I bought my first Hornby-Dublo trains in 1957 when I was 14 years old. Sets were still hard to come by so I had to picked and chose what was available. I bought two engines and wagons for a goods train and two coaches for a passenger train and enough track for a double loop layout. I had it all shipped to America. I did have a layout along side my Lionel three rail for awhile until I enlisted in the USA military. Well after 23 years service and several moves most of the Hornby was lost. I am now retired and have been collecting Hornby 3 rail for the last 4 years. I don't have a layout at this time but I have setup a couple of temporary ones.
This bought back great memories for me - in the early 1960's I had an old Marklin train set - the track was almost identical to the Hornby three rail track you had - but the centre rail was not a continuous rail between the outer two tracks, but a series of little prongs that stuck up between the two rails through holes in the baseplate. The power supply was AC; to reverse you pushed down on the control knob, and it sent a big pulse through the rails, and the reversing switch in the locos swapped over. Great post - thank you for bringing back memories.
The great beauty of the ancient tin track is that if bent or slightly deformed, it can easily be bent back. Worn fishplates can be replaced by modern Peco ones. I do recommend cleaning the ends of the track before assembly - a simple job with a bit of fine sandpaper. I use Wrenn 3 rail track on my attic bedrom layout but use the Hornby Dublo stuff in the 2 sets of hidden sidings (fiddle yard to fiddle yard) Sections can be made by putting a bit of insulating tape on the 'tongues'. That this stuff is still going strong today is a testament to the very high quality of design and build.
Thanks for the video, I, like your dad, have still got my 3 rail hornby dublo. Recently I have assembled my set again in the garage. My grandsons, (Will has been joined by 2 more!) still ask to go in grandads train shed. So even after 50/60 years HD 3 rail still has play appeal.
Brings back great memories of my layouts from the 50s, I would love to have a go with 3 rail again. My first ever loco was Duchess of Montrose in Hornby 3 rail. I don`t think there was any plastic in that just metal.I still have my 3 rail level crossing.
great to see a new video,jenny,i used to have some of this stuff in the late 1950,s,its good and solid and works well,i hope your father enjoys this layout,in peace.jpj
A very informative video, I am currently building a Dublo 3 rail layout, the advice given will help me to set up, as I have no previous experience in model trains. Regards from Canberra Australia
I've so loved this video, it reminds me of my very first model railway dad made for me and my brother and the joy I had on seeing it on christmas day morning has never left, happy days and happy memories and a hobby that has re entered my life,,,,great stuff
I did not get an electric train set 60 years ago so have now put that right by going down the Hornby Dublo Three Rail route. It is lovely track and as jenny points out it actually makes for more accurate running without strange circuit switching. My efforts include converting two rail locos to three rail running. HD3 seems to like modern locos, which shows how good it is.
+eottoe2001 I think the Hornby Dublo was sold in America, but wasn't too successful. There were a few sets adapted specially for the market with a Duchess Pacific in black and silver, and a Caboose released. I think the class 20 diesels also had a version done for America.
Good to see you back, Jenny. Nice retro video. Good to see a layout this old running without too many problems. Will there be a follow-up video when the layout is finished?
I had the 3 rail Pacific Silver King set ,I swapped it years ago for some modern Hornby stuff, big mistake! wish I still had it , I would love a 3 rail layout
Very interesting and helpful videos totaly impressive .absolute knowledge on trains ,syfy ,vinyl, drum and bass ,sound systems and you play drums .Awsome. good on you. my good lady wife is very interested in getting to read your work . it seams like you would never have had the time but pray tell? have you ever played mass effect on play station or xbox . i am sorry to hear that you had visitors (scumbags) I hope there was light at the end of the tunnel (providing you still had one) . good luck and keep up the Awsome vioeos ! ps any drumming videos.
Thanks for sharing this Jennifer . Now that i have retired i am going to build a small retro Hornby Dublo for my young Grandson to play with when he comes to stay for sleepovers. Can you please let me know the over all size of the layout board you have hinged to the wall in this video ? I may just do the same so it is in situ when he comes to stay . Cheers !
I would prefer to lay the track on some sound deadening material. That way the board would not resonate but you would still be able to hear the train sounds.
Hi Jenny, could you possibly do another video on Hornby dublo please? I have recently bought some 3 rail stuff and struggling to get it all to work. The loco works as tested on some straight track but when I make a loop it won't work. I have terminal track but do I need a bit of isolator track too? I've cleaned the track. How do I check for shorts and were/ ehat is causing them so I can fix the problem? Hope you can help. Thanks.
I've still got my Hornby Dublo train set complete with master controller and auxiliary one too, all boxed, and this video has made me think I should get it out again. Trouble is, where would I put it?
In your video you mention having a balloon loop? Have you got an example of one? Is there away to spring the points so the train can run round the balloon without having to catch the points manually whilst the train is in the loop? Thanks
It doesn't have a balloon loop, but they can be easily laid without any extra electronics in 3 rail. Manually operated points cannot spring with passage of a train, but the electrically operated ones are able to be sprung over by the passage of a train through them from the toe end.
These days I use a Gaugemaster controller. The Dublo locomotives need to be in good condition, which often requires an armature rewind if the insulation has begun to fail. Then they should run fine with no issues.
Cool, Classic Toy Train Layout, with tubular track, by Hornby. Does Hornby still manufacture this type of track & locomotives? • Cheers from The Detroit & Mackinac Railway 🚂
No, this system of model railways became obsolete by 1973. There are probably some on second hand websites, although admittedly not cheap. It was hard maintaining a 3 rail layout, the trains often weren't good, and it just isn't that useful nowadays unless you're an antiques collector
hi I have a city of liverpool hornby train how can I tell the difference between a two track train engine or a three track? I am looking on ebay but I Can't tell if mine is a older model or the newer model they look absolutely identical but there seems to be a price difference I wanted to have a idea for my dad for xmas as I picked up a haul of horby engines etc etc from a carboot and paid £100 on the whole lot
Don't build it like they used to I doubt if today's Hornby trains will still be running in 60 years time,I do like the turntable,I had some 3 rail locos in the 1970s but no track to run them on. Kev
The Hornby dublo turntables are a beautiful piece of kit. My Father actually has two, and both featured on his former 3 rail exhibition layout. No self respecting HD layout is complete without at least one!
it was the play on words i was hinting at...PIVOT and centre piece...and yes have to be included...love a nest of engines huddles round one like kids round a camp fire
Tough as old Army boots good ole 3 rail !!
I bought my first Hornby-Dublo trains in 1957 when I was 14 years old. Sets were still hard to come by so I had to picked and chose what was available. I bought two engines and wagons for a goods train and two coaches for a passenger train and enough track for a double loop layout. I had it all shipped to America. I did have a layout along side my Lionel three rail for awhile until I enlisted in the USA military. Well after 23 years service and several moves most of the Hornby was lost. I am now retired and have been collecting Hornby 3 rail for the last 4 years. I don't have a layout at this time but I have setup a couple of temporary ones.
Wow thank you for bringing that beautiful old timer back to life. Hope your Dad loves it as much
This bought back great memories for me - in the early 1960's I had an old Marklin train set - the track was almost identical to the Hornby three rail track you had - but the centre rail was not a continuous rail between the outer two tracks, but a series of little prongs that stuck up between the two rails through holes in the baseplate. The power supply was AC; to reverse you pushed down on the control knob, and it sent a big pulse through the rails, and the reversing switch in the locos swapped over.
Great post - thank you for bringing back memories.
I just love Hornby 3 rail, great to see a proper train set up and running tin plate is the coolest thing!
What a collection! And the yard layout is something I quite like, especially the turntable's overall simplicity.
Nice to see some old retro stuff being used ,,, great watch many thanks
The great beauty of the ancient tin track is that if bent or slightly deformed, it can easily be bent back. Worn fishplates can be replaced by modern Peco ones. I do recommend cleaning the ends of the track before assembly - a simple job with a bit of fine sandpaper. I use Wrenn 3 rail track on my attic bedrom layout but use the Hornby Dublo stuff in the 2 sets of hidden sidings (fiddle yard to fiddle yard) Sections can be made by putting a bit of insulating tape on the 'tongues'. That this stuff is still going strong today is a testament to the very high quality of design and build.
Thanks for the video, I, like your dad, have still got my 3 rail hornby dublo. Recently I have assembled my set again in the garage. My grandsons, (Will has been joined by 2 more!) still ask to go in grandads train shed. So even after 50/60 years HD 3 rail still has play appeal.
Great video , love the Dublo!
brilliant...thanks very much for putting this up
Excellent! You are keeping "Dublo" alive.
Totaslly am, and a new generation in the form of my nephews are really enjoying it too - that's three generations and going strong!
Jenny, that's a really cool layout !!! Nice video
Brings back great memories of my layouts from the 50s, I would love to have a go with 3 rail again. My first ever loco was Duchess of Montrose in Hornby 3 rail. I don`t think there was any plastic in that just metal.I still have my 3 rail level crossing.
great to see a new video,jenny,i used to have some of this stuff in the late 1950,s,its good and solid and works well,i hope your father enjoys this layout,in peace.jpj
Cool, Nice to see your work on the Dublo railway
A very informative video, I am currently building a Dublo 3 rail layout, the advice given will help me to set up, as I have no previous experience in model trains.
Regards from Canberra Australia
I've so loved this video, it reminds me of my very first model railway dad made for me and my brother and the joy I had on seeing it on christmas day morning has never left, happy days and happy memories and a hobby that has re entered my life,,,,great stuff
Thanks! I think Hornby Dublo makes up the childhood of an awful lot of people. Look out for tomorrow's video as it will be more Hornby Dublo goodness!
I will do, thank you and keep the videos coming !
I did not get an electric train set 60 years ago so have now put that right by going down the Hornby Dublo Three Rail route. It is lovely track and as jenny points out it actually makes for more accurate running without strange circuit switching.
My efforts include converting two rail locos to three rail running. HD3 seems to like modern locos, which shows how good it is.
Makes me feel old, I remember them.
that's a great set up u got there
Love it Jenny - more Dublo videos when you can please
I had a few 3 rail Hornby 00 in the 50s and 60s, and some amazing locos too. Duchess of Montrose was my favourite. No plastic then just metal.
Thanks for posting. I've read about Hornby trains but never seen then here in the states.
+eottoe2001 I think the Hornby Dublo was sold in America, but wasn't too successful. There were a few sets adapted specially for the market with a Duchess Pacific in black and silver, and a Caboose released. I think the class 20 diesels also had a version done for America.
awesome channel
Good to see you back, Jenny. Nice retro video. Good to see a layout this old running without too many problems. Will there be a follow-up video when the layout is finished?
I had the 3 rail Pacific Silver King set ,I swapped it years ago for some modern Hornby stuff, big mistake! wish I still had it ,
I would love a 3 rail layout
)
Nice job Jen.
Mike
Had a Stanier 'Duchess of Montrose', dating from 1958. I thought it was the bees knees!
Very interesting and helpful videos totaly impressive .absolute knowledge on trains ,syfy ,vinyl, drum and bass ,sound systems and you play drums .Awsome. good on you. my good lady wife is very interested in getting to read your work . it seams like you would never have had the time but pray tell? have you ever played mass effect on play station or xbox . i am sorry to hear that you had visitors (scumbags) I hope there was light at the end of the tunnel (providing you still had one) .
good luck and keep up the Awsome vioeos !
ps any drumming videos.
Thanks for sharing this Jennifer . Now that i have retired i am going to build a small retro Hornby Dublo for my young Grandson to play with when he comes to stay for sleepovers. Can you please let me know the over all size of the layout board you have hinged to the wall in this video ? I may just do the same so it is in situ when he comes to stay . Cheers !
I would prefer to lay the track on some sound deadening material. That way the board would not resonate but you would still be able to hear the train sounds.
Hi Jenny, could you possibly do another video on Hornby dublo please? I have recently bought some 3 rail stuff and struggling to get it all to work. The loco works as tested on some straight track but when I make a loop it won't work. I have terminal track but do I need a bit of isolator track too? I've cleaned the track. How do I check for shorts and were/ ehat is causing them so I can fix the problem? Hope you can help. Thanks.
I've still got my Hornby Dublo train set complete with master controller and auxiliary one too, all boxed, and this video has made me think I should get it out again. Trouble is, where would I put it?
Thanks, would the combi model be up to it? Or would it need to be higher spec?
I think that any Gaugemaster should be fine as long as the motor armature windings on the locomotive aren't starting to need renewing.
In your video you mention having a balloon loop? Have you got an example of one? Is there away to spring the points so the train can run round the balloon without having to catch the points manually whilst the train is in the loop? Thanks
It doesn't have a balloon loop, but they can be easily laid without any extra electronics in 3 rail. Manually operated points cannot spring with passage of a train, but the electrically operated ones are able to be sprung over by the passage of a train through them from the toe end.
Looks almost like marklin trak
Thanks.
What controller do you recommend for dublo 3 rail?
These days I use a Gaugemaster controller. The Dublo locomotives need to be in good condition, which often requires an armature rewind if the insulation has begun to fail. Then they should run fine with no issues.
Cool, Classic Toy Train Layout, with tubular track, by Hornby. Does Hornby still manufacture this type of track & locomotives?
• Cheers from The Detroit & Mackinac Railway 🚂
No, this system of model railways became obsolete by 1973. There are probably some on second hand websites, although admittedly not cheap.
It was hard maintaining a 3 rail layout, the trains often weren't good, and it just isn't that useful nowadays unless you're an antiques collector
+Toby Bywater (StupidityReigns) Hi Toby - Thanks for the detailed information. 😊
I have one of three ral
I had assumed this was AC, but I read that it is three rail DC, which I find hard to believe. Is it AC or DC??
It is DC. In the UK manufacturers never went AC for models.
hi I have a city of liverpool hornby train how can I tell the difference between a two track train engine or a three track? I am looking on ebay but I Can't tell if mine is a older model or the newer model they look absolutely identical but there seems to be a price difference I wanted to have a idea for my dad for xmas as I picked up a haul of horby engines etc etc from a carboot and paid £100 on the whole lot
Have a look at this Hornby Dublo layout using DCC, and all the mod cons. czcams.com/video/6c8P592ENCc/video.html
Don't build it like they used to I doubt if today's Hornby trains will still be running in 60 years time,I do like the turntable,I had some 3 rail locos in the 1970s but no track to run them on.
Kev
you say to check the track but you don't say how.
having a turntable as a PIVOTal piece....hmmmm come on jennyfair you can do better than that im sure !!!
The Hornby dublo turntables are a beautiful piece of kit. My Father actually has two, and both featured on his former 3 rail exhibition layout. No self respecting HD layout is complete without at least one!
it was the play on words i was hinting at...PIVOT and centre piece...and yes have to be included...love a nest of engines huddles round one like kids round a camp fire
Ha! ;)
@@JenniferEKirk I enjoyed your records with your jazz band.
Not a word about wiring, insulation tabs, points. I learnt nothing.