Today is the 150th anniversary of the birth of Frank Hornby on 15 May 1863. He was the inventor of Meccano at the beginning of the 20th century, a toy which taught generations of young people the principles of engineering. He went on to introduce tinplate 'O' gauge model train sets, and the Hornby Dublo 'OO' gauge model railway system was introduced after his death in 1936.
One of the most popular displays in the Museum and Archive at Didcot Railway Centre is that devoted to 'Tinplate Treasures' (pictured here), including a collection of the Hornby 'O' gauge trains from the 1930s that are now collectors' items. In the showcase the Hornby trains share space with Minic road vehicles, made by the Tri-ang company. The models may not be so accurate a representation of the real thing as today's models are, but they are large and colourful and a source of fascination for visitors to the museum.
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