Founded 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 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.  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.

In 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.  In the beginning, his company produced model ships that were used for displays as well as teaching aids for sailors and navies.  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 identified as Little Giant on the Eaton Railway in 1905.  The objective 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.

Today, a number of legendary main line locomotives are offered by the Bassett-Lowke line up.  Among them are the Flying Scotsman and the Flying Fox.  Both of which is the handiwork of one brilliant English fellow named Nigel Gresley who also became England’s Chief Mechanical Engineer (CME.)

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 Fox and Flying Scotsman models are made strong 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.