Last weekend, Rails of Sheffield had the pleasure of hosting a very special Hornby Showcase Event – and what a weekend it was!

Not only did we welcome enthusiastic modellers from near and far, but visitors were also treated to an exclusive first look at a wide selection of upcoming Hornby product samples in both OO Gauge and  TT:120 Scale.

We were thrilled to be among the first to get hands-on with these upcoming releases – and now we’re sharing the highlights with you! Watch our video from the event below to get a full tour of all the samples with Hornby Brand Manager - Martyn Weaver.

First off we were treated to an early preview of Hornby's recently announced LBSCR 'Terrier' 0-6-0T steam locomotive and accompanying Southern Region 4-wheel coaches in TT:120 Scale. These early engineering samples give you a good indication as to how the final models will look - and offer TT modellers with new opportunities for classic branch line modelling in this scale.

Please note that these are early engineering samples and may not fully represent the final release models. We expect the final releases to arrive in stock during November 2025.

Next up, also for TT:120 Scale modellers, are the first engineering samples of Hornby's new Branchline Freight Starter Train Set - which comes complete with a newly tooled LSWR Class B4 0-4-0T locomotive as well as two wagons. This value set is aimed at those who are new to the scale, or the railway modelling hobby in general - with simple but robust toolings and a very attractive price point!

Please note that these are early engineering samples and may not fully represent the final release models. We expect the final releases to arrive in stock during November 2025.

Moving over to OO Gauge, Hornby showed us the first engineering samples for the new Railroad Range version of the Class 800 IET/ Azuma bi-mode multiple unit! This newly tooled version of the Class 800 will feature a simpler but very robust tooling, with many moulded details present as well as directional lighting - providing a very attractive offering for modern-era modellers on a stricter budget or for kids who might like to own a model of the common units that we see on the railways today.

Please note that these are early engineering samples and may not fully represent the final release models. We expect the final releases to arrive in stock during December 2025.

Now pivoting from the value end of the range, to Hornby's high end Dublo Diecast offering - we have here the engineering sample for their Dublo 'Deltic' DP1 prototype locomotive! This highly anticipated newly tooled model will be arriving later in 2025 and is certainly not one to be missed. Presented in the iconic blue colour scheme, the model will feature entirely diecast construction. We actually weighed it at the event and it clocked in at a staggering 948g.

Please note that these are early engineering samples and may not fully represent the final release models. We expect the final releases to arrive in stock during Winter 2025.

We also got to take a closer look at the latest engineering sample for Hornby's newly tooled GWR 'Saint' Class 4-6-0 steam locomotive in OO Gauge! This is shaping up to be a real stunner - with two variations available to pre-order now covering both an original 'Saint' as well as the new build 'Lady of Legend'.

Please note that these are early engineering samples and may not fully represent the final release models. We expect the final releases to arrive in stock during December 2025.

From classic, to something a little more modern! Here we have the decorated sample for Hornby's latest Class 390 "Pendolino" EMU in OO Gauge - presented in this eye-catching Avanti West Coast 'climate change' themed livery. We expect this new model to arrive soon - available as a four car train pack with all the additional coaches available separately to make up an 11 car set.

Please note that these are decorated samples and may not fully represent the final release models. We expect the final releases to arrive in stock during December 2025.

Please note that these are decorated samples and may not fully represent the final release models. We expect the final releases to arrive in stock during July 2025.

We also got the chance to have a look at Hornby's engineering samples of their newly tooled Southern Region Bulleid Tavern & Buttery Cars in OO Gauge. These utterly unique vehicles are to be produced in BR Southern Region green and BR crimson/cream liveries - along with the eye catching 'pub' theming used on the real vehicles.

Please note that these are early engineering samples and may not fully represent the final release models. We expect the final releases to arrive in stock during December 2025.

Finally, Hornby also showed us an early version of the new 'Birth of the Railways' locomotive pack - including pioneering locos 'L&MR Rocket', 'S&DR Locomotion No.1' and 'L&MR Lion'. While this image shows locos from a previous batch - it gives you an idea as to how the new Railway 200 themed set will look - which comes complete with this lovely display plinth.

Please note that this is an early sample and may not fully represent the final release models. We expect the final releases to arrive in stock during July 2025.