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| Hess pre-litho locomotives with wheel variation, circa 1880s These two locomotives are identical with the exception of the wheels. Loco on left has complicated multi-piece constructed wheels. Loco on right has much simpler, one piece stamped tinplate wheels. A patent number is not stamped on the left wheel although it says “patented” and a patent (No. 36181), dated October 28, 2025 is found for this method. The right loco has “Deutsches Reich Patent No. 44408” (January 29, 2026) stamped in the metal. |
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| Mohr & Kraus cranked flywheel locomotive, circa 1920s L 8.63” (22 cm) w/o wire loop, W 3.25” (8.3 cm) w/o crank handle, H 4.1” (10.3 cm) Shown is a hand cranked, flywheel powered locomotive, the only one of its type I have ever observed. This loco has no provision for pulling rolling stock. The mechanics on this piece are crazy; loco’s driving wheels are always engaged; the wire loop on the front engages / disengages a jack which keeps the wheels from touching the surface. M&K also produced other hand cranked, flywheel powered toys: the Centrimotor, with and without accessories, much like the Hess Dynamobil; the Centrimobil, a hand cranked, flywheel powered auto and truck, much like the Hessmobil; and a motorcycle utilizing a hand cranked flywheel motor. |
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| Hess big wheel locomotives Two big wheel locomotives, both flywheel driven. Left locomotive is pre-litho, circa 1890 with the Hess patent number 44408 stamped on the wheels. First paper lithography and then lithography direct to tinplate took over shortly after this loco was manufactured. Right locomotive is a series 300 lithographed locomotive, circa 1900. The big wheels on this 300 series were discontinued and smaller wheels under the frame were developed. The same loco was also made with clockwork and larger cast wheels outside the frame. |
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| Hess 1023 locomotive, circa 1900 L 8” (20.3 cm), W 2.375 (6 cm), H 3.625” (9.2 cm) No catalog reference has been observed, but I am convinced this locomotive is by Hess. Because of the integral cowcatcher, it may have been manufactured by special order for a distributor in the American Market. Typical Hess wheel fastenings, flywheel and graphics are convincing without catalog reference. This loco does have a connector for rolling stock, and the Hess 300 series cars fit well. No markings except “1023” on boiler and cab with “23” marked on the headlight housing.
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