This toy train set was made by the Playskool Manufacturing Company of Chicago, Illionois, U.S.A. It is referred to in a contemporary brochure as "Skaneateles train, track and blocks, a combination of building blocks and train of cars with wooden tracks". It is covered by the US patents 2254153 and D.128493.

This complete 34 -piece set, is set No.S930 and is described as a "5 car -Figure 8 with Double Switch-Out".

This toy train set is part of a collection of timber toys bequeathed to the Museum by the late Monica Piddington in 1970. Monica Piddington (1899-1967) was born at Narrandera, NSW, and became a kindergarten teacher. In the 1930s she went on to become the first director of the famous Sydney Playways educational toy shop which opened in Dalley Street, near Circular Quay, and was owned by the Kindergarten Union. Apparently Monica travelled around the world collecting toys of 'superior design, craftsmanship and quality' making them available to Australian teachers, parents and children. In the 1960s the shop moved to Clarence Street. After the Kindergarten Union decided to sell the business, it was taken over by the staff, all Early Childhood graduates, and re-opened as the Play House Toy Shop which operated from 1989 until 2007.

Toy train set, wood, made by Playskool Manufacturing Co. 3720 N. Kedzie Ave, Chicago, 18, Illionois, U.S.A., part of Monica Piddington collection, New South Wales, Australia, 1960s

This 34-piece set comprises 8 blocks, 2 lead-ons, 6 six inch straight tracks, 12 curved tracks, 1 double spur switch, 1 double socket switch, 1 cross over, 1 engine, 1 flat car, 1 freight car, 1 tender and 1 hopper car. The pieces are finished in natural maple wood.

Made: 1971 - 1972

H8837

1971 - 1972