Mamod

Mamod was a toy manufacturer that was based in Britain that specialized in producing live steam Models until closure in 2024. The company was founded in Birmingham in 1937 by Geoffrey Malins. The name "Mamod" is a combination of "Malins Models." Initially, the company manufactured stationary steam engines, which were originally sold under the 'Hobbies' brand. Subsequently, Malins introduced the brand name 'Mamod.' Invariably always pronounced wrongly, the correct pronunciation of the name is "May-mod" - MAlins-MODels in short.

Over time, Mamod expanded its range to include models of road rollers, traction engines, steam wagons, steam locomotives and other steam-powered road vehicles. These models were primarily intended for the toy market and were designed to be user-friendly and operate at low boiler pressures for safety, although they were not precise scale models.

SC, SE and Minor series stationary engines (1937–39)

The SE range of engines traces its origins back to 1936, when Geoffrey Malins began manufacturing engines for Hobbies of Dereham. These engines were loosely based on the Bowman engines previously produced by Geoffrey Bowman Jenkins for Hobbies up until 1935. The main distinction between the Bowman and Malins engines was that the latter were smaller, came only on metal bases,[1] and had the chimney attached to the top of the boiler in a locomotive style. Starting in 1937, Malins decided to create his own line of engines in addition to those made for Hobbies. With a few minor differences, such as lighter paint shades and a Mamod badge, the engines were almost identical to the Hobbies range. Over time, the differences between Mamod and Hobbies became less noticeable, and a Mamod-badged SE4 engine could be found in the 'Hobbies colours.' This marked the beginning of a philosophy that aimed to sell engines promptly and minimize waste. By 1940, any remaining distinctions between the two ranges had practically disappeared.

With the outbreak of the Second World War, Malins severed his ties with Hobbies, and the SC series of engines became the last steam toys sold under the Hobbies brand. Malins realised that focusing on his own engines would be more profitable. As the war intensified, the St. Mary Row factory was put on hold, and wartime interests took precedence, although Malins continued producing a limited number of engines throughout the conflict.

After the war, the business was revitalized, and by 1946, a limited range of steam toys, including the SE1, SE2, Minor 1, and tools, were being manufactured. The pre-war SE3 and SE4 models were discontinued, along with the short-lived twin-cylinder Minor 2. The post-war engines, except for the Minor 1 (MM1), featured base-mounted chimneys. However, in the following years, the design reverted to the locomotive-style chimney, resembling the pre-war models. Apart from these changes, the pre-war and post-war models remained largely identical. The SE1 and SE2 were produced in their new form for several months, but due to challenges in acquiring production materials during post-war rationing, the SE1 and SE2 switched back to the locomotive-style chimney. The MM1 engine remained almost unchanged. Until 1948, the models still utilized flat bases and cast iron bodies.

By 1948, the SE range underwent an update, incorporating brass engine frames branded with the Mamod logo and hot-stamped brass flywheels. The SE1 and SE2 models also received regulators. Additionally, a new model called the Minor 2 (MM2) was introduced, featuring a single-cylinder engine unit and serving as a larger version of the MM1. Wick burners with 1, 2, or 3 wick tubes were used in all engines. In 1949, with the company's relocation to Camden Street, the expensive brass engine frames were replaced with pressed steel ones as a cost-saving measure. The design resembled that of some Marklin engines. The SE1 and SE2 models now feature superheating in their boilers. The SE2 retained its regulator, while the SE1 had it removed. The MM1 engine became the first in the range to have a raised, pressed base. This configuration remained unchanged until 1953, when cheaper Mazak material was gradually introduced, leading to the replacement of brass flywheels. The company's approach emphasized continuous product development to maintain competitive prices. During the immediate post-war period, several other manufacturers, such as Plane Products, Cyldon, SEL, Luton Bowman, and Burnac, were also producing steam toys.

At the beginning of 1954, the SE range received raised bases and underwent cosmetic updates and changes. By 1958, all models except the MM1 were equipped with new vaporizing spirit burners, introduced in 1957 along with the twin-cylinder SE3. Additional cosmetic changes included updated boiler bands and fireboxes. Engines produced during the late 1950s period featured combinations of old and new parts, commonly referred to as 'transitional' engines. By the mid-1960s, pop rivets were used for securing the engine frames, along with other aesthetic alterations, across the entire Mamod range. In 1967, the SE range underwent another update, resulting in the introduction of the SE1a and SE2a models, which replaced the SE1 and SE2, respectively. The superheating feature was removed, and simplified pipework was implemented. The SE2a also received a reversing lever, similar to the 'MEC1' Meccano engine introduced in 1965. Gradual changes were made to the paint colour, boiler end cap, whistle design, and decal layout.

From 1967 to 1972, the Se1, Se2, and Se3 models occasionally had different green paint finishes on their engine frames. This paint, resembling a hammered effect, was likely obtained as a cost-saving measure by the managing director at the time, Eric Malins. Steve Malins confirmed that this was the case as the company sought to reduce production costs. However, the Minor range did not receive this paint finish. The SE3 remained unchanged, except for the introduction of a Griffin and George (educational suppliers) version in 1969. This engine stood out as a notable variation among Mamod's largest post-war stationary engines. It featured a silver-soldered boiler (at the insistence of G&G) and had a steam pipe union nut at the boiler instead of the usual stopcock. It also sported an additional foil G&G lozenge logo by the engine. Approximately 2,000 of these engines were produced until the mid-1970s, exclusively sold to schools and accompanied by a manual for use in laboratory experiments. Later examples of this engine were standard SE3 models, but with a revised G&G logo design. In some cases, the Griffin badge could be found alongside the warning labels applied to all stationary engines in 1976, explaining the use of inappropriate fuel containers and refueling techniques.

The 1970s marked the peak of Malins Engineers. In 1970, the MM1 received a vaporizing burner, and in 1975, both Minors were fitted with overflow plugs. In 1977, the engines were converted to solid fuel for the domestic market (a change that had already been implemented for export models). In 1978, the entire range, except for the MM1, had sight glasses installed on the boiler in place of the overflow plug. Towards the end of the 1970s, the SE range was considered outdated, leading to its replacement by the SP range in 1979.

The SP models were modernized versions of the earlier SE models, incorporating changes for safety as well as cosmetic purposes. There is no strict correspondence between models in the SE and SP ranges. A comparison between the two ranges can be seen in the following table:

Meccano engine

From 1965 to 1976, Malins manufactured a steam engine according to the specifications of the Meccano company under the Meccano label. It featured a specialized base designed to facilitate integration into Meccano models and included a mechanism that enabled the cylinder to shift in relation to the inlet and exhaust, enabling reverse operation.[2]

Following the discontinuation of the Meccano-branded version, the same engine, with minor adjustments, was later released under the Mamod brand as the SP3 model. Although the original Meccano-branded version did not have an official name or model number, it is commonly referred to as the MEC1.

The SP Range 1979–to 2024

Mamod miniature tools and line shaft details

The company manufactured a variety of model workshop equipment with bodies and bases made of either cast iron or diecast metal. These tools were designed to be compatible with Meccano, featuring a spacing of ½ inches (12.7 mm). The range included:[5]

These tools have been part of Mamod's line of steam toys since the company's establishment in 1937. The early tools had simple flat bases with Meccano-spaced holes and pulleys resembling Meccano components, consisting of roughly made sandcast iron bodies. After World War II, from 1948 onwards, the tools, along with the SE1, SE2, and MM2 engines, were fitted with new hot-stamped brass flywheels. Around the same time, when Malins Engineers moved to Camden Street, Birmingham, power presses were acquired, leading to the introduction of raised bases for the brass-wheeled tools and the polisher/grinder. The cast-iron bodies were later replaced by Mazak around 1950. The MM1 engine became the first steam toy in the Malins' range to feature a raised baseplate thanks to the pressing facilities. The tools underwent minimal changes over the years, except for the switch from brass to Mazak flywheels in 1953 and the disappearance of oiling points by the 1960s. By 1979, the tools had adopted a blue and red colour scheme, aligning with the new SP series of engines and replacing the previous green and red scheme used on all engines and tools until then. Due to financial circumstances, the individual tools were no longer offered as separate items in the mid-1980s (along with the SP1, SP3, and SP5 engines). However, they were reintroduced together in the WS1 workshop introduced in 1979. Subsequently, in the early 2000s, the individual tools made a reappearance.

Mobile Engine Range 1961–to 2024

Mamod manufactured a diverse range of self-propelled models. These models primarily depict various types of vehicles that were commonly powered by steam in the past.

Mamod Steam Railway

In late 1979, Mamod introduced its initial model railway, the SL-1 locomotive, along with a limited selection of rolling stock and track. The model represented a narrow gauge railway, and, although it did not replicate a specific prototype, it was built to approximately 16 mm scale, representing a gauge of around 2 feet (610 mm).

Known as the Mamod Steam Railway, this offering became the first affordable, mass-produced live steam set in the United Kingdom, experiencing successful sales. Mamod swiftly expanded the range by introducing additional locomotives, namely the SL-2 and SL-3, available in both ready-to-run and kit-form versions, catering to O (32 mm) and 1 (45 mm) gauges. These locomotives featured a pair of double-acting, oscillating cylinders connected to a rotary reversing valve, allowing for slow and self-starting operations in theory. Special edition locomotives, further rolling stock, and points were also manufactured. The current range comprises redesigned versions that retain the same fundamental configuration while offering various mechanical and cosmetic upgrades to enhance Mamod locomotives.

In 2006, two other companies began producing models based on the original Mamod locomotive designs:

Moreover, the fundamental design of the Mamod locomotives has inspired several enhanced versions produced by independent manufacturers. Notable examples include the Creekside Forge & Foundry Baldwin, the PPS Janet, and the IP Engineering Jane. Additionally, various manufacturers offer upgraded components for the original Mamod line. A popular upgrade involved fitting the locomotive with a methylated spirit burner, generating greater heat and enabling higher boiler pressure and increased hauling capacity.

Malins Engineers in receivership

In 1980, the company faced receivership primarily due to the substantial financial investment in the SP series of engines as well as the new RS1 and RS2 railway sets. This occurred during a period of economic downturn when many companies were encountering financial challenges, leading banks to demand loan repayments and finance agreements. Malins Engineers' bank requested repayment, granting the company a weekend to secure the funds. However, the company was unable to raise the required capital, resulting in administration. Nonetheless, the company quickly returned to profitable trading within a few weeks, experiencing improved sales. Eric Malins, the managing director, and his son Steve Malins relinquished control of the company, marking the end of the Malins' family involvement with Mamod.

Since then, Mamod has undergone changes in ownership and manufacturing locations, having faced the possibility of closure in 1989. Presently, the company is under the ownership of the Terry family and operates from a location near its original establishment in Smethwick, West Midlands. Mamod ceased to produce its diverse range of mobile engines, stationary models, machine tools, as well as O and 1 gauge railway locomotives in summer 2024.

Related Companies

Mamod models continue to maintain their popularity today due to their affordability and wide variety. The availability of spare and replacement parts from various small manufacturers has contributed to a thriving market. Second-hand models are easily accessible and inexpensive, frequently serving as the foundation for modifications undertaken by modelers.

Running and lubrication requirements

Most Mamod engines do not incorporate lubricators for storing and supplying oil to moving components like the piston and bearings. Only the early pre-war engines, such as the SE3/4, and some marine engines, like the Meteor boat, were equipped with lubricators. Instead, oil needs to be manually applied to the necessary parts before each operation.

Prior to 1976/77, all Mamod engines utilized methylated spirits (known as "denatured alcohol" in some countries), which were stored in a reservoir burner or a vaporizing spirit lamp. However, the implementation of stricter health and safety regulations and European toy regulations led to the prohibition of liquid fuel for steam toys in the UK from 1977 onwards. In response to safety concerns and an incident involving an exploding fuel lamp in 1976,[6] Malins made the decision to switch to solid fuel.

The engines were then modified to burn dry hexamine fuel tablets, which were produced by Malins on their premises. Solid fuel, although safer in certain aspects compared to "meths," emits unpleasant and toxic fumes and generates less heat while burning. These tablets were withdrawn following government anti-terror legislation banning the sale of hexamine without a licence in October 2023.[7] This led to a pause in sales while a fuel gel alternative was developed, released shortly before the company closed in August 2024.[8]

Closure

In August 2024, the company closed citing increasing running costs including on the lease of its factory unit in Smethwick and the unexpected costs incurred by the earlier ban on hexamine fuel.[8]

See also

• Wilesco
• Jensen Steam Engines
• MiniSteam

External links

• website of Mamod Ltd
• Mamod at ToySteamBible.org