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Over the years, and around the world, there has been hundreds of manufacturers making locomotives and accessories at various scales. There is so much choice that collectors often have trouble knowing just where to focus their efforts. Most collectors of model railways either seek quality or quantity, to a greater or lesser extent. Quality of course costs money, large amounts in some cases, although quantity doesn't mean the spending of any less cash.

If money was no object then I would be buying Bassett-Lowke stock both new and old. I am predominantly a HO/OO or N gauge collector, preferring stock from Graham Farish or Hornby, but Bassett-Lowke models are mostly set to O scale.

Bassett-Lowke was an English toy company based in Northampton. Founded in 1899 by Wenman Joseph Bassett-Lowke the company specialised in model railway and boats. Although they did not necessarily manufacture all of their models, they became well known for their large scale models. Those with sufficient funds could request specially deisgned and built models for their collection.

Bassett-Lowke were well known for their attention to detail, something that did not always happen on other manufacturers larger scale models. Also the construction methods ensured that each and every model was built to a high standard. This though meant their models were expensive and they began to lose out to cheaper, though inferior competitors. By 1965 the company was out of business.

The company name passed through a number of hands before ending up with the Corgi brand in 1996. By 1999 Corgi were in a position to relaunch the brand. Today the company produce a range of O Gauge locomotives. The construction method ensures that they are a cut above their competitors. Each locomotive is produced from sheet metal using soldered construction methodology.

Corgi is not looking towards a bulk market, and is instead seeking out the collectible market. To ensure that the top prices are paid for their product, the firm produces only limited numbers for each livery.

I have found that these new models are of an equal standard to the original production. Cost, though is restrictive and as yet I have not been able to afford to buy any of their new models. These new models allow for the production of real steam from smoke oil and the built in smoke generator. These new models are also designed to run on new and old tracks alike, so they will run on my pre-war Hornby track. The only problem with the new lines is that there are no coaches being produced, so the new collector is restricted to locomotives and rolling stock.

With new and old models, there is always the question of cost. Old models are high prized, and because of their initial cost, many examples have been well preserved. As a result even ordinary pre-1960 models can cost a small fortune. When mint boxed locomotives come onto the market, models will change hands for up to 3500 ($7000). Even used unboxed rolling stock can go for 50 plus ($100). As a result a modest collection of older stock can be a considerable investment and asset.

Unfortunately new models are not that much cheaper. The recommended retail price for the British Railways Flying Scotsman is 800 ($1600), whilst a LMS Brake Van is 50 ($100).

As I said at the start if money was no object then I would be buying into the Bassett-Lowke market, but until I win the lottery I will stick to the cheaper Hornby and Graham Farish.

Learn more about this author, Tim Harry.
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