Best Hornby TT:120 Train Sets in 2026 — Scotsman, Easterner, Inter-City 125, Royal Scot & Freight Compared

Hornby TT:120 train sets with steam, diesel and freight trains on a model railway layout

Hornby TT:120 has turned the traditional model railway starter set into something much easier to accommodate at home. At 1:120 scale, complete passenger and freight layouts can fit into substantially less space than equivalent OO systems while still offering recognisable British steam, diesel and high-speed trains, expandable track and a route into Hornby's HM7000 digital control ecosystem.

Hornby's TT:120 train-set range provides several very different starting points. The Easterner represents classic British steam, The Scotsman adds the character of an LNER express and illuminated Pullman coaches, The Royal Scot brings a Princess Coronation Class locomotive, the Inter-City 125 represents a completely different era of British high-speed rail, while Branch Line and Coalfield Freight focus on goods traffic rather than passenger operation.

The important question is therefore not simply which Hornby TT:120 set is “best”. It is which one gives you the railway you actually want to build.

Explore the Hornby TT:120 Train Set Range

Hornby TT:120 Train Sets — Quick Comparison

Train Set	Main Focus	Control	Train Type
The Easterner	British steam passenger railway	Analogue; digital version available	Steam passenger
The Scotsman	LNER express and Pullman operation	Analogue; DCC Sound version available	Steam passenger
The Royal Scot	Princess Coronation express	DCC Ready	Steam passenger
Inter-City 125	British Rail high-speed operation	DCC Ready	Diesel passenger
Inter-City 125 DCC Sound	Digital high-speed operation	HM7000 DCC Sound	Diesel passenger
Coalfield Freight	British Rail freight operation	DCC Ready	Diesel freight
Coalfield Freight DCC Sound	Digital freight operation	HM7000 DCC Sound	Diesel freight
Branch Line Freight	Compact goods and shunting layout	DCC Ready	Steam freight

What Is Hornby TT:120?

TT:120 uses a scale of 1:120, meaning one unit on the model represents 120 units on the real railway.

That places it between the larger OO format and smaller N gauge.

The attraction is straightforward: TT:120 offers enough physical size for locomotives, coaches and scenery to retain visual presence while allowing a useful railway to fit into a comparatively compact area.

Hornby positions TT:120 as a space-saving tabletop railway format, and many of its train sets are designed around layouts that can be assembled on a dining table or similar surface.

That makes TT:120 especially relevant for:

people without a permanent railway room
beginners starting their first model railway
returning railway modellers
apartment dwellers
collectors who want operational trains but have limited layout space
modellers who want more running length in a given physical area

The Scale & Motion curated catalogue also includes model railway categories covering starter sets, locomotives, buildings and scenery.

1. The Easterner — Classic Steam Passenger Set

The Easterner represents a traditional British steam passenger railway in TT:120.

The set centres on an LNER A4 4-6-2 steam locomotive presented in British Railways green, accompanied by three BR Maroon Mark 1 coaches.

Inside the set are:

1 steam locomotive
3 passenger coaches
3rd Radius starter oval
Track Pack 1 with point and buffer
DC train controller
wall transformer
power connecting track
rerailer
instructions

The complete layout requires approximately 137 × 91 cm according to Hornby's specifications.

Hornby The Easterner TT:120 Train Set

What Defines The Easterner?

The Easterner has the classic visual language many people associate with British model railways: a streamlined steam locomotive, passenger coaches and a railway setting from the later British steam era.

The included point and siding also create a more varied operating layout than a simple continuous oval.

That gives the railway scope for:

shunting
additional rolling stock
station platforms
scenery
future track expansion

Easterner EU Plug Version

Hornby also produces the Easterner with an EU plug, providing a version intended for continental European electrical connections.

The EU version retains the same basic locomotive, coaches and layout concept.

Hornby The Easterner TT:120 EU Plug Version

2. The Easterner DCC Sound

The digital version takes the same underlying Easterner concept and moves into Hornby's HM7000 system.

The locomotive is supplied with an HM7000 decoder fitted with sound, allowing control through Hornby's HM|DCC app on a compatible smart device.

Functions include locomotive sounds and digital control without requiring the conventional analogue controller found in the standard set.

Hornby's digital configuration includes:

steam locomotive with HM7000 sound decoder
3 coaches
3rd Radius starter oval
Track Pack 1
wall transformer
power connecting track
rerailer
instructions

The controller is not included because operation is app based.

Hornby The Easterner DCC Sound Train Set

Easterner DCC Sound EU Plug

A specific EU-plug digital version combines the Easterner configuration with HM7000 sound and continental European power connectivity.

Hornby The Easterner DCC Sound EU Plug Set

3. The Scotsman — LNER Express and Pullman Cars

The Scotsman brings a different aspect of British railway history into the TT:120 range.

The set recreates the famous Scotsman express using an LNER A1 Class steam locomotive, Blink Bonny, finished in Apple Green and paired with three Pullman dining cars.

The Pullman coaches include individually illuminated table lamps, adding an extra visual element during operation.

The set includes:

A1 Class motorised steam locomotive
3 Pullman coaches with lighting
3rd Radius starter oval
Track Pack 1 with point and buffer
DC train controller
wall transformer
power connecting track
rerailer
instructions

Hornby The Scotsman TT:120 Train Set

How The Scotsman Differs from The Easterner

Both are steam passenger train sets, but they represent different railway identities.

The Easterner uses a BR Green A4 locomotive with BR Maroon Mark 1 coaches.

The Scotsman instead uses an LNER Apple Green A1 locomotive with Pullman dining cars, including illuminated table lamps.

The distinction is therefore primarily historical and visual rather than simply technical.

The Scotsman in a Layout

The combination of the A1 locomotive and Pullman cars makes The Scotsman particularly suited to a layout centred on:

LNER steam
East Coast express operation
Pullman passenger services
period station scenes
long-distance passenger railway themes

4. The Scotsman DCC Sound

The DCC Sound version moves The Scotsman into app-controlled HM7000 operation.

The locomotive is supplied HM7000 fitted with sound, while the three Pullman coaches retain their illuminated tables.

The set is controlled through the HM|DCC app rather than a conventional included controller.

The EU-plug version combines the same digital configuration with a power supply intended for continental European use.

Hornby The Scotsman DCC Sound EU Plug Version

5. The Royal Scot — Princess Coronation Express

The Royal Scot offers another substantial British steam passenger train but with a very different locomotive identity.

The set uses the Princess Coronation Class 'Duchess of Montrose' and three British Railways passenger coaches.

The locomotive is DCC Ready with a Next18 socket, so digital control can be added using a compatible decoder.

The set includes:

Princess Coronation Class steam locomotive
3 passenger coaches
etched Royal Scot headboard and coach boards
3rd Radius oval with siding
DC controller
wall transformer
power connecting track
rerailer
instructions

Hornby The Royal Scot TT:120 Train Set

Royal Scot vs Scotsman

The names are easy to confuse, but these are very different train sets.

The Scotsman centres on LNER East Coast express history and includes illuminated Pullman dining cars.

The Royal Scot uses a Princess Coronation Class locomotive and represents another major British express tradition.

The Scotsman therefore brings an LNER and Pullman identity, while The Royal Scot creates a different express-railway setting around the Princess Coronation Class.

6. Inter-City 125 High Speed Train

TT:120 is not limited to steam-era modelling.

The Inter-City 125 brings one of Britain's most recognisable high-speed diesel trains into the range.

The set represents the classic HST in BR Blue and Grey and includes two Class 43 power-car models — one motorised and one dummy — plus two passenger coaches.

The set includes:

2 Class 43 power cars — one powered, one dummy
2 coaches
3rd Radius starter oval
Track Pack 1
DC controller
wall transformer
power track
rerailer
instructions

The powered model is DCC Ready with a Next18 socket.

Hornby Inter-City 125 TT:120 Train Set

Inter-City 125 Layout Context

The HST creates a very different railway from the steam sets.

It fits naturally into:

1970s and 1980s British Rail layouts
larger station scenes
mainline passenger operations
British Rail modernisation-era modelling
layouts using additional Mark 3 coaches

For modellers whose railway interests are centred on diesel and InterCity history rather than steam, the HST provides a distinct TT:120 theme.

7. Inter-City 125 DCC Sound

The DCC Sound version combines the Inter-City 125 configuration with Hornby's HM7000 digital system.

The powered Class 43 comes HM7000 fitted with sound.

The system supports Bluetooth app control, sound functions and CV editing through Hornby's HM|DCC ecosystem.

The included layout occupies approximately 137 × 91 cm and provides around 294 cm of track.

Hornby Inter-City 125 DCC Sound TT:120 Set

Inter-City 125 Analogue vs DCC Sound

The two versions represent different control approaches rather than different railway subjects.

The analogue Inter-City 125 includes a conventional controller and is DCC Ready.

The DCC Sound version arrives with HM7000 already fitted and uses app-based control.

The digital version therefore adds:

digital locomotive control
sound functions
Bluetooth connectivity
HM|DCC app control
CV editing

The underlying railway theme remains the same BR Blue and Grey Inter-City 125.

8. Coalfield Freight — Class 37 Freight Operation

Coalfield Freight shifts the focus from passenger services to British Rail freight operation.

The set combines a Class 37 diesel locomotive with three British Rail freight hopper wagons.

The set includes:

Class 37 diesel-electric locomotive
3 hopper wagons
3rd Radius oval with siding
DC train controller
wall transformer
power connecting track
rerailer
instructions

The locomotive is DCC Ready with a Next18 socket.

The track footprint is approximately 125 × 84 cm.

Hornby Coalfield Freight TT:120 Train Set

Freight Operation in TT:120

A freight layout creates different operating possibilities from a passenger-focused railway.

Additional sidings can represent:

coal yards
industrial facilities
goods depots
marshalling areas
engineering yards

This creates scope for shunting and wagon movement alongside continuous running.

9. Coalfield Freight DCC Sound

The digital version uses the same Class 37 and freight theme but supplies the locomotive with HM7000 DCC Sound already fitted.

It therefore combines freight operation with Bluetooth-enabled digital control and sound through the HM|DCC ecosystem.

Hornby Coalfield Freight DCC Sound TT:120 Set

10. Branch Line Freight — Compact Steam Freight

The Branch Line Freight set takes a deliberately smaller approach to TT:120 railway operation.

Instead of a large mainline locomotive, it uses a compact B4 Class tank engine 'Normandy' with two goods wagons.

The set includes:

B4 Class steam locomotive
open plank wagon
Southern Railways closed wagon
starter oval
DC controller
wall transformer
power connecting track
rerailer
instructions

Hornby specifies a minimum space requirement of approximately 71 × 83 cm, making it notably more compact than the larger TT:120 train-set layouts.

The locomotive is DCC Ready with a 6-pin socket.

Hornby Branch Line Freight TT:120 Set

Branch Line Freight's Role in the Range

The Branch Line Freight set is particularly suited to a different style of railway from the large express sets.

Its characteristics favour:

compact layouts
small steam locomotives
goods workings
shunting
branch-line scenery
small stations and yards

Analogue vs DCC Sound — Key Differences

Hornby's TT:120 range includes conventional analogue sets, DCC Ready locomotives and HM7000 DCC Sound configurations.

Feature	Analogue / DCC Ready	HM7000 DCC Sound
Traditional controller	Usually included	Often app based
Sound	Not fitted as standard	Included
Digital locomotive control	Requires compatible decoder where DCC Ready	Included
Bluetooth app control	Requires HM7000 upgrade	Included
Upgrade path	Decoder can be added to compatible DCC Ready models	Digital system already fitted

DCC Ready and DCC Sound Fitted should not be confused.

A DCC Ready locomotive contains the appropriate decoder socket but still requires a compatible decoder before operating digitally.

An HM7000 DCC Sound Fitted locomotive already contains the digital sound decoder required for Hornby's Bluetooth-enabled control system.

What Is Hornby HM7000?

HM7000 is Hornby's Bluetooth-enabled digital control system.

Compatible locomotives fitted with HM7000 decoders can be controlled through the HM|DCC app on compatible smart devices.

Depending on the decoder and locomotive, the system can provide:

Bluetooth locomotive control
sound profiles
multiple locomotive functions
CV editing
digital speed and direction control

It provides an alternative to relying exclusively on a conventional physical DCC controller.

Hornby recommends confirming smart-device compatibility with the HM|DCC app before using HM7000 equipment.

UK Plug vs EU Plug

Hornby produces several TT:120 sets in both UK and EU-plug configurations.

This is especially relevant to modellers in Portugal, Spain, France, Germany and other continental European markets.

Examples include:

The Easterner EU Plug
The Easterner DCC Sound EU Plug
The Scotsman EU Plug
The Scotsman DCC Sound EU Plug

Hornby The Easterner EU Plug Set

Hornby The Easterner DCC Sound EU Plug Set

Hornby The Scotsman EU Plug Set

Hornby The Scotsman DCC Sound EU Plug Set

The plug configuration affects the supplied power connection rather than the scale or basic railway theme of the set.

How Much Space Does a Hornby TT:120 Layout Need?

This is one of TT:120's defining characteristics.

Several of the larger train sets use layouts around 137 × 91 cm, while Coalfield Freight is specified at around 125 × 84 cm and the compact Branch Line Freight requires approximately 71 × 83 cm.

These dimensions refer to the supplied starter layouts rather than a permanent limit on the railway.

Hornby produces extension packs and individual TT:120 track sections, allowing the original circuit to develop into a larger layout.

Can You Expand a Hornby TT:120 Train Set?

Yes. A train set provides the initial track, power and rolling stock around which a larger TT:120 railway can develop.

The wider TT:120 ecosystem includes:

additional locomotives
passenger coaches
freight wagons
track extension packs
points and individual track sections
buildings
scenery
digital decoders
HM7000 control equipment

This means the initial oval or siding arrangement can become the foundation of a much more detailed model railway.

Developing the Layout Beyond the Train Set

Once the original layout is established, additional track can change the way the railway operates.

Possible developments include:

additional sidings
extra points
longer passenger trains
larger freight formations
stations
engine sheds
goods yards
additional locomotives

Scenery and buildings can then establish a particular railway period, location or operating purpose around the track plan.

Our Hornby Bridges & Buildings guide looks specifically at structures and scenery for OO and TT:120 layouts.

Steam vs Diesel — Choosing a Railway Era

A train set often establishes the historical direction of the layout that develops around it.

The Scotsman, Easterner and Royal Scot are centred on British steam passenger operation.

The Inter-City 125 represents British Rail high-speed diesel passenger services.

Coalfield Freight brings Class 37 diesel freight operation into the layout.

Branch Line Freight creates a smaller steam goods and shunting environment.

The choice therefore affects not only the locomotive but also the coaches, wagons, stations, buildings, scenery and period details that naturally fit around it.

Different Starting Points for TT:120

The range provides several distinct ways into TT:120 depending on the type of railway being modelled.

The Easterner — Traditional Steam Passenger Railway

The A4 locomotive, three coaches and siding layout create a conventional British steam passenger starting point.

Branch Line Freight — Compact Goods Railway

The small B4 tank engine, two wagons and compact footprint create a setting suited to branch-line freight and shunting.

Inter-City 125 DCC Sound — Digital High-Speed Railway

The HM7000-equipped Class 43 introduces app-based digital operation and sound within a British Rail high-speed passenger setting.

Collector and Historical Interest

Beyond operation, each set also represents a different part of British railway history.

The Scotsman combines:

LNER Apple Green
A1 Class steam locomotive design
the historical Scotsman express identity
three Pullman cars
illuminated table lamps

The Royal Scot represents another important British express tradition through the Princess Coronation Class.

The Inter-City 125 shifts the historical focus to the British Rail high-speed era, while Coalfield Freight represents the industrial freight network associated with Class 37 locomotives and hopper traffic.

Hornby TT:120 Sets by Layout Focus

Layout Focus	Relevant Set
Traditional steam passenger railway	The Easterner
LNER express and Pullman operation	The Scotsman
Princess Coronation express	The Royal Scot
British Rail high-speed passenger	Inter-City 125
HM7000 high-speed passenger	Inter-City 125 DCC Sound
Class 37 freight	Coalfield Freight
HM7000 Class 37 freight	Coalfield Freight DCC Sound
Compact steam goods layout	Branch Line Freight
Continental European power connection	Easterner and Scotsman EU Plug variants

Final Verdict

Hornby's TT:120 train-set range covers several very different approaches to British model railway operation.

The Easterner represents classic A4-hauled British steam passenger services.

The Scotsman combines an LNER A1 locomotive with Pullman dining cars and illuminated interiors.

The Royal Scot introduces the Princess Coronation Class and another major British express tradition.

The Inter-City 125 shifts the railway into the British Rail high-speed diesel era.

Coalfield Freight focuses on Class 37 freight and hopper operation.

Branch Line Freight uses a much smaller B4 tank engine and goods formation for compact branch-line operation.

The analogue, DCC Ready and HM7000 Sound versions add another layer of choice by changing how the locomotives are controlled without changing the underlying historical subjects.

Viewed together, the range shows why TT:120 is more than simply a smaller alternative to OO. The scale supports express passenger trains, high-speed diesel operation, freight, shunting and compact branch-line layouts within a comparatively modest physical space.

Hornby TT:120 Train Set Range

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