MODEL train maker Hornby declared it was rediscovering the magic of the 1950s and 1960s as popularity surged for its products.

The company announced it was full steam ahead for growth after half-year profits surged 33 per cent to £2.2m.

Capitalising on the revival of interest that followed the launch of the Harry Potter Hogwarts Express range, the group, based in Kent, said its latest products had not lost their magic touch.

Hornby's Pullman range of coaches proved particularly popular, helping power sales growth of 13 per cent to £15.8m in the six months to September 30. Chief executive Frank Martin said the arrival of the Live Steam range on store shelves by Christmas would keep sales on a fast track.

These locomotives - powered, as the name suggests, by steam - took three years to develop. They will run on standard Hornby track and cost rail enthusiasts about £500.

The nostalgia factor not only fuelled optimism on the Live Steam range but lifted sales of its Scalextric racing cars.

Sales of Scalextric cars surged by 50 per cent during the period, reflecting the appetite of parents for traditional hands-on toys, Mr Martin said. High street retailers are operating more than 100 Hornby counters in-store, up from 52 a year ago.