Founder of Oxford Diecast named as new CEO of Hornby

[Nova]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/201 ... -new-boss/

Simon Kohler has also returned to Hornby


There are some interesting times ahead. will the Oxford Rail range be sold under the Hornby label I wonder?

[nzpaul]

I think the most valuable thing these new/old blokes could bring to the company would be a nice straight ruler....then they could loan it the factory making the A3s.
Straight A3= save the company, make millions,life is good, world peace. it's pretty simple really

cheers
Paul

[greenglade]

I've seen a picture of the A3 on one of the FB groups...personally, it's unsaleable in that condition....

Pete

[Nova]

the first thing they could do would be to replace all the tired 70/80s era Hornby and ex-airfix wagons with Oxford Rails more detailed wagons. issues with prototypical detail on some wagons aside they represent a much finer looking wagon compared to what Hornby are currently offering. further to this the older toolings could potentially be transferred to the railroad range (which is a much more suitable range to sell them under) and sold with basic liveries at somewhere around 7 quid each.


presumably the likes of the GWR 0-6-0 getting incorporated into hornby's range means that production issues that I've been hearing about might well be sorted in due course with Hornby's greater experience selling steam locomotives

[Hatfield Shed]

the first thing they could do would be to replace all the tired 70/80s era Hornby and ex-airfix wagons...

Selectively. Some of the Airfix origin items - look at the lowmac as an example - are far from 'tired'.

But that's detail, first we have to wait and see what the new broom rearranges on a large scale. Coming from his own solvent and profitable business to a leaking ship isn't going to be easy, and my guess is significant change to rapidly amend the situation. Not likely to be greeted with universal joy.

[Nova]

my guess is significant change to rapidly amend the situation. Not likely to be greeted with universal joy.

withdrawal of the A1/A3 toolings being one example. there are members here longing for its retirement due to warped components. those outside this forum would be less pleased about it.

I just hope that if they do retire the A1/A3 they announce an immediate replacement of a similar tier to the new Duchess

[kimballthurlow]

It is now 4 years since the Simba Dickie Group (via a subsiduary entity) purchased a majority shareholding in the Marklin business.
Marklin control 60% of the model train market in Europe, with the LGB, Minitrix, Trix and Marklin brands.
Simba Dickie, a toy company, was formed in 1982, with brands including Schuco, Majorette, Tamiya, Solido and BIG.
So the change in ownership represents a more contemporary control of the toy train company set up in 1859.

In a similar manner, the change (albeit at executive level thus far) at Hornby may auger well for the future.

Kimball