Maker record
Edobaud
Edobaud was a French maker of scientific toys and O-gauge model railway equipment. Its range included locomotives, freight wagons, passenger coaches, transformers, track and operating accessories. The trains were unusually large and heavy for their gauge, with components made from metals, wood and tinplate and assembled by hand with nuts and bolts. Edobaud produced two- and three-rail systems; its electric locomotives could reverse remotely, and some were equipped for overhead power. Initial sales were handled by the Paris department store Galeries Lafayette, with products later sold through specialist shops.
- Founded
- 1920
- Final year
- 1980
- Countries
- France
- Locations
- Paris, France
- Founders
- Edoard Baud
The story of Edobaud
Edouard Baud operated a metal foundry in Villeurbanne, France, under the name Ets Baud from 1928. The company moved to Oyonnax in 1930 and adopted the name Edobaud, formed from Baud’s first and last names. Baud brought chief designer and technical director Joannès Clausier with him. The firm then developed scientific toys, including O-gauge model railway equipment. Its trains were larger and heavier than typical O-gauge models, assembled by hand from metal, wood and tinplate. Galeries Lafayette in Paris initially handled sales; products later appeared in specialist hobby shops.
The range included locomotives, freight wagons, passenger coaches, transformers, track and operating accessories. Edobaud introduced the Tractor Simplon electric locomotive in 1931, followed by a 2-C-2 type in 1932. Its electric trains used two-rail operation, and three-rail versions were available by special order. The company received a patent for a motor system in 1933 and a second patent for track design in 1934. Passenger and freight stock included tinplate coaches and wagons, alongside signals and other accessories. The Train Collectors Association account places Edobaud’s disappearance around 1938, after about ten years of operation.