Wilesco
In 1912 the company Wilhelm Schroeder and Partner was founded by Wilhelm Schroeder and Ernst Wortmann. It started production of live model steam engines around 1950. Prior to this, they produced steam engine parts under subcontract to Fleischmann in the '30s. While live model steam engines were still being made in quantity in the 1960’s, the elaborate artwork had given way to austerity, in deference to a declining market.
By the '70s, Marklin and Fleischmann had dropped out, leaving only Jensen, Mamod and Wilesco as major makers of live steam toy models. Nowadays, Wilesco steam toys are collectible items, especially the steam roller, ferris wheel and 'atom' steam engine.
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