Hello Front End Friday Fans...I know its just Thursday night, but I travel tomorrow so I thought I would post early so as not to miss a F.E.F. In the Hornby line of trains, the "bottom end" or in Lionel speak the "O-27" line was labeled "M0" and it was in effect "0-18" or 18" diameter (9" radius). These trains were 0 gauge but of a smaller scale than the regular line of either British Hornby or French Hornby. In both countries they came with their own entire line of accessories and rolling stock including both freight and passenger wagons as well as stations, tunnels, road and passenger crossings and all manor of track like switches and cross overs. In the British line, the M0 was initiated in 1930 and in the French Hornby line in 1933 so you can see they are "children of the depression". Below are examples of both.
In the British Hornby line, the M0 line, began in 1930 and the engine below is of that vintage. It came without cylinders or drive rods and was available in either red or green livery. Red with tender number 6100 and Green with tender number 4472. All these engines are clockwork. In 1935 , this engine was fitted with both cylinders and drive rods. These continued more or less unchanged after the war until 1954 when the M0 was replaced by the Type 20 locomotive and wagons.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the channel, French Hornby was producing what they called, "The Train Express", initiated in 1933, always in green livery with tenders that were numbered 3615. Smoke deflectors were added in early post war versions but cylinders and drive rods did not come until 1949. At some point the track was also changed from a 9" radius to a 1 ft radius or 2ft diameter much closer to Lionel's 0-27 and it was made much heavier for durability and resistance to bending.
Pictured below is one of the French Hornby sets which included a full circle of curved track and two straights. A very similar set but with two passenger coaches was also available.
Despite their very "toy like" appearance, these M series trains were very popular. They undercut the price point of the regular series Hornby lines (both British and French) by a considerable margin, were simple to operate, colorful, and had lots of play value. They had a full line of freight wagons and accessories so provided a lot of value for the price.
Best Wishes and Happy F.E.F. to all and a very Merry Christmas
Don
