Leeds

Rex Stedman founded the Leeds Model Company in 1912. The business began with hand-built models and railway components, including signals, rolling stock, locomotive parts and an O gauge clockwork mechanism. From 1919 it expanded from custom work into standardized locomotive production, supported by financing from model railway enthusiast G. P. Keen. By the early 1920s, its range included locomotives based on British railway prototypes, track, signals and station accessories. To reduce costs, Stedman developed coaches and wagons with printed paper sides on timber bodies; the company also continued to supply hand-built wooden stock.

After Keen withdrew in 1924, Hugh Leader of the Bristol Model Company became involved, and the catalogue added Great Western locomotives. In 1928 Stedman took over the company’s assets and goodwill and traded under his own name. The Leeds Model Company name returned in 1932 under new directors. Its range grew to include further standardized tank locomotives, private-owner wagons, and, from the late 1930s, moulded Bakelite coaches and wagons.

After the Second World War, the company developed additional locomotives and began offering boxed O gauge train sets in the early 1950s. Ready-to-run locomotives were discontinued after 1959, as production shifted toward kits and spare parts. The business traded as Ellemmsee Products before going into liquidation in 1967. The Leeds Stedman Trust maintains the company’s archives.