Bassett-Lowke Model Train Sets

The Bassett Lowke company specializes in making scale models such as model trains and railways.  Besides trains, they also bring in 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 small number of years spent in school but had spent a considerable amount of time in an architect’s office.  In the long run, he joined his father in his business making boilers.  During his free time on his father’s factory, W.J. Bassett-Lowke made stationary model steam engines.  As soon as he started his own company, he created a mail order catalogue business together with a friend who used to be a bookkeeper in his father’s boiler-making business.

During his visit at the 1900 Paris Exhibition, Wenman Bassett Lowke’s inspiration on creating his own scale models was broadened thanks to the model trains he purchased from German manufacturers.  His first manufacturing factory came about in Northampton, England.  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 rich 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 actual main-line locomotives replicated.
The Bassett-Lowke company had maintained their usual method of producing model trains in terms of materials and details, but they constantly incorporate new technological ways in improving the functionality of each model train and railway part.  Innovative ways of operating model trains and railways have given regulars and hobbyists alike the value and enjoyment they deserve.

Nowadays, the Bassett-Lowke company offers scale replicas of renowned main-line locomotives.  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.

Made from soldered sheet metal, Basette-Lowke’s Flying Fox and Flying Scotsman models are made strong and long-lasting.  The in-house components also consist of 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 miniature details that add pizazz.