Bassett-Lowke Model Trains
Established by Wenman Joseph Bassett-Lowke in 1899, the Basset Lowke toy company specializes in making above all model trains and railways. In addition, they include line-ups of model ships, boats, tractors, excavators, and model construction vehicles.
Although W.J. Bassett Lowke just had few years of schooling, he had an acute understanding of architecture and talent in manufacturing. Shortly after, he joined the family business of making boilers together with his father. While making boilers, the young Bassett-Lowke used some of his free time making model steam engines which are only for display. As soon as he started his own business, he created a mail order catalogue business together with a friend who used to be a bookkeeper in his father’s boiler-making business.
Bassett-Lowke’s interest in making model trains was heightened when he attended the Paris Exhibition in 1900 where he also purchased intricate German-made model trains with English livery paint. His first manufacturing factory came about in Northampton, England. At first, his company produced model ships that were used for displays as well as guidance aids for sailors and navies. Later on, scale model trains followed but were only available to the wealthy. Bassett-Lowke also coordinated with E.W. Twining for the production of architectural models for model railways.
In 1905, their 15 inch gauge steam locomotive called “Little Giant” performed a test run. This trial run served as a preview for people on how the model train’s main line counterpart would run once it commence service.
The model trains the company offers have evolved with the passing of time in terms of functionality and technology. The use of modern materials as well as digitization of model train and railway components have presented model trains hobbyists new ways to improve and enjoy their collection.
These days, a number of legendary main line locomotives are offered by the Bassett-Lowke line up. This collection include the two sibling locomotives, the Flying Fox and the Flying Scotsman. These two iconic steam locomotives are the brainchildren of England’s well-recognized Chief Mechanical Engineer Sir Herbert Nigel Gresley.
Created in 1923, The Flying Scotsman was recorded to be the fastest steam locomotive of its time. The Flying Scotsman ended its service in 1963 and the Flying Fox in 1964.
Made from soldered sheet metal, Basette-Lowke’s Flying Fox and Flying Scotsman models are made resilient and long-lasting. Additional features include revised gearbox that makes a quieter run, illuminated firebox, electric drive and smoke generator and exceptional details and paintwork.
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