The toy or model steam engine became popular in the 1880s and were made by several European toy manufacturers such as Marklin. They were intended to teach boys, specifically, about the mechanics and physics of steam power: G.L. Freeman, 'Yesterday's Toys, New York, 1962, pp.114-118 (see blue file).

The Scorpion model steam engine was made by Model Engineering Products Co in the Sydney suburb of Annandale.

This date range reflects the years that the manufacturer operated under the name Model Engineering Products Company. After 1956 they became Model Engineering Products Pty Ltd.

Initially model steam engines were regarded as scientific toys and were marketed through specialist optical instrument shops. Later they were sold through toy shops. This model was sold by the Sydney based toy shop Walther and Stevenson who operated from the 1930s to the 1970s.
Donated by the National Trust's Museum of Australian Childhood by the Thyne Reid Foundation.

Model steam engine and box, donkey engine, metal /cardboard, Scorpion Superior Model / Model Engineering Products Company / Walther and Stevenson Ltd, Australia, 1947-1956

Model of a working steam engine made of metal, also known as a stationary live steam engine or donkey engine. The boiler consists of a brass cylinder that is attached to a red painted heavy metal square base on four pointed feet, a whistle, piston and fly wheel. The boiler is a brass cylinder that is screwed to the base. It has a burner cavity at the bottom that has been blackened by soot. The top of the cylinder is enclosed with a steam powered whistle and handle. A metal tube curves from the top of the cylinder/boiler to a piston and fly wheel mounted on the side of a brass chamber. A decal on the back of the base of the engine reads 'WALTHER &/ STEVENSON LTD/ 395 GEORGE ST, SYDNEY'. On the front of the base is a decal in yellow with black text 'Scorpion/ REG ADE MARK'.
Eleven extra parts inside the box are comprised of a brass tube, a funnel, wheels and cogs and a bracket.
Box and lid for the donkey engine are made of thin cardboard. The exterior is painted red with the logo 'Scorpion/ MODEL' repeated various times in white. A large picture of a scorpion appears on the lid of the box beneath the words; 'Scorpion/ SUPERIOR MODELS/ "THE TOY FOR YOUR BOY"'. On the side of the box is a white paper label with the words in blue; 'Manufactured by/ MODEL ENGINEERING PRODUCTS CO./ Sydney/ Type/ (in red) DONKEY' adjacent to 'Model No/ (in red) 1' adjacent to 'Colour Scheme/ (in red) RED'.

Made: Model Engineering Products Co; Annandale, New South Wales; 1947 - 1956


Owned: Walther and Stevenson;

Owned: National Trust of Australia;

See parts.

99/4/46

1947 - 1956