The Wessex Transfers story begins with Les Horton (Rob's Father) buying second hand Hornby for young Rob, back in 1973, then deciding to renovate Hornby as the collection grew. Les began making transfers (decals), and, later, reproduction Hornby parts, including his now famous box van bodies. Rob joined the business in 1989, on a part time basis, becoming full time in 1993. Les retired from his full time profession in 1990, to concentrate on the Hornby business, and sadly passed away, following a stroke, in March 1998. Rob relocated to Australia, to continues the production of Wessex Transfers, which continue to be available via David Cooke (HRCAA President) following the demise of Rob Horton.
Rob Horton designed vans for both Darstaed Vintage and Ace Trains.
(a) Horton Wessex Four Wheeled Vans
The HRCA 25th Anniversary (1969-94) vans are of special interest, having first been advertised in the HRCA Journal 267 (June 1993) by Les Horton, as a joint enterprise with Bernard Ridgley, Les Horton providing the printed body sides and ends. The next advertisement was HRCA Journal 272 (November 1993) when Les Horton advertised complete vans for 40 pounds, or sides and ends only, for 15 pounds, to fit any standard Hornby van chassis. Journals 276, 278 and 283 contained advertisements for the same van by Bernard Ridgley, with the final advertisement saying Offer Closes 31st December. Those advertisements which mention colour specify gloss blue, no mention being made of white sides or roof/chassis colour. White/red examples have been noted in both Horton and Ridgley boxes.
A certificate issued with the vans acknowledges the vans as a joint production by John Metcalfe, Anthony Funnell, John Hughes, Bernard Ridgley and Rob Horton.
Directory Series 4 wheeled van, HRCA 25th Anniversary, black chassis, white roof |
Directory Series 4 wheeled van, HRCA 25th Anniversary, black chassis, white roof |
Directory Series 4 wheeled van, HRCA 25th Anniversary, red chassis, red roof |
Directory Series 4 wheeled van, HRCA 25th Anniversary, red chassis, red roof |
Directory Series 4 wheeled van, HRCA 25th Anniversary, red chassis, white roof |
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Directory Series 4 wheeled van, HRCA 25th Anniversary, red chassis, white roof |
Horton Wessex 4 wheeled van, Colman's Mustard Traffic, with Horton Series box |
Horton 4 wheeled vans, Colman's Mustard Traffic and Starch Traffic liveries Image credit Vectis Auctions |
Horton 4 wheeled van, Colman's Mustard Traffic livery |
Horton 4 wheeled van, Colman's Mustard Traffic livery |
Horton 4 wheeled van, Colman's Starch Traffic livery |
Horton 4 wheeled van, Colman's Starch Traffic livery |
Horton 4 wheeled van, Huntley and Palmers Biscuits livery |
Horton 4 wheeled van, Huntley and Palmers Biscuits livery |
Horton 4 wheeled van, Palethorpes Sausages livery |
Horton 4 wheeled van, Palethorpes Sausages livery |
Horton 4 wheeled van, Palethorpes Sausages livery. Progress Products 'Hornby No 50' type chassis |
Horton 4 wheeled van, Palethorpes Sausages livery. Progress Products 'Hornby No 50' type chassis |
Horton 4 wheeled van, Marsh's Sausage livery, blue chassis, blue roof |
Horton 4 wheeled van, Marsh's Sausage livery, blue chassis, blue roof |
Horton 4 wheeled van, Marsh's Sausage livery, black chassis, white roof |
Horton 4 wheeled van, Marsh's Sausage livery, black chassis, white roof |
Horton 4 wheeled van, Marsh's Sausage livery, red chassis, white roof |
Horton 4 wheeled van, Marsh's Sausage livery, red chassis, white roof |
Horton 4 wheeled van, Salvage livery (grey) |
Horton 4 wheeled van, Salvage livery (grey) |
Horton 4 wheeled van, Salvage livery (blue) |
Horton 4 wheeled van, Salvage livery (blue) |
Horton 4 wheeled van, Explosives livery |
Horton 4 wheeled van, Explosives livery |
Horton 4 wheeled van, GWR Fish livery |
Horton 4 wheeled van, LNER Fish livery |
Horton 4 wheeled van, LMS Fish livery |
Horton 4 wheeled van, LMS Fish livery |
Horton 4 wheeled van, SR Refrigerator livery |
Horton 4 wheeled van, NE Ventilated Refrigerator livery |
Horton 4 wheeled van, GWR Mica (ventilated) livery, grey |
Horton 4 wheeled van, GWR Mica (ventilated) livery, grey |
Horton 4 wheeled van, GWR Mica B (refrigerated) livery, white |
Horton Wessex 4 wheeled van, NE Perishable |
Horton Wessex 4 wheeled van, NE Perishable |
(b) Horton Wessex Four Wheeled Open Wagons
Horton 4 wheeled Colman's Starch Traffic van and Coleman's Mustard Works open wagon Image credit Vectis Auctions |
Horton 4 wheeled open wagon, Colman's Mustard Works livery |
Horton 4 wheeled open wagon, Colman's Mustard Works livery |
Horton 4 wheeled open wagon, Moreland Matches livery |
(b) Horton Wessex Printed Wagon Sides
Horton printed sides for 4 wheeled wagons and vans Image credit Vectis Auctions |
Horton printed sides for 4 wheeled wagons and vans Image credit Vectis Auctions |
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