Cargo Steamer

First introduced in the 1938 catalogue, the "Cargo Steamer" came in three sizes, No 1 21", No 2 27" and No 3 33". Powered by a German made clockwork motor, the Steamer would run for about 20 minutes on a good wind up. Colours were white on the superstructure with brown decks and interior of the holds, black above water level and red beneath. Made from a mixture of wood sheet and plywood, the superstructure had brass eyelets fitted to give the impression of portholes. A rudder was fitted with the usual notched "Star" steering rack, painted red. A brass Star badge was affixed in the bow section. All three models were named "Ocean Star".

The larger version had twin masts with gaff derrick arms rigged utilising Star mast mounts adapted as winches. An anchor on a chain was fitted to the port bow and on the upper white bow section was the name in the black on gold scroll type style. The 27" version had just the one derrick and hold, the superstructure was removable to assist with winding the clockwork motor. Cargo and barrels were in the holds. The Steamer was an expensive item for its time and was supplied to shops such as Gamages and Harrods, unfortunately by 1940, the Steamer had disappeared from the catalogues. The catalogue illustration is incorrect as it shows the bow of the steamer with a stem at the bow point, production models had a smooth bow shape without a stem, see photos. Triang had a similar series of steamers, to tell the difference, the Star version had round section masts whilst the Triang masts were square in section and topped with a plastic Triang flag, plus the Triang version also had a stem on the bow point. Early versions are collectable as they were made by Star along with the Triang Steam Coaster before the production was transferred under Lines Bros to Greiner of Germany.

Cargo Steamer No 2.   Clockwork Motor.   Cargo Steamer No 3.