Brimtoy Lloyd George: an unusual clockwork locomotive

The unusual Brimtoy Lloyd George locomotive has a narrow cab and side entrances that make it look rather like a tank engine, yet it was supplied with a separate tender.

Its maker began in 1914 as the British Metal and Toy Manufacturers, using the Brimtoy trade name. After financial difficulties, production continued under Brimtoy Ltd in late 1921. Wells took over the company in 1932.

Early BMTM/Brimtoy trains were often close to inexpensive German designs by firms such as Carette, Bub and Bing. The Lloyd George, introduced in 1919, was a more distinctive design of its own: a 32 cm long, clockwork 4-4-0 named after British prime minister David Lloyd George.

The rear of the cab carried the Brimtoy logo, showing Nelson's Column, with the words 'Brimtoy Brand' and 'British Made'. A wire projecting from the back started and stopped the clockwork mechanism, which had no reverse.

The locomotive was sold as Lloyd George until 1924, then as George the Fifth until 1926. Its colour subsequently changed from red to green and it became Flying Scotsman, remaining in production until the Wells takeover in 1932.

Which version have you encountered?

Story and research by @Hans van Dissel.