Started by Wenman Joseph Bassett-Lowke in 1899, the Basset Lowke toy company specializes in making above all model trains and railways.  Aside from model trans and railways, Bassett-Lowke toy company also manufactures model ships and model construction equipments. 

Although W.J. Bassett Lowke only had few years of education, he had an acute familiarity of architecture and competence in manufacturing.  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 started his own mail-order catalogue business.

Bassett-Lowke’s fascination in making model trains was sharpened when he attended the Paris Exhibition in 1900 where he also purchased intricate German-made model trains with English livery paint.  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 wealthy and exhibits.  Together with E.W. Twining, Bassett-Lowke also produced high quality architectural models that provide additional life to model trains and railways.

In 1905, their 15 inch gauge steam locomotive called “Little Giant” performed a test run.  The goal of these test runs was for giving audiences a sneak peak of the actual 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.  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.)

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 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 durable and long-lasting.  The internal workings 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 minute details to say the least.