Bassett-Lowke Model Train Sets

The Bassett Lowke company specializes in constructing scale models such as model trains and railways. In addition, they 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 little years spent in proper education but had spent a considerable amount of time in an architect’s office. Shortly after, he joined the family business of making boilers along with his father. During his free time on his father’s factory, W.J. Bassett-Lowke made stationary model steam engines. He later began his own mail-order catalogue business.

Bassett-Lowke’s interest in making model trains was heightened when he attended the Paris Exhibition in 1900 where he also purchased elaborate German-made model trains with English livery paint. The earliest scale model factory he built was at the city of Nothampton. Originally, the first scale models his company manufactured were scale model ships used as training pieces for the navy and for display. Later on, scale model trains followed but were only available to the wealthy. Together with E.W. Twining, Bassett-Lowke also produced high quality architectural models that provide more life to model trains and railways.

In 1905, their 15 inch gauge steam locomotive called “Little Giant” performed a test run. 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 Bassett-Lowke company retain their traditional way of producing model trains in terms of materials and details, but they regularly incorporate new technological ways in improving the functionality of every model train and railway piece. The use of modern materials as well as digitization of model train and railway mechanisms have presented model trains hobbyists new ways to develop and benefit from their collection.

At present, 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-renowned Chief Mechanical Engineer Sir Herbert Nigel Gresley.

Both the Flying Fox and Flying Scotsman were built in 1923 and the Flying Scotsman held the record of fastest steam locomotive in the world. The Flying Scotsman ended its operation in 1963 and the Flying Fox in 1964.

Made from soldered sheet metal, Basette-Lowke’s Flying Scotsman and Flying Fox models are made durable and long-lasting. Additional features add in revised gearbox that makes a quieter run, illuminated firebox, electric drive and smoke generator and exceptional details and paintwork.