Classic European Toy Trains

[lionelsuperotrack]

Since our group has nothing to do with Classic European Toy Trains we may have a lurker or two and you may be interested in this new group.

The purpose of this English speaking group is to share and further knowledge about no longer manufactured trains from the start of industrial toy train production in the late 19th century to date. Of course, our hope is creating fellowship in the process. After all is said and done, we do this for the enjoyment!

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/...European_Toy_Trains/

While inevitably such discussions will also touch on Märklin and some of the British classic brands these are already well-served by English language e-groups so we want to concentrate more on some of the other (we do not say lesser) manufacturers that enhanced the toy train world but do not have the same profile among English speaking enthusiasts. While our initial interest was the French toy train we also welcome contributions about manufacturers from elsewhere in Europe, such as Spain or Belgium. In fact, classic European trains are our focus.

The premier French manufacturer was JEP, originally called "Le Jouet de Paris" (JdP) which was making tinplate trains before WW1 along with many other toys. However it was after that conflict that a Golden Age of toy train production began in France, including such classics as the JEP "Flêche d'Or" (Golden Arrow). There were also new players, in particular Meccano (who made Meccano, Hornby trains and Dinky Toys for the French market) and LR (Le Rapide) who offered a rather distinctive take in terms of style and size on 0 gauge trains. But there were others; Edobaud with its narrow gauge feel, Marescot offering true scale models.

After WW2 the main makers continued to develop their 0 gauge ranges, and others tried their hand. But as elsewhere the HO train became the norm, so by the 60s the O gauge French toy train was largely a matter of history.

It is the period and the products encompassed by this potted history that are the primary interest of this group. Your contributions are encouraged and you are welcome to join us for the journey!

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/...European_Toy_Trains/

Mike Spanier
List Founder

And now moderated by Tony