Mamod
The Mamod company was a British toy manufacturer specializing in building live steam models. The company was founded in 1935 in Birmingham in the British midlands by Geoffrey Malins. The first models produced were of stationary steam engines, the company later also creating models of road rollers, traction engines and steam cars. These models were aimed at the toy market, so were simple to operate and ran at low boiler pressures for safety but were not accurate scale models.
Two common characteristics of Mamod models were the simple but effective oscillating cylinders and the Hexamine solid fuel which came in tablet form and provided low heat and a safe form of firing.
Contents
Mamod Steam Railway
In 1981 Mamod introduced its first model railway, the O gauge live steam SL-1 locomotive, along with a small range of rolling stock and track. The model was of a narrow gauge railway and although it was not based on a specific prototype it was to approximately 16mm, thus representing approximately a 2 ft (610 mm) gauge railway.
The Mamod Steam Railway, as it was known, was the first cheap, mass produced live steam set in Britain and sold well. Mamod quickly added to the range with further locomotives the SL-2 and SL-3 available in ready-to-run and kit form and in both O (32 mm) and 1 (45 mm) gauge. Special edition locomotives, further rolling stock and points were also made.
In all over 18,000 model locomotives were produced by the Mamod company as well as thousands of non-rail models.
The End of Malins Family control
The company went into receivership in 1980, but survived. Eric Malins, the Managing Director, and Steve Malins, his son, gave up control of the company, thus effectively ending the Malins family's relationship with Mamod. Since then the company has had several owners and manufacturing bases. It is currently (2006) in the ownership of the Terry family and is now based near its original home at Smethwick in the West Midlands. The company now produces a wide range of mobile engines, as well as some stationary models and machine tools.
An excellent book has been written by Steve Malins (Malins Models, pub 1996) which details the company's existence from the beginning with Geoffrey Malins, right up to 1996 when the Terry family took over the firm. Although out of print, second-hand copies can found.
Related companies
Two other companies are currently (2006) producing models based on the original Mamod designs:
- MSS (Mamod Sales and Services) continues to manufacture and sell the basic locomotive and stock, as well as a new saddle tank model introduced in 2004.
- Mamod Steam Models produces a wide range of Mamod models including an upgraded version of the SL-1 locomotive design with improved running gear.
In addition, the basic design of the Mamod has inspired several improved version supplied by independent manufacturers. Notable amongst there are the Creekside Forge & Foundry Baldwin, the PPS Janet and the IP Engineering Jane. Several manufacturers also supply upgraded components for the original Mamod line. A particularly popular upgrade was to fit the locomotive with a meths burner which produced greater heat and therefore allowed higher boiler pressure and great hauling capacity.
The large number and low cost of Mamod models means they are still popular today. There is a thriving market in spare and replacement parts from a variety of small manufacturers. Second-hand models are cheap and readily available and are often used as the basis for conversions by modelers.
