I have spent a lot of time over the last few months looking
at the video of Codename Strikeforce as I learn how to edit –then forget – then
relearn it again! It’s given me a chance to think about my own views about the
set. There is no doubt that Al enjoys it; but I think Hornby could have done a
lot more with it.
Hornby’s recent history is of a failing company that was
brought back to life by a dedicated management team who refused to give up on
the brand and the concept. They realised they had to attract serious (i.e.
adult) modellers for whom the lack of detail on the older models was a source
of irritation. They have succeeded heroically in this. The problem has been
attracting the youngsters. After all, the serious adult modellers with the
serious money to spend all started off when they were kids – the future of
model rail as a hobby lies in keeping interest alive in a generation where the
instant entertainment of the internet, a host of TV channels and games consoles
poses serious competition. In the last
couple of years Hornby has introduced the Railroad series – a cheaper option
with some of the expensive detailing being omitted in favour of price. This
seems to me to have been a real success.
Codename Strikeforce has to be considered as another option
along these lines. I just think they could have done much more mainly by
including operating accessories to fit with the main trainset. For another £20
they could have included a remote controlled helicopter – Maplin have two on
their website for £19.99. The iconic Tri=ang Battle Space range, made between
1966 and 1973 included lots of operating accessories: tanks which fired
missiles, a satellite launcher, Rocket launcher (which fired rockets!), even an
exploding car. Nowadays I would expect to see remote controlled tanks rather
than the fairly plastic – almost Christmas cracker level – attempts which are
actually included. I would also have thought there was a market for selling the
individual items, but I haven’t found them in the catalogue yet. Surely Hornby
could get additional sales by offering individual items which would fit in with
the Codename Strikeforce set? So
overall, whilst Al enjoys it, I think there are more opportunities here which
Hornby are still missing. But don’t get me wrong – there is no-one else out
there doing anything similar that I am aware of; so well done Hornby for taking
us this far. The set runs well, and the specialist Trakmat helps create the
“story”. Keep it going, Hornby – but maybe raise your sights a bit?
