James May & Hornby take classic toys to a whole new level
Date: 24 August 2009
Source: Hornby
Hornby are to feature in three of the six programs due to be shown on BBC Two during the run up to Christmas.
In James's mission to engage today's kids with classic toys from his own childhood, he has already built life size Airfix kits of a Battle of Britain Spitfire and Chieftain Tank at RAF Cosworth in Shropshire. Then, thanks to 130 volunteers and the Scalextric team he constructed and raced a 2.75 mile Scalextric track on the site of the Brooklands racing circuit - setting a new world record.
On Monday the 24th, with the help of volunteers and model railway enthusiasts from around the country, he will attempt to reopen the disused railway line between Barnstable and Bideford railway stations - in 00 scale. Pallet loads of Hornby track must be laid along the 10 mile route before the locomotives and rolling stock can begin their journey. A journey not undertaken by a locomotive of any kind for over 40 years.
Marketing Manager Simon Kohler said "This is a huge project involving 200 to 300 people that has involved the whole community and various councils. The line has to be laid along what is now a cycle track, where even a pebble can cause huge problems. Then it has to be taken down the same day".
