How Are Model Trains Built? James May Explores A Model Train Factory!

James May and Model Trains, name a more iconic duo! James returns with 'Big Trouble in Model Britain' as he's invited to the doors of Hornby to follow them throughout a year where they are on the brink of collapse. Join James as he explores the ups and downs during the revival of a company that formed his childhood!

[anujchandkapoor]

This is so so British, its almost English.
"We blurred the teenager in front, to give them a fighting chance of one day meeting a women" was epic.

[MattBorchert]

I may be American, but James May is still a national treasure.

[Tardus]

This is one of the most British thing I have ever watched-my gosh.

[Thetacomaninnit]

James may and trains never fail to make my day immeasurably better

[HenrySchecker]

I like how James May finds a way to fill seemingly boring topics with humanity and hundreds of little stories. By the time I was half way through I was fascinated and invested in model trains and the people behind them

[modelenginerding]

I love how James is trying to keep old businesses alive. Gotta keep building good stuff there in the UK.

[echohunter]

I’m an American HO scale modeler in Texas and I focus on railroads I lived near as a boy and the ones my dad worked for but, I have a strong respect for British models and the companies that make them. I know the tool dies for specific models takes months to produce and costs tens of thousands of dollars to make. So when he winced at all the tooling that was scrapped, you now can imagine how much the company had lost, it was millions of pounds/dollars worth. Modelers in the US have had a wealth of high quality HO scale models hit the market and each one seems more detailed and higher quality than before and what drives these improvements is competition. To see that Hornby has taken charge of a declining brand name, modelers around the world have taken notice and making room on their layouts for the model they’ve been hoping would be made, and made well.

[REKlaus]

I have worked in a 50+ year old hobby shop for the past 17 years. Watching the scenes at the train and model shows just reinforced what I see here in the states, the average customer is getting older (60+) and there are fewer young people (under 30) entering the hobbies. Also appears to apply to the amateur radio hobby as well.

[ethermann]

James May is the only human capable of making a two hour video about model trains interesting

[Jared-]

Hornby hardly exists here in the US, but I can appreciate the company and history. I'm a model train enthusiast who operates Lionel and MTH O gauge trains.

[V-max]

Always a pleasure to hear James May. Greetings from the United States 🇺🇸

[riderstrano]

I love how the thumbnail uses a Lionel product

[anujchandkapoor]

I really want this company to succeed and bring back production in UK. Not because I don't like Chinese made, it's because I believe that iconic products should remain native to the region.

[davidfrancis]

So many examples of why local manufacturing is a good idea

[memo]

One of the most English things I’ve ever seen, and I’m here for it.

Keep ‘em coming, mate!!

[leonrenner]

I really need a Part 2 of what happend after Covid

[JamesGoetzke]

Pennsylvania USA here. If you are ever in Pennsylvania a trip to Stasberg is a must. "The Choo Choo Barn" is a great huge layout. Family owned and run since 1960. And real trains are at another nearby museum. The Choo Choo Barn was a favorite when I was a child. I'm 63 and glad it's still going strong.

[bertshutler]

just learning about James May in the last couple years. Great stuff, keep it up James May

[nannesoar]

35:50 😆 not surprised whatsoever that the guy who admitted to buying his house for he garage is prepared, truly a man after my own heart lol.

[ashleyvandermerwe]

Well done, James! You just made my day - after a full 2-hour binge-watch! I doubt anyone could have made this documentary any more interesting.