Classic Train Sets
By James Grahame

Clockwork toy trains were immensely popular before the introduction of electrically powered sets. Spanish tinsmith Rafael Paya created his first tin toys in 1902, and his sons built the first toy factory in Spain four years later. In 1985, Lino Paya made the decision to produce limited editions of their classic toys. This is a re-issue of a 1928 wind-up train that I find immensely alluring. Perhaps it's the draw of a finicky old-fashioned clockwork motor, or the promise of clipping the metal rails together.
Paya is now defunct, but their toys are widely available from specialists and collectors worldwide.
Reproduction 1928 Paya wind-up train ($145 from Artisan Don Diego, also check auction sites and online retailers)


