Started by Wenman Joseph Bassett-Lowke in 1899, the Basset Lowke toy company specializes in producing above all model trains and railways. Besides trains, they also include line-ups of model ships, boats, tractors, excavators, and model construction vehicles.
As a son of a boiler-maker, W.J. Bassett Lowke only had a few years spent in school but had spent a substantial amount of time in an architect’s office. Eventually, he joined his father in his business making boilers. While making boilers, the young Bassett-Lowke used some of his free time making model steam engines which are only for display. He later began his own mail-order catalogue business.
Bassett-Lowke’s interest in making model trains was sharpened when he attended the Paris Exhibition in 1900 where he also bought elaborate German-made model trains with English livery paint. His first manufacturing factory came about in Northampton, England. Primarily, 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.
The Bassett-Lowke company made a test run of their very first 15” gauge steam locomotive known as Little Giant on the Eaton Railway in 1905. The purpose of these test runs was for giving spectators a sneak peak of the actual 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 operating model trains and railways have given regulars and hobbyists alike the esteem and enjoyment they deserve.
Today, 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 started. The inner components 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.
