The Youth's Companion, a publication for children approached William Nye Weeden and asked him to design an inexpensive, quality toy that the magazine could use as a premium in an effort to increase subscriptions. Weeden designed an upright steam engine, the design, quality and function of the engine so impressed the publication that they gave Weeden an initial order for ten thousand units at one dollar apiece. This $10,000.00 would be the impetus for the formation of The Weeden Manufacturing Company in 1883.

Weeden’s Upright Steam Engine No.1,” first appeared in the October 1884 issue of Youth’s Companion. This was a stationary steam engine with an upright boiler, offered for $1.00. In the 1870’s and early 80’s, the magazine had offered steam engines made by the Buckman Company of New York for these same purposes.

He often made his own tooling for the items he manufactured - presses, dies, molds and other production items. Realizing the value and the uniqueness of these specialty tools, patterns and dies he had them locked away in a fire-proof safe at the close of business each day.

The Weeden Manufacturing Company was in business for a long time and made a large variety of stationary toy steam engines and trains over the years. In 1942 the company was sold to “National Playthings” which halted production of the line of steam engines in 1952. The remaining machinery, parts, dies, molds and patents for the steam engines were purchased by “Security Signals Inc.” for around $800 and kept in storage, until finally destroyed years later.

William Ritchie, a former salesman for The Weeden Manufacturing Company who worked his way up through the ranks, took over as chief executive after Weeden's death in 1891. Around this time the company was owned by venture capitalists George and Fred Homer.

An antique toy journal claims that Weeden “is responsible for perhaps one of the finest and most desirable toys ever produced, the Weeden’s Live Steam Fire Engine.”

Weeden also produced miniature autos and steamboats as well as the now highly collectible tin mechanical banks, including “Ding Dong Bell,” “Japanese Ball Tosser,” and the “Plantation Bank.”

Many consider the Weeden Dart to be the most successful early American toy train, tens of thousands were sold from 1890 to 1912. Their unique design and handsome proportion make them sought after by both toy and toy train collectors.

Types of Engines

Both the upright, "Candle Stick" style and horizontal boiler models were made. In 1926 electric heating elements were introduced as a safety feature, several models were given new models numbers when they included this feature.

Do-It-101.com - Collecting Toy Steam Engines.

The Lampworks - Bio of William Nye Weeden.

The Toy Steam Bible - Weeden Engines - Photos of various models.

Vintage Internet Patents - Original patent prints and documentation of Weeden and other toy steam engines.