The Bassett Lowke company dedicates itself in creating scale models such as model trains and railways. In addition, they include line-ups of model ships, boats, tractors, excavators, and model construction vehicles.
Even though W.J. Bassett Lowke only had few years of education, he had an acute familiarity of architecture and competence in manufacturing. Shortly after, he joined the family business of manufacturing boilers along with his father. 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 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.
Throughout his visit at the 1900 Paris Exhibition, Wenman Bassett Lowke’s inspiration on making his own scale models was broadened thanks to the model trains he bought from German manufacturers. His first manufacturing factory came about in Northampton, England. At first, his company fabricated model ships that were used for displays as well as teaching 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 branded as Little Giant on the Eaton Railway in 1905. This test run served as a preview for people on how the model train’s main line counterpart would run once it start service.
The model trains the company offers have evolved with the passing of time in terms of functionality and technology. The utilization of modern materials as well as digitization of model train and railway components have granted model trains hobbyists new ways to develop and enjoy their collection.
Now, the Bassett-Lowke company offers scale replicas of renowned main-line locomotives. Among them are the Flying Scotsman and the Flying Fox. These two iconic steam locomotives are the brainchildren of England’s well-known 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 operation 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. Additional features include revised gearbox that makes a quieter run, illuminated firebox, electric drive and smoke generator and exceptional details and paintwork.
