"Warlord Games Takeover?" Topic

News out a couple of days ago that UK Model Train Manufacturers Hornby have taken a 25% stake in Warlord Games, with the option to take a majority share two years down the line and, potentially, take over the rest of the company later on. Not easy to see either side's rationale here beyond money. The Model Train forums here in the UK are busy trying and failing to match Wargaming dimensions with a manufacturer who makes model trains in 1:76, 1:87, 1:120 and 1:160 scales. They haven't yet noticed that Warlord also makes Napoleonic, Ancients, Pike & Shot and Naval ranges which have rather more limited railway crossover potential. Best case is that Warlord go the way of Airfix – also now Hornby owned, but left more or less alone since the takeover. Unless a comeback of Airfix's fondly remembered 20mm plastic figure ranges is now a possibility for Warlord? Super Epic Scale anyone?

Peter, London

Hornby own a lot of 'model' companies – Humbrol, Corgi, Scalextric, a large number of other railway brands, and as you already mentioned Airfix. Not everything in their portfolio matches a model railway 'gauge'.

Warlord seem an ideal fit with the wider Hornby portfolio. I can see them pushing Warlord products to a wider audience.

Don't forget that Warlord own Skytrex who produce OO and O gauge railway stuff.

If, and it is a big if, Hornby do take control of Warlord, would that mean that Warlord would relocate to the south coast?

It'll just be another brand to add to the long list of others owned by Hornby.

Humbrol, Airfix, Corgi, Scalectrix, Pocher & Lima to name but a few.

What keepYourPowderDry said :)

Remember Warlord also owns Sxytrex. Ships and railroad models also.

You get a wider share of hobby dollars by owning interest in a wider variety of hobby enterprises. It just looks like a good business decision to me.

Just be glad GW didn't buy WG!

Take over? More like a good retirement plan…

I'm sure it makes sense to someone way beyond my pay grade.

I think never monetizing this hobby has kept it fun for me all these years….Pop always said, never trust someone who can't keep their eyes off your wallet.