Leeds
Description
Leeds is a renowned toy brand, mainly known for its detailed, tinplate model railroads. The company also produced railway accessories like signals, stations and landscapes. Leeds is recognized by collectors for its characteristic models of British locomotives and wagons, focusing predominantly on O gauge railway toys.
Leeds Model Company (LMC) was established in 1912 in Leeds, United Kingdom by Rex and Gerald Stedman, two brothers who had a passion for model making. They aimed to create affordable, robust and realistic miniature models. LMC initially operated from a modest workshop but soon expanded due to high demand. Their model trains were admired for their reliability and attention to detail. During the 192s and '30s, LMC was one of the leading manufacturers of O gauge toys. Interestingly, during World War II, the company transitioned to manufacturing airplane parts to aid wartime efforts. Production of toy railways resumed in 1946, but the increased competition from other brands led to a decline in LMC's popularity and they eventually ceased operation in 1967.
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