New to my floor train collection courtesy of Ebay is this 4 inch (11 cms) long clockwork engine. The tin printing of a Japanese prototype is vibrant and largely unblemished, and the clockwork mechanism sends it smoothly across the floor with sparks flying out of the chimney. Great fun!
Early Japanese toy trains of this era (1950's) are quite hard to find in this condition. It is also unusual to have a clockwork mechanism; mainly they were push along or had a friction motor. This one looks like it is copied from the German (US Zone) Arnold mech of the same period used in their A4 engine. The size, gears, and winder position match exactly.
Masadaya Japan Floor Train
Masadaya Japan Floor Train
