Bob Gordon gives a fascinating survey of the different kinds of toy steam engines of the stationary type, and especially those produced during the heyday of steam toys between 1900 and 1930. Dealing mainly with the German manufacturers who pioneered the mass-production of steam toys, it explains how the engines work, gives advice about operating and maintaining them, and contains useful information about identifying and dating vintage models. The manufacturers and retailers who played a leading part in the production and distribution of steam toys are described, and brief references are made to manufacturers who are still making toy steam engines. This will be an excellent reference book for steam enthusiasts of all ages.

Model engineering was popularized by pioneering steam enthusiasts, and rapidly grew into an exciting worldwide hobby for amateur engineers. This book describes how model steam engines work, outlines the development of the machine tools used to build the models, and investigates the seven different categories of model engines, which include models built to support patent applications, and those built purely for pleasure.
The author, himself a model steam locomotive driver, also delves into the possible pitfalls and practicalities of scale model engineering. Generously illustrated, this is guaranteed to interest any aspiring engineer, as well as collectors of steam engines.