Mamod

Maker of steam powered toys and models

Mamod is a toy manufacturer based in Britain that specializes in producing live steam models. 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.' Over time, Mamod expanded its range to include models of road rollers, traction engines, steam wagons, 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.

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. 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 SP7 is a twin cylinder engine manufactured by Mamod and is recognized as their most powerful engine. It is similar to the SP6 model in the product range but features twin cylinders. The SP7 utilizes the same boiler and burner unit as the SP6, which can be equipped with a pressure gauge. It was introduced in 2009 and initially made available through special orders. However, production of the SP7 ceased in 2018.

The SP8 is a beam engine manufactured by Mamod and represents their initial venture into this type of engine. It was introduced in 2013 and incorporates a double acting piston valve cylinder, similar to other recent models. The cylinder is positioned vertically under one end of the beam, which is connected to it through a simulated Watts linkage. The crankshaft and flywheel are located under the opposite end of the beam, while the valve gear is operated by a secondary, smaller beam. The SP8 is available with the choice of a gas or solid fuel burner, although it is no longer in production.

The line shaft is an accessory that enables a steam engine to operate multiple tools simultaneously. Its origins can be traced back to 1936, when Geoffrey Malins undertook the task of producing a set of engines for Hobbies of Dereham, following Geoffrey Bowman Jenkins' departure from Bowman models. The early line shafts had flat bases and were available in two models before the war: the C1 with 4 pulleys and the C2 with 7 pulleys. Both variants featured red pulleys resembling Meccano components as well as turned brass pulleys. The pedestal supports, like those used for the early tools, were constructed from cast iron, and the baseplates were drilled to accommodate Meccano fittings. Production of the line shaft and tools continued until the onset of the Second World War, with the line shaft being incorporated into the SC2, SC3, and SC4 engines during that time (possibly extending into 1940). Following the war, around 1948, brass pulleys were introduced to the line shaft, alongside the hammer and punch. The flat base plate remained in use, while the C1 line shaft model was discontinued. By the mid 1980s, the Mamod company faced difficulties, resulting in the discontinuation of the SP1, SP3, and SP5 engines, as well as the separate tools and line shaft. However, all five components continued to be manufactured as part of the WS workshop.

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

The SR1 steam roller was Mamod's inaugural mobile steam toy, debuting in January 1961 and designed by Eric Malins. Initially, the rollers could only move in a single direction at a relatively slow speed, deviating from typical steam roller functionality. These engines utilized a modified MM2 steam unit and distinctive rolls made of aluminum alloy. Early versions of the SR1, along with the TE1 steam tractor and stationary range, were constructed with screw together assemblies and featured a brass vaporizing lamp attached to the scuttle. They lacked a towing hook. Starting in 1963, an updated burner design was implemented, similar to the one used in the TE1, which incorporated a handle that doubled as a towing hook. However, it wasn't until 1969 that there were accompanying wagons to be towed, such as the OW1 Open Wagon and LB1 Lumber Wagon. In 1965, the roller transitioned to pop rivet construction, aligning with the assembly method used throughout the Mamod steam toy range. Consequently, it is easy to distinguish early 1960s rollers from later ones. In 1967, the SR1 evolved into the SR1a with the introduction of a basic reversing mechanism in the engine unit, similar to the 1965 MEC1 Meccano engine. The TE1 also underwent a similar transition to become the TE1a. In 1968, aluminum rollers and wheels were replaced by Mazak counterparts, a material that is still used today. Over its 60 year existence, the roller has undergone incremental changes, such as burner modifications (shifting to solid fuel circa 1976) and the replacement of overflow plug boilers with sight glass boilers circa 1978. Other alterations have primarily been cosmetic in nature, involving paint, whistles, and smokebox detailing. Early boxed SR1 engines have become sought after collectibles, often referred to as "nut and bolt" SRs. In recent times, the roller has seen variations, including limited editions with different colors, extended boiler versions, and even a kit version. The 60th anniversary of the SR1's introduction was celebrated in 2021 with a limited production run of 60 units.

The TE1 is considered the "classic" Mamod model and has been continuously produced for over 50 years with minor updates and modifications. It represents a typical traction engine featuring a full length canopy. The engine itself is an oscillating cylinder unit, similar to the SR1/a model based on the old MM2 unit. While the TE1 has a longer boiler compared to the SR1, the internal volume remains the same. In earlier versions, the front part of the boiler served as an empty space where exhaust steam was directed through the choke to control its exit, not the inlet steam. The TE1a differs from the TE1 in having a reversing lever that regulates the model's speed and direction, a feature initially introduced in the 1965 MEC1 and later applied to the TE model in 1967. On the other hand, the TE1 was unidirectional and relied on an exhaust "choke" for speed control. The TE1 was advertised as being capable of covering a third of a mile in ten minutes on a single fill of steam. 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. Newer models are now designed to utilize butane gas burners, which is likely to become the standard due to restrictions on mailing flammable substances, including solid fuel tablets. Butane gas can be readily obtained from DIY stores. When operating a Mamod model, it is advisable to use distilled or soft, clean water for steaming purposes.