Model Trains
The Bassett Lowke company dedicates itself in making scale models such as model trains and railways. They also include line-ups of model ships, boats, tractors, excavators, and model construction vehicles.
Although W.J. Bassett Lowke only 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 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 bought elaborate German-made model trains with English livery paint. The first scale model factory he built was at the town of Nothampton. Initially, the first scale models his company manufactured were scale model ships used as training pieces for the navy and for display. The company’s model trains were initially made exclusively for the wealthy and exhibits. Bassett-Lowke also coordinated with E.W. Twining for the production of architectural models for model railways.
The Bassett-Lowke company made a test run of their very first 15” gauge steam locomotive branded as Little Giant on the Eaton Railway in 1905. The purpose of these test runs was for giving spectators a sneak peak of the real main-line locomotives replicated.
The model trains the company offers have evolved with the passing of time in terms of functionality and technology. Innovative ways of working model trains and railways have given patrons and hobbyists alike the esteem and enjoyment they deserve.
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. Both of which is the handiwork of one brilliant English fellow named Nigel Gresley who also became England’s Chief Mechanical Engineer (CME.)
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.
The Bassett-Lowke Flying Scotsman and Flying Fox are made from soldered sheet metal, a distinct feature the company has been doing since they began. The inner workings also include revised gearboxes which makes the model trains run quieter, smoke generators to simulate the steam exhaust from the engine, electric drive, illuminated firebox, and superb paintwork and minute details to say the least.