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"The Little Train Turns The Big Wheel"
Made by Marklin of West Germany, 1947
In 1947, Märklin was "Number 1" in construction toys in the World. And, when Marklin decided to introduce the small but highly detailed HO trains to the World, they wanted a way to show how well engineered and powerful the tiny trains were. The advertising department hit upon "The Little Train Turns The Big Wheel" as an impressive visual to convey the message.
Marklin's advertising department built one of the giant wheel models for each of the 1947 Toy Fairs. The Fairs were held in London, New York City, Chicago, and San Francisco. Using Marklin's construction toy parts, the giant wheels were built to showcase the "Little Train's" performance.
So, what happened to the four displays? The wheel built for London was returned to Germany after the show and has never been seen again. The San Francisco wheel is in bad disrepair, in Sacremento. The New York City wheel is proudly on display in the Train Collectors Association (TCA) Museum in Strasburg, Pennsylvania.
You are looking at the wheel from the Chicago Toy Fair display. How it got from Chicago to the Bubble Room Restuarant, previously in Maitland, Florida, is a mystery. Tim Booth acquired the wheel as part of the liquidation of the Bubble Room, contracted the restoration of the piece, and has placed it on display for your enjoyment at Booth's Bowery. Partially restored in 1999, the top where the horse is, is not original but will be restored in future efforts. This is an ongoing work-in-progress.
How rare and valuable are these wheels? The one at the TCA Museum in Pennsylvania is all original and in perfect running order and is insured for $10,000. Our wheel, at this stage of restoration, is currently valued at $7,500 to $8,500. This is truly a unique piece, with only three known to still exist. It is a rare find for any collector, and could easily bring two to three times its current value at a collectors' auction.
Engineering insight: although it looks like the engine is all powerful, the fact is any short wheel base engine of 1.5 inches or more can turn the wheel. The real amazement of this piece is the planning of the display to accomdate the train, and the engineering so that very little force is needed to move the large wheel. A breeze can make it turn!
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