Boom: Apprentice Mamod Tom Lockrey
British model steam engine manufacturer Mamod is benefiting from a rise in the value of its collectibles, even as the company faces difficulties in surviving.
Nostalgia for a bygone era is behind the popularity of some of its rarest steam engines, which have increased in price eight-fold in recent years. The most sought after now sell for thousands of euros.
This explosion of value is also favored by international fans and couldn’t come at a better time. The company has been struggling since the government banned fuel tablets containing the explosive ingredient hexamine used in engines.
The West Midlands company fears it could cost it £50,000 in lost stock revenue and changes to the manufacturing process.
Mamod initially manufactured static steam engines under its ‘Hobbies’ brand which offered an introduction to engineering for young people wishing to learn mechanics, also attracting adults. The engines are powered by steam pistons, set in motion when water is heated to boiling point and converted into gas, by a small fire lit in a burner tray placed under the tank.
Tom Lockrey, apprentice engineer at Mamod in Smethwick, explains: “Traditionally, methylated spirits were poured into a fuel pan which was then lit and placed under the water tank. But this stopped after 1975, when an accident in the United States forced health and safety changes and hexamine fuel tablets were introduced. But we now face a challenge to our existence. We have a mountain of old inventory that we cannot sell.
Fortunately, Mamod engines can still be powered by modern “steam gel”, but fueling the engine with any fuel is not a good thing if you are purchasing the engine as an investment.
“If you were lucky enough to buy one of the 250 Millennium steam buses in 2000 for around £500, you could now own a model worth up to £4,000 in mint condition,” says Lockrey.
Another model that has increased in value in recent years is the £270 Le Mans Racer model, released in 2001, which can now fetch up to £1,000.
Lockrey adds: “Last year we launched a limited edition of 200 traction motors to celebrate 60 years since a previous model was sold in 1963 – when it cost 99 shillings and sixpence (just under of £5). The anniversary model cost £295, but demand was so high that models sold out within days and can now reach prices of £350.
Although it remains true to its British roots — the company was founded in Birmingham in 1936 by Geoffrey Malins as Malins Models (the name is abbreviated to Mamod) — thanks in part to social media, it has also captivated the imagination of enthusiasts in Australia, the United States, Canada and Japan.
Ian Dilley, training expert at Vectis Auctions in Thornaby, North Yorks, said: “Mamod has become a highly sought-after collector’s item because it provides the perfect antidote to the madness of the modern world. The fan base is not only international, but also includes younger generations of both genders, attracted by the thrill of steam power. This timeless appeal keeps the interest recoverable.
As always, collectors will be aware that for a toy like this to be a potential investment, it must come with its original box.
Dilley says, “You may want to take it out and play with it, but the fire caused by heating the water tank can leave permanent marks. My advice would be to buy one for fun and another to keep intact if you also want to own a model that could perhaps increase in value over time.
Dilley says rarities have performed well in recent Vectis sales. Mamod also made boats, and a 1940s ‘meteor’ steam yacht sold at auction for £600 – double its estimate – three years ago, despite ‘scorch marks on its upper deck’ due to use. If it had been intact and in its original box it could have been worth £1,200.
Nostalgia: a vintage Mamod steam engine (top) and (above) the Millennium bus
Dilley says: “Nostalgia is the driving force as these engines provide a real connection to the past. Not just as toys from our childhood, but because of a connection to our steam past.
Vectis is an international toy auctioneer attracting bidders from around the world. But buyers should be aware that there may be a 27% commission payable on purchases. You may pay more than on an online marketplace such as eBay, but with a specialist auctioneer the authenticity of the pieces is verified by professionals.
Other Mamod sellers to consider include Berrybrook Steam & Classics, Dream Steam, and Model Toy Auctions.
Those interested in getting involved in collecting should contact a group of enthusiasts to learn more about the collectibles market and enjoy the experience, starting with the 16mm Narrow Gauge Modelers Club.
The term 16mm refers to scale – where each foot of the steam engine is copied and scaled down to 16mm for the model.
Club spokesman Rod Nipper says: “You are only limited by your imagination, as many of these motors can be mounted on tracks to drive around your home. At this time of year, enthusiasts can start installing them around the garden.
He adds: “Don’t be fooled by the old image of passionate train spotters in duffle coats: young and old alike love the thrill of the show. You should enjoy the pleasure of Mamod before considering it as an investment.
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