New Zealand Hornby Railway Collectors' Association
Welcome to the New Zealand Hornby Railway Collectors' Association (NZHRCA) website.
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We are a group interested in vintage Hornby trains manufactured by Meccano Ltd in Britain and other factories around the world:
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Hornby O-gauge clockwork and electric (1920 to 1965)
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Hornby Dublo 3-rail clockwork and electric (1938 to 1965)
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Hornby Dublo 2-rail electric (1959 to 1965)
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​In 2020 we celebrated 100 years since the first Hornby Trains were made by the Meccano factory. See more details here.
​The NZHRCA is affiliated with the Hornby Railway Collectors' Association (HRCA) in the UK. We started in 1994 with the goal of helping like-minded enthusiasts throughout New Zealand to connect and share their knowledge, collections and love of Hornby with each other and with the public. We do this by:
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Publishing a bi-monthly newsletter to members. In 2019 we celebrated our 25th year and have published over 150 magazines to members!
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Holding area meetings in the main centres throughout the year
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Helping each other to preserve and maintain locomotives and accessories, some of which are now 100 years old
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Getting together to exhibit Hornby to the public. See below for a list of upcoming events
Many of our members also collect and run vintage trains from other manufacturers, including the 'big' names such as Wrenn, Bassett Lowke, Bing, Carette and Lionel; more local makes such as Ferris and Cranko and 'modern' coarse scale O gauge from ACE, Darstaed, ETS, MTH and others. See the Gallery page for some photographs.
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We welcome new members. If you would like to find out more then please get in touch using the Contact form below.
Photography by John Clarkson
Information
Newsletters
The NZHRCA publishes a bi-monthly newsletter to members with articles about layouts, restorations, the history of Hornby products and information on meetings and events.
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Contact us below if you are interested in becoming a member.
A Hornby No. 3E Flying Scotsman enjoys running on Middleton track
A pair of Hornby French electric Etoile Du Nord Streamlined Passenger locomotives (post war)
Hornby No. 2 Special Compound with NZR tender at exhibition
A Hornby No. 3E Flying Scotsman enjoys running on Middleton track
Public Events
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Tauranga Model Railway Show 18th & 19th January 2025 10am-4pm Tauranga Boys College Gymnasium, Devonport Road. O Gauge and Dublo layouts.
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Kapiti Express Model Train Show 22nd & 23rd February Waikanae Memorial Hall.
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National Meccano Exhibition 12th & 13th April 2025, Jubilee Stadium, 228 London St. Whanganui, 10am-4pm. Large display of working Meccano models. Hornby O Gauge & Dublo layouts.
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Hamilton Model Show Morrinsville April 2025.
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Levin Hobby & Craft Expo 2025 3rd & 4th May 2025 O Gauge & Dublo layouts.​​
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Contact
Please contact us if you would like to join the NZHRCA,
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We are sorry, but we are not able to offer advice on valuations or buying & selling Hornby trains.