Not currently on display at the V&A

Toy Train

1975-1979 (manufactured)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

The engine is lithographed tinplate and the mechanism is housed in the body with the opening for the battery under the cab. It is black with red, grey, blue, yellow and white markings. The underside is black and there ae some parts of polished metal. The funnel is a cone of clear red plastic and the bell is clear yellow plastic. When working, the engine moves on two wheels set under the centre area and connected to the mechanism; there is another wheel set across which operates the bulb in the funnel so it lights up and a balancing bar at the front end. The engine may also make a noise when working. The drive wheels operate to bars to represent the pistons.
1. engine
2. cover plate for the battery, black metal


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Mechanical Toy Train Engine
  • Battery Cover Plate
Materials and techniques
Lithographed tinplate and plastic, with a battery operated mechanism; tongue and slot joins
Brief description
Tinplate battery operated train engine made in China in the late 1970s
Physical description
The engine is lithographed tinplate and the mechanism is housed in the body with the opening for the battery under the cab. It is black with red, grey, blue, yellow and white markings. The underside is black and there ae some parts of polished metal. The funnel is a cone of clear red plastic and the bell is clear yellow plastic. When working, the engine moves on two wheels set under the centre area and connected to the mechanism; there is another wheel set across which operates the bulb in the funnel so it lights up and a balancing bar at the front end. The engine may also make a noise when working. The drive wheels operate to bars to represent the pistons.
1. engine
2. cover plate for the battery, black metal
Production typeMass produced
Marks and inscriptions
MADE IN CHINA ME-061 with Chinese characters
Credit line
Given by Clio Whittaker
Object history
References: This collection of toys was acquired by the donor while attending Peking University in 1978 and 1979. The majority of the toys were made in China for its own market.

See additional notes, B. 106-1996
Collection
Accession number
B.159:1, 2-1996

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Record createdApril 18, 2000
Record URL
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