Wilesco is the
trade name
A trade name, trading name, or business name, is a pseudonym used by companies that do not operate under their registered company name. The term for this type of alternative name is a "fictitious" business name. Registering the fictitious name w ...
of German toy company Wilhelm Schröder GmbH & Co. KG, known for manufacturing
live steam toys such as
steamrollers,
traction engine
A traction engine is a steam engine, steam-powered tractor used to move heavy loads on roads, plough ground or to provide power at a chosen location. The name derives from the Latin ''tractus'', meaning 'drawn', since the prime function of any t ...
s,
stationary steam engines, and numerous accessories such as
countershafts and drive models.
Initially a producer of aluminium forks and spoons, the company expanded into miniature aluminium accessories for doll's
tea parties in the 1920s. This decision also helped the company weather the economic crisis of the late 1920s and early 1930s because these toys were also exported to the US.
In 1950, Wilesco started manufacturing miniature steam engines. In 1966, the D36 "Old Smokey" steamroller was introduced which has been popular among collectors and continues to be produced.
The company also manufactures various accessories for their steam engines such as electrical generators, steam workshops and fairground rides. While most of their steam engine models are heated by
esbit, electrical heating is also available. Steam-powered toy locomotives (
G scale) and an
open wagon
Open wagons (trucks in the UK) form a large group of railway goods wagons designed primarily for the transportation of bulk goods that are not moisture-retentive and can usually be tipped, dumped or shovelled. The International Union of Ra ...
were also available from Wilesco for a while.
The company still manufactures a range of plastic and aluminium scoops and hooks, as well as steam toys.
Wilesco's main rival is the British-based steam model manufacturer:
Mamod
Mamod is a British toy manufacturer that specializes in manufacturing live steam models. The company was founded in Birmingham by Geoffrey Malins in 1937. The name is a portmanteau of Malins Models. The first models produced were of stationary ...
. Mamod and Wilesco produce similar models, at similar prices and size range.
Gallery
File:Wilesco D3 steam engine.jpg, D3, one of the lowest-priced Wilesco engines
File:Wilesco D6 steam engine, running.jpg, A running Wilesco D6
File:Wilesco D16 steam engine1.jpg, Wilesco D16; 1970s (colours not original)
File:Wilesco-dampfmaschine-D161.jpg, Wilesco D161 (same engine as D16, but with workshop)
File:Wilesco D32.jpg, A 1970s twin-cylinder D32
File:Wilesco D36 1.jpg, "Old Smokey" D36 steamroller (1980s)
File:Wilesco d36 3.jpg, Closeup view of the steam cylinder and safety valve of "Old Smokey"
File:Wilesco D366.jpg, D366, an all-brass version of "Old Smokey"
File:Wilesco D40 model steam Traction Engine - front view.jpg, Wilesco D40 model steam traction engine
A traction engine is a steam engine, steam-powered tractor used to move heavy loads on roads, plough ground or to provide power at a chosen location. The name derives from the Latin ''tractus'', meaning 'drawn', since the prime function of any t ...
- front view
See also
*
Mamod
Mamod is a British toy manufacturer that specializes in manufacturing live steam models. The company was founded in Birmingham by Geoffrey Malins in 1937. The name is a portmanteau of Malins Models. The first models produced were of stationary ...
MiniSteam
References
External links
Official German siteOfficial USA site
*
Wilesco models picture galleryToySteamBible.org: Wilesco
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{{Authority control
Toy companies of Germany
Toy steam engine manufacturers
Toy train manufacturers
German brands
Companies based in North Rhine-Westphalia
Toy companies established in 1912
German companies established in 1912