Hornby to produce model collectibles for London 2012 fans

COMING soon - a build your own Olympic stadium, in 1:500 scale, complete with minature Boris Johnson crazily waving an Olympic flag.

Hornby - whose model train sets have graced Christmas stockings since 1901 - have been granted a licence to produce an extensive range of collectibles around the London 2012 Olympics.

Among their plans is an Airfix kit of the Olympic stadium and a Scalextric velodrome set, so anyone can be Sir Chris or Dame Vicky, a bit presumptious admittedly but surely her time will come?

Olympic collectibles can be big business - with a small but dedicated online community trading all things associated with the Games.

Beijing's official merchandise was hardly inspiring - low-cost and low-quality trinkets and a wider range of t-shirts than Hackney market.

2012 officials are determined to be a little more classy and this licence - the first of many to follow in the months ahead - is hoped to demonstrate that desire.

"One of the most exciting things about our commercial programme is the possibilities it offers in the licensing and merchandise arena," said Locog chief executive Paul Deighton.

"We are proud to be working with a truly iconic British company, which can offer us a great range of products across its brands that will celebrate the Games in 2012 and live on for generations after as collector's items."

Hornby's first Olympic themed products will go on sale before Christmas this year.

---

MORE BLOGS BY JAMES TONEY

Do national championships contravene EU free movement legislation?

2012 boxing venue row rumbles on without resolution

Robinsons advert gives glimpse of Murray Wimbledon win

Nadal could benefit from Roland Garros shockwaves

---