Vintage collectable steam engines and other models

Steam has been used to power models and toys from the late 19th century onwards, as an alternative to clockwork. It was largely replaced by battery or electric power in the 20th century, although some toys are still being sold and some models (usually scratch built by amateurs) are still being built.

There are three primary types of steam engine driven items: stationary toys built for children, moving steam-powered models such as engines, trains and boats and demonstration models made to show how a machine works.

Stationary engines were made by many of the leading German tinplate manufacturers such as Gebruder Bing, Marklin, Ernst Plank and Carette. In England, Mamod is the best known maker. They also made moving steam engines. Most stationary steam engines drove flywheels that would be attached to other accessories with belts, driving the workings on the accessory. Factories, windmills and other novelty movements can more... be found. Tinplate toys are desirable to tinplate collectors who collect names such as Marklin and Bing.

Original paintwork or lithography is important, and damage, often caused by the water and oil used, reduces value. Look for original burners and components. Larger demonstration models fetch large sums if sophisticated, well engineered and of a large size. Any finely made ‘live steam’ pieces such as trains that can be ‘ridden’ or are larger than a toy will also usually be desirable and valuable. less...