- Well tinplate fans, I have a "fun" item for you today. Ever since I read the multi-volume treatment of "British Toy Trains" by Michael Foster, I have been interested in the makes that he illustrated. These were mostly toys from manufacturers that were well below the price point of a Basset Lowke or Hornby but therefore so much more affordable by many more families. These toys provided wonderful play value to many children. In the US, this position was usually filled by Marx, who's products were often well below the price point of a Lionel or American Flyer item yet provided great play value.
- Well I finally found one of these little locomotives (I do have some Mettoy cars) and it represents the streamlined locomotives of Sir Nigel Gresley (according to Foster) and although they came in several liveries, up until 1940 they all carried the number 2509. They were of two basic varieties a 2-4-0 and a smaller (I expect less expensive) engine with the same motor but an 0-4-0
- My engine is the "Silver Streak" #2509 one of the 0-4-0 's from 1936-37 and it came in a set with a matching silver and black tender and two silver and black coaches (alas I do not have those but who knows what the future will bring). The engine is clockwork and mine still works and came with the key !!
- Here is the Wells-Brimtoy "Silver Streak" loco :
- Note the silver / black treatment for the entire loco, and the winding stem protruding from this side. This side also has the printing..."Made in England" which the other side does not.
- Here is the streamlined boiler front of the loco prominently showing the "Wells O' London" trademark
- Here is the other side and a view of the boiler top.
This guy is small, the entire engine is but 6 1/4" long . OBTW if you have the reference, the # 2509 Silver Streak set is pictured in Foster's Book, Volume 3, pg 168. As you can see, my example has been well played with , but I enjoy that actually by thinking of the young person who most likely greatly enjoyed running his streamlined train, probably on the floor of his home.
Have a great week
Don
