Jack Odell (27 August 1920 – 19 January 2007) was a British toymaker and entrepreneur best known for founding Hornby Railways, a leading manufacturer of model railway equipment. Born in London, England, Odell began his career as an apprentice at Meccano Ltd., where he gained experience in metalworking and toy design. In 1938, he designed and produced a tinplate model locomotive that was marketed under the Hornby name, reviving the brand that had previously been used by the original model railway company.
In 1949, Odder established the company that would become Hornby Railways, initially producing inexpensive, ready‑to‑run model trains aimed at a mass market. Under his leadership, the company introduced the “Hornby Dublo” line in the 1950s, featuring more detailed and powerful models, which contributed to the popularisation of model railroading in the United Kingdom. Throughout the mid‑20th century, Hornby expanded its product range to include a variety of scales, accessories, and later, electric and digital control systems.
Odell remained actively involved in the company's development until his retirement in the 1970s. He is recognised for his contributions to the hobby of model railroading and for making model trains more accessible to a broad audience. Jack Odell died in 2007 at the age of 86.
