Hello, my name is John Chapman. When I was a lad in the fifties we all wanted a steam engine. I was fortunate enough to be given one for Christmas when I was ten years old. It was like the one in the picture above. It had a single oscillating cylinder and was fired by a spirit lamp. It did not produce a lot of power but I remember it drove a little circular saw that would cut thin card! I had hours of fun with it and it was probably responsible for my lifelong interest in things mechanical and steam powered machines in particular.
In more recent years I have started to collect steam toys and this site allows me to share my collection.
Why are steam toys so fascinating? In answering this question I can do no better that quote Bob Gordon from his book "Toy Steam Engines" (Shire Album 131).
"There is a special fascination about toy steam engines seldom found with other mechanical toys, they have a timeless appeal far beyond that of just children's playthings. Not only do they work without being wound up, but they are noisy, smelly and often dirty as well, just like the real thing. Above all they project an image of boisterous power."
Thank you for visiting my web site, which I hope you find interesting. I would be delighted to hear from other steam enthusiasts so feel free to contact me - john@steamtoys.co.uk
Latest Update - 29th May 2009
Wilson added to British Engines page.
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