Gallery Section
Hornby O gauge trains were first brought onto the market in 1920, with production ending in 1962. The first Hornby trains were assembled using Meccano nuts and bolts, but the company soon moved to the easier tab and slot tinplate construction. This continued until the end of O gauge production. Models were typically enamel finished but the cheaper ranges were tinprinted.
Hornby Dublo trains were first brought onto the market in 1938, with production ceasing following the takeover of the company by Tri-ang in 1964. Dublo locomotives were mainly diecast, with rolling stock of tinplate construction, but these were later superseded by superior plastic injection moulded models. The passenger rolling stock used tinprinted sides right to the end of production. As three rail was discontinued, metal gave way to plastic wheels on rolling stock.
In 1931, Meccano Ltd. introduced a range diecast toys under the name Modelled Miniatures. They were to no particular scale, but may of them were compatible with the O gauge system. Within a few years, the range had been renamed to "Dinky Toys" and expanded with the introduction of several new models. A range of smaller Dinky Dublo models was introduced in the 1950s to complement the Dublo System.
In 1901 the first patent for "Mechanics Made Easy" was lodged. Tin Boxes of nickel plated strips, steel axle rods, brass wheels, nuts and bolts were marketed under this brand. The idea was initially slow to sell but Frank persisted.
In 1907 the name Meccano was coined and the product became a household name.
Although Hornby was the most prolific producer of model railways, other companies both manufactured and imported model railways. Bassett-Lowke, Leeds Model Company & Milbro were three of the more popular UK brands.
They tended to be more accurate to prototype but were somewhat more expensive. Initially, Bassett-Lowke imported a lot of their product from Europe, but later on moved towards their own production. Other brands producing cheaper trains included Brimtoy and Chad Valley.
Australian manufacturing was boosted by the lack of supply during and after the second world war. There were 3 main players, Robilt, Ferris & Maurlyn, and a number of lesser known brands including Scorpion & Cranko of New Zealand.
