Hornby Re-Connects With Thomas Train Range

Hornby (LSE: HRN.L - news) is to re-establish its link with Thomas the Tank Engine by re-launching its classic range of model trains based on the popular children’s books and TV series.

The model railway set specialist last produced Thomas The Tank Engine products in 2013 but has agreed a new licence with HIT, the pre-school entertainment company which has control over the usage of the ‘Thomas and Friends’ brand.

The launch of the new Thomas and Friends range coincides with the 70th anniversary of the popular kids' character and will be available to purchase from December, ahead of the crucial Christmas season.

Jim Procter-Blain, marketing director at Hornby, told Sky News the new range would have nostalgia appeal so would be manufactured to last beyond the toy-room years.

He said: "In terms of quality, our Thomas range is made to the same exacting quality as the rest of the Hornby range of model trains – paying absolute attention to detail and assembling every item by hand.

"We’re very excited to see children playing with Thomas model trains again – but at the same time we want these products to stand the test of time – and to be passed down from generation to generation."

In the UK market, Thomas & Friends is the number one pre-school character with total sales of merchandise related to the brand up 18% year to date, according to research from NPD data.

The popular children’s TV series, once narrated by ex-Beatle Ringo Starr, has recently had a makeover with CGI cartoon shows aired regularly in the UK on Channel 5 and Nickelodean channels.

Richard Ames, Hornby chief executive, said of the new agreement: "Hornby has a strategy to develop licences with strong brands.

"We are delighted to be celebrating another agreement with Thomas & Friends.

"We have been consistently asked by our consumers about our plans and we are pleased to confirm the product line will be in the market in 2015."