Page "Frank Hornby" Paragraph 4

By the end of 1900 Hornby had built a set of parts he considered worth marketing.

On advice, he patented his invention in January 1901 as " Improvements in Toy or Educational Devices for Children and Young People ", but not without first having to borrow five pounds from his employer, David Elliot, to cover the costs.

During 1901 Hornby began looking for companies to manufacture his product, but it was poorly finished and did not attract much attention.

Still having to support his family on the small wage he earned, Hornby did not have much time to market his invention.

Fortunately, his employer saw potential in what Hornby was doing and offered him some vacant premises next to the office where he worked to pursue his ideas.

With this move, Elliot and Hornby became partners.