. In contrast OO is chiefly a UK thing and the competition and huge secondhand market make a massive hole in potential Hornby sales. With TT they'll be the main provider, at least for a while, so it has the potential to provide Hornby with a much needed income stream. Additionally many OO modelers are getting on in years and aren't being replaced by a younger generation. Hornby clearly see this as an attempt to grow the hobby via young families and people like myself with limited space. They've obviously been speaking to Peco and I suspect Oxford was bought out with this in mind to produce vehicles, etc. It will be interesting to see if companies like Metcalfe, Scale Model Scenery, etc get on board to add to the accessory side of things. For 3D printed stuff it should be a fairly simple matter to reproduce existing designs in TT120.

[@europacifictradersltd3717]

while the tt gauge is a good size it has 1 major setback from day one. the very good possibility of discontinuing the range in the future. it was discontinued before and might be again.. unlike n and 00 gauge were it has always been available. as for hornby being manufactures of their models this has stopped ever since they started importing them from CHINA they are simply big suppliers of model trains..

[@pauljenkins685]

N isnt that accurate!, look at a minitrix U.S. K4 pacific loco, correct to scale. but the A4 and Britannia bodyshells are used on the same chassis and the loco's then are the same size, in real life the A4 and Britannia locos are much smaller! British N locos are oversize as 00 is to h0!

[@johnd8892]

A failing of British N since they chose oversize early on. Around 1965 by Peco pushing that scale.

[@TrainFan_95]

Lol I loved the point you made about almost nobody reading newspapers anymore! XD

[@CrumpledSandwich]

Let’s be honest whatever Heljan made would have been rubbish due to complicated base keeper plates

[@FlyingScott]

[Glares at the L&B range]

[@CrumpledSandwich]

@@FlyingScott I wouldn’t know I’m just spewing what I heard on Sam’s trains. I feel embarrassed on behalf of Heljan for their rage quit. They will have to come back somehow if TT does catch on. It’s not that hard to compete with Hornby as their range has been quite repetitive for the last 50 years. Hornby always make a 125, a 225 and all the celebrity steam locomotives and BR mainline diesels. That only leaves about 2000 prototypes for Heljan to choose from.

[@johnd8892]

Sworn off Heljan after the lack of support for the 47 class mazak rot and expansion issues.

[@Shipwright1918]

Not gonna lie, I find TT interesting and if I was going to start a new layout I'd give it a go for sheer giggles. That said, I also find the space-saving argument a little amusing, as I do O gauge in what amounts to an old closet, and not a shelf layout at that.

[@FlyingScott]

It has to be said the Lionel O gauge you use is by no means prototypical in terms of trackwork. The radii of those curves are more often than not equal if not smaller than OO or H0.

[@Shipwright1918]

@@FlyingScott There's truth in that, but it's still O gauge, and it works. Sometimes prototypicality has to give a bit in favor of practicalities, after all when was the last time you saw a real steam engine that used a transformer or a DCC remote to run it, just to name an example? There's more than one way to skin a cat, as the old saying goes. I'll admit even in the world of American O gauge what I do (O-27) is considered unusual and old-fashioned, as the trend is for scale track and prototypical everything. However, that approach wouldn't work with the space I had available, nor the budget. So I used an old-fashioned style of track that would and worked with it to make a retro layout to have big trains in a small space. Not everyone's cup of tea, I will grant you, but my point is that you have to use your noggin sometimes to work with what you have, not what you wish you had.

[@Frserthegreenengine]

I don't know. I've invested so much into 00 gauge and I have quite a big collection, but on the other hand space is going to become a huge problem. Especially for me, where I am hoping to eventually get my own flat or preferably a house and space really is becoming more of an issue. Hornby 's TT:120 range may be the answer to this issue and I am strongly considering giving it a go. But at the same time, I've invested so much in 00 gauge and I don't want to just give it all away, especially my 00 Gauge Hornby A4s! Really is a dilemma. I really hope this range kicks off and becomes a hit.

[@bazza3643]

Why offer a new scale of British railway models. Wouldn’t it be more cost effective to modellers to offer a range of British locomotives and rolling stock in HO scale, thus allowing the modeller to keep all his or her existing HO/OO scale track, buildings and accessories. The old excuse that electric motors can’t fit into HO British model railways won’t wash nowadays.

[@pja-ok4714]

TT might be a good place to START railway modelling, but Hornby just spend 60 or more years getting us to buy into OO and building layouts etc at great expense and instead of working on fixing quality issues they have with their 200 UK Pound (and more!) locomotives, they go for an entirely new scale. So, if they get lucky and TT really takes off they will leave OO behind and we will be left with unsupportable equipment left to slowly die out. Simon says this won't happen but that is meaningless coming from a business executive whose bottom line is the key driver. I also find it a bit funny how he bashes OO and N as essentially "dumb ideas" because they were unique to the UK, and now TT is going to correct this foolish mistake. That might have washed in the 1960's and 70's before we all poured our money into OO, but now, its a bit of a slap in the face to those of us who have loyally supported Hornby our entire modelling lives. You may disagree but I am sure I am not alone among established modellers.

[@lorrainedimmock4096]

I am a 00 and N gauge modeller, having limited room, were I can produce a layout, I tried N and loved it, the models now produced by Farish, Dapol and revolution/ rapido , Sonic are wonderful and many more to follow, I now have over 160 items of rolling stock and a layout I take to shows, so will I be even interested in yet another scale, well no, Hornby has the highest prices in the hobby now and poor products to boot, they need to address the poor quality of their recent releases first, before becoming immersed in another product range....

[@MrJoeyWheeler]

Honestly, I disagree. It's not even a good place to start, simply because it'd be cheaper overall for a newbie to buy some old pre-owned stuff, of which we have half a century of available material that will all be inter-connected.

[@lukebarber9511]

What was the review that made Heljan throw a hissyfit?

[@MJC19]

I am excited to see Tabe Top gauge being produced again

[@andrewemery4272]

Are subtitles available?

[@philbartlett7898]

Interesting comments. I have no axe to grind, but I really believe that Hornby should apprecdiate the relationship they should have with model shops. I was actually in my local model shop on the day TT:120 was announced by Hornby, and the owner of the shop was totally disinterested in it because Hornby didn't want him involved. Fine, if that is how Hornby want to play it, but what of the numerous mums and dads that trek to the LHS to buys some accessories for young Harry's TT:120 train set - maybe some birthday gifts from his relatives etc at hte very least. No. I think it is a huge mistake by Simon and will be his undoing.

[@theenigmaticgamer]

Well if the quality of the TT range is as poor as the set I received then the project is doomed. I have contacted Hornby with details of the faults and requested a return and refund. I have also abandoned my plan to switch from OO to TT on the layout I have just started and cancelled my pre orders. It may just be that I was unlucky, but I’m not prepared to take a chance on that.

[@monoonyx]

On your last point on advertising and finding a market, I think there could a lot to gain from a DTG/Hornby collab, and get something train sim based out. No idea what it would like, but at least something would be cool.

[@andrewdonaldson6225]

Pity you didn't bother getting a TT wagon for comparison. As you channel states you are in the Netherlands, postage is free over £100 from the website so easy to get into.

[@thomasgray4188]

As with the paradox grand strategy playerbase There are more girls than you think.

[@kellypaws]

Yes, good points. But, in the end, scales smaller than HO are simply disappointing. They feel like insignificant things with mediocre detail. Because they basically are. I could have a much larger TT layout? Great more than twice as much disappointment.. Whoop, whoop.

[@FlyingScott]

Feel like disappointment =/= are disappointing.

[@terryglover3215]

You need a large user base for it to succeed. I don't see how it will, even though I want it to.

[@johndenbury4697]

I had understood TT 120 has been under development for Six years,

[@overlander1895]

Scott, who guides my model purchases

[@awesome-xk8vj]

Can you take the history about LNER A1 and later LNER A1/1 Great Northern, Midland Railway Big Bertha, LNER U1, LMS 6399 Fury, LNER W1, GWR 111 The Great Bear, SR Leader Class, LMS Garrets, BR 11001, BR 10800, BR 10100, BR DP 1 & 2 please. Please respond when you get this please.

[@digitalcareline]

Heljan have used the duplication as a face saving way to bow out - the reality is that Heljan rely on the dealers - they do not have a direct sales route like Hornby and Accurascale which can cut out dealer margins on popular items making them appear cheaper (Deltic being a good example but also the Hornby club 20% discount on new releases was a sucker punch to dealers) The problem is that they cannot decide which way to go. They need the dealers to take on volume, reduce the risk of projects and provide the downstream service. They just do not want the dealers to have all the flagship products - remember dealers are buying blind - they agree the purchase of goods months before a finished sample is available. It is genuinely terrifying to see the first review hit the ground condemning the model - dealers can only return genuinely faulty goods for replacement with working items - there are no refunds for "It ain't right" Maybe Heljan should also go the direct sales route, but there are many reasons why the whole industry has relied on retailers. For example: Hornby have not really differentiated their OO and TT models on their site - a casual enthusiast or someone buying a present may order a TT item and be surprised when what they receive is smaller than the OO model they expected - this is an issue an experienced retailer could prevent.

[@theenigmaticgamer]

Whilst I have already commented that I don’t wish Hornby to fail, I do think they are being unfair to dealers by reserving the entire project to themselves. The demographic of our hobby is, it seems to me, one where buyers like to deal with sellers face to face where they can or at least have some form of contact or relationship. What I mean is that your “local” dealer can be miles away, but is still willing to provide advice or answer questions by phone or email without necessarily selling you anything. Maybe it’s just my age, but I can’t see Hornby building that sort of a relationship with customers. There seems to be just a whiff of greed in Hornby’s business plan.

[@digitalcareline]

@@theenigmaticgamer Greed is a difficult subject when it comes to model railway production - Hornby is currently making huge losses and these projects are seen as a way to stem the flow, however these decisions have downstream consequences. It could be argued that if they put more work in on quality control they could help their reputation and reduce the wasteful cycle of supplying so much that gets returned - however this could result in higher up front costs. Cheers Chris

[@nathanchan4653]

"...Hornby TT range is marketed for families..." Oh, come on! I heard Trix/Marklin model trains bring families together and at least the parents, their children, and grandparents actually made a model train layout because Trix/Marklin understands the users and audiences more than Hornby. E.g. Trix/Marklin for users aged 14+, LGB for both kids and parents, and Marklin Myworld for children. Even in today's generation where social media and digital media are becoming more apparent, Hornby is starting to become "behind the times".

[@lorrainedimmock4096]

I beg to disagree, but I have been modeling in N for many years and never have derailing problems, even with small radius curves, N is now has the biggest following for years and Dapol are constantly bringing out high quality products, with more to come, TT has a lot of catching up to do, to make me even considering changing anytime soon...as to the balance weights, I was a loco builder for 40 years and there are many configurations of fitting these items, and some follow unconventional fitting, as it's all about wheel balance and not what appears wrong...or right..

[@FlyingScott]

I would rather not something so critical to the look of the side of the locomotive you'd be viewing most of the time was sacrificed for that small improvement in ride quality. But then, what do I know, I haven't even been on this Earth for 40 years.

[@johnpinckney4979]

I wish Hornby had gone into N gauge...

[@J50Fan20]

pov:you read the newspaper:

[@flybobbie1449]

Market, lot of retired spending money, not room at home, N scale just slightly too small for someone needing glasses, so TT scale.

[@flybobbie1449]

Even when running need glasses to appreciate your work.

[@wasted-blaster.]

Maybe doing European locos would be a good idea for the hornby TT scale.

[@digitalcareline]

They aleady do TT under the Arnold Brand - though Hornby seem a little coy on their European ranges

[@MrToradragon]

There are already large producers of TT rolling stock in Europe - Tillig, Piko, something is perhaps made by Fleischman.

[@andrewblake2254]

@@MrToradragon Yes under the Roco brand.

[@pauljonnson1181]

TT 120 yea it's look s good but it's the price

[@emilioi.valdez6680]

Was this reviewer that Heljan acted like children over Sam's Trains by any chance? Because I'll definitely be laughing if it was.

[@nednedtom]

Still overpriced plastic

[@stevebarnes2]

UK N scale isn't correct, it's still slightly oversized.