Category:Bowman Models: Difference between revisions

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{{Toymaker}}
{{#SEO: |title=Bowman Models (1926-~1950), Geoffrey Bowman Jenkins, Dereham, Norfolk}}
[[File:Bowmans_Models,_Be_a_Real_Engineer_(MM_1934-10).jpg|right|thumb|280px|Bowmans Models range, 1934 advert]]
{{Toymaker|Bowman_Models_logo.jpg|Bowman_Models,_logo,_bow-shape.jpg|Bowman_Models,_cover.jpg|Date1=1926|Date2=~1950}}
{{Box|Bowman_Book_of_Steam_Models,_cover_(~1931).jpg|Bowman Book of Steam Models (~1931?)|380}}
{{Box|Use_Steam,_Bowman_Models_(HW_1932-11-12).jpg|1932: "USE STEAM!", Bowman Models range, Hobbies magazine|380}}
{{Box|Bowman_Models,_catalogue_cover.jpg|Bowman models catalogue cover, undated|380}}
{{Box|Bowman_LNER_300,_Black_Cat_Cigarettes_(HW_1932-12-017).jpg|1932: Bowman model 300 locomotive and stationary steam engine, Black Cat cigarette coupon promotion|380}}
{{Box|Bowman_Models,_Mill_and_Engineering_Shop_(BowmanCat_~1931).jpg|~1931: "Part of the Mill and Engineering Shop. Underground shafting is used throughout"|380}}
{{Box|Bowman_Models,_Assembly_Department_(BowmanCat_~1931).jpg|~1931: "Assembly Department. Every model is assembled, tested and inspected before packing"|380}}
{{Box|Bowman_Models,_Soldering_and_Boiler_Testing_Shop_(BowmanCat_~1931).jpg|~1931: "Part of Soldering and Boiler Testing Shop. All soldered joints are tested before and after assembling"|380}}
{{Box|Bowman_Models,_Painting_and_Laquering_Shop_(BowmanCat_~1931).jpg|~1931: "Corner of Painting and Lacquering Shop. Throughout these processes special heat resisting paints are used."|380}}
'''Bowman Models''' of Dereham, Norfolk, England (Directors: '''Geoffrey Bowman Jenkins''', '''Bernard A. Smart'''), was founded in 1926, and made a range of steam-powered models between the Wars, some of which are on display in the museum's "Toyshop Steam" cabinet, with accompanying literature. Jenkins supplied models and engines to Hobbies from around 1923 to ~1935, and then "went independent". Gamages advertised having bought up liquidated stock of Bowman engines in 1950-51, so presumably the company finished some time around then.


'''Bowman Models''' of Dereham, Norfolk, England (Directors: G. Bowman Jenkins, Bernard A Smart), made a range of steam-powered models between WW1 and WW2, some of which are on display in the "Toyshop Steam" cabinet, with accompanying literature.  
{{BigPic|The_Bowman_Book_of_Steam_Models,_cover_(1931).jpg|1931: The Bowman Book of Steam Models}}
==Development==
Jenkins had started selling toys in London ... when Hobbies' had to stop using their original German suppliers of steam engines, a search brought Bowman to their attention, and he was persuaded to move up to to Norfolk in around ~1923, and assemble boats and manufacture steam engines that Hobbies could then advertise and sell through [[Hobbies Weekly]].


The use of functional steam power meant that Bowman's range wasn't huge, and their pieces were engineered for simplicity and reliability, with a minimum of "fancy" ornamentation. As well as producing static steam engines for driving Meccano models, the company also produced steam locomotives, rolling stock, Hobbies-Bowman steam speedboats.
Initially the results of the joint venture tended to be sold as '''Hobbies''' products, then marketed under the name '''Hobbies-Bowman''', and finally as just '''Bowman Models''' products, with the new name established in 1926.


==Solidity==
Bowman seems to have parted company with Hobbies in or by 1935 in order to pursue other manufacturing interests (including a spring-powered gramophone, at which point Hobbies brought in '''Geoffrey Malins''' ('''Malins Models''', '''[[Mamod]]''') as a replacement. 
A common theme across all ranges was brute power and robustness - the boats were advertised with the argument that ''proper'' boats were steam powered (with none of this puny "clockwork" nonsense), and the locos were advertised as being suitable for gardens, since they were heavy-duty enough to withstand knocks, and because the track didn't require electric power - a Bowman model railway could run in the rain!


Bowman's track was also suitably heavy-duty, with creosoted wooden sleepers that had a small central hole to allow the track to be screwed or nailed down.
==Range==
: " ''Bowman Patent Steel Track / Thick steel and wood -- Rigid - immovable - resists wear and weather'' " 
The use of functional steam power meant that Bowman's core range wasn't huge, and their steam-powered pieces were engineered for simplicity and reliability, with a minimum of "fancy" ornamentation. As well as producing stationary steam engines for driving [[Meccano]] models, the company also produced steam locomotives, rolling stock, rubber-band-powered model aeroplanes, and clockwork, rubber-drive and steam-powered speedboats.
: " ''The track you can walk on!'' " 
{{BigPic|Bowman_Cylinder_Oil_tube.jpg|A tube of Bowman Cylinder Oil}}


==Oversize gauge 0==
==Bowmans Models of Luton==
In keeping with their emphasis on sturdiness (which probably also saved the company from having to deal with too many customers' technical problems), Bowman introduced an oversized version of gauge 0, with locos and carriages that were closer to the larger gauge 1 size, but still ran on gauge 0 track.  
After World War Two, P.M Nash's '''Piece Parts and Assemblies Ltd.''' company needed to find a new market now that they were no longer getting a steady steam of contracts related to war work, and acquired the Bowman Models name and trademark. The company then produced their own range of Meccano-compatible steam engines and other products similar to those in the original Bowman Models range. However, to most people "Bowman Models" means Geoffrey Bowman Jenkins' original company.


==="Massive Proportions of BOWMAN STEAM LOCOS"===
==In the museum==
: " '' Bowman Models were the originators of the new oversize "O" gauge for locomotives and rolling-stock and it has proved to be a very popular innovation. The difference in scale proportion is so small as to be unnoticeable, whereas the model engineer is now able to have all the advantages of large massive engines and coaches of nearly "1" gauge scale with the cheapness of "0" gauge. All Bowman locos run on any standard "0" gauge track though, on account of its solidity and smoothness of running, Bowman Steel Track is specially recommended. "   
The [[Bowman 410 steam model locomotive|Model 410]] and [[Bowman 234 steam model locomotive|Model 234]] steam locos on display in the [[Toyshop Steam]] cabinet represent the smallest and the largest steam locomotive models produced by Bowman.


==Bowman's "manifesto":==
==See also:==
===THE FASCINATION OF STEAM===
* '''[[:Category: Mamod|Mamod]]'''
: " ''At this stage, if not earlier, it becomes apparent that something is sadly lacking. A closer study of the real machines emphasizes the unreality of a steam crane which is turned by hand, a boat which runs with a silent (and expensive) electric motor, or a miniature express train which has to be re-wound at short intervals with a large key. The struggle towards realism must inevitably go a step further and nothing will satisfy the budding engineer until his models work like real ones, amidst clouds of steam and the roar of a healthy steam engine. ''


: ''Apart from the sense of realism obtained, there is a delightful thrill in the running of a real steam engine, whether it be a locomotive, steamboat or stationary engine to drive models. The filling of the boiler, the oiling of the pistons, the control of the burners and the final realistic. "phut-phut" as the model moves away under her own steam, holds a fascination which few of us can resist. '' "
{{links}}
* [http://www.odilon.0fees.net/styled/ Bowman Models, Mooseman (odilon.0fees.net)]
* [http://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Bowman_Models Bowman Models, Grace's Guide (gracesguide.co.uk)]
* [http://www.bowmancircle.co.uk/page7.php Bowman information (bowmancircle.co.uk)]


===THE PRICE PROBLEM AND ITS SOLUTION===
* [https://worldwide.espacenet.com/publicationDetails/biblio?FT=D&date=19310212&DB=EPODOC&locale=en_EP&CC=GB&NR=342992A&KC=A&ND=4 Patent GB342992 (A) ― 1931-02-12 –  Improvements in the method of building up hulls for model and toy boats (espacenet.com)]
: " ''The great drawback to steam engines, however, has always been their. price. As much as £5 had to be paid in the old days for a sound and powerful British stationary engine, but even these were not adapted for actually building into Meccano and other constructional models, so that even at this price a good deal of realism was lost. It is true that cheaper foreign engines were available but in a general way they were flimsily constructed and in practice proved hopelessly underpowered and unreliable. A reasonably powerful British steam locomotive cost at least £6 and although cheaper foreign steam locos could be obtained, they had hardly enough power to pull themselves along and were quite useless when coupled to anything like a load. Moreover they needed constant refuellîng, and taken all round„were far from satisfactory. Steam driven boats were in a very similar position and it therefore became the ambition of Bowman Models, backed by many years’ experience, to build up an business for the production of ''real engines in miniature'' together with other models at a price within the reach of all. How far they have succeeded is shown in the following pages, and by the fact that Bowman Models are now world renowned for their marvellous performance and lasting qualities.


: ''Every model herein listed, even the very cheapest, is completely different from the accepted continental production. Instead of fragile stampings sweated together, lead pistons, and bright colours, nothing but the finest British raw materials are used and British labour is employed throughout. All parts are accurately machined and screwed and bolted together. Pistons and cylinders are of special metals lapped to a dead fit and the valve faces are accurately ground to give perfectly steam tight joints. The result is that Bowman Models are ''real models'' and develop such unusual power that they are sold as "double power" engines, a designation which carries a guarantee that they are double  the power of any other engines in the world of equal price. They are not toys in any sense of the word but "real engines in miniature." '' "
=====Bowman Models of Luton:=====
* [http://www.freewebs.com/odilon/styled-4/ Bowman of Luton (freewebs.com)]


==In the museum==
{{Hobbies}}
The [[Bowman 410 steam model locomotive|Model 410]] and [[Bowman 234 steam model locomotive|Model 234]] steam locos on display represent the smallest and largest steam locomotive models in their range.
{{GardenRailway}}
 
{{links}}
* [http://www.odilon.0fees.net/styled/ Bowman Models, Mooseman (odilon.0fees.net)]
* [http://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Bowman_Models Bowman Models, Grace's Guide (gracesguide.co.uk)]

Latest revision as of 10:10, 7 July 2022

Toy Brands and Manufacturers

Bowman Models logo.jpg
Bowman Models, logo, bow-shape.jpg
Bowman Models, cover.jpg

Bowman Models

1926 - ~1950
Bowman Book of Steam Models (~1931?)

Bowman Book of Steam Models (~1931?) [image info]

1932: "USE STEAM!", Bowman Models range, Hobbies magazine

1932: "USE STEAM!", Bowman Models range, Hobbies magazine [image info]

Bowman models catalogue cover, undated

Bowman models catalogue cover, undated [image info]

1932: Bowman model 300 locomotive and stationary steam engine, Black Cat cigarette coupon promotion

1932: Bowman model 300 locomotive and stationary steam engine, Black Cat cigarette coupon promotion [image info]

~1931: "Part of the Mill and Engineering Shop. Underground shafting is used throughout"

~1931: "Part of the Mill and Engineering Shop. Underground shafting is used throughout" [image info]

~1931: "Assembly Department. Every model is assembled, tested and inspected before packing"

~1931: "Assembly Department. Every model is assembled, tested and inspected before packing" [image info]

~1931: "Part of Soldering and Boiler Testing Shop. All soldered joints are tested before and after assembling"

~1931: "Part of Soldering and Boiler Testing Shop. All soldered joints are tested before and after assembling" [image info]

~1931: "Corner of Painting and Lacquering Shop. Throughout these processes special heat resisting paints are used."

~1931: "Corner of Painting and Lacquering Shop. Throughout these processes special heat resisting paints are used." [image info]

Bowman Models of Dereham, Norfolk, England (Directors: Geoffrey Bowman Jenkins, Bernard A. Smart), was founded in 1926, and made a range of steam-powered models between the Wars, some of which are on display in the museum's "Toyshop Steam" cabinet, with accompanying literature. Jenkins supplied models and engines to Hobbies from around 1923 to ~1935, and then "went independent". Gamages advertised having bought up liquidated stock of Bowman engines in 1950-51, so presumably the company finished some time around then.

1931: The Bowman Book of Steam Models

Development

Jenkins had started selling toys in London ... when Hobbies' had to stop using their original German suppliers of steam engines, a search brought Bowman to their attention, and he was persuaded to move up to to Norfolk in around ~1923, and assemble boats and manufacture steam engines that Hobbies could then advertise and sell through Hobbies Weekly.

Initially the results of the joint venture tended to be sold as Hobbies products, then marketed under the name Hobbies-Bowman, and finally as just Bowman Models products, with the new name established in 1926.

Bowman seems to have parted company with Hobbies in or by 1935 in order to pursue other manufacturing interests (including a spring-powered gramophone, at which point Hobbies brought in Geoffrey Malins (Malins Models, Mamod) as a replacement.

Range

The use of functional steam power meant that Bowman's core range wasn't huge, and their steam-powered pieces were engineered for simplicity and reliability, with a minimum of "fancy" ornamentation. As well as producing stationary steam engines for driving Meccano models, the company also produced steam locomotives, rolling stock, rubber-band-powered model aeroplanes, and clockwork, rubber-drive and steam-powered speedboats.

A tube of Bowman Cylinder Oil


Bowmans Models of Luton

After World War Two, P.M Nash's Piece Parts and Assemblies Ltd. company needed to find a new market now that they were no longer getting a steady steam of contracts related to war work, and acquired the Bowman Models name and trademark. The company then produced their own range of Meccano-compatible steam engines and other products similar to those in the original Bowman Models range. However, to most people "Bowman Models" means Geoffrey Bowman Jenkins' original company.

In the museum

The Model 410 and Model 234 steam locos on display in the Toyshop Steam cabinet represent the smallest and the largest steam locomotive models produced by Bowman.

See also:

External links

Bowman Models of Luton:

Subcategories

This category has the following 13 subcategories, out of 13 total.

A

B

C

E

M

R

S

W

Media in category ‘Bowman Models’

The following 115 files are in this category, out of 115 total.

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