BAYKO Instruction Manuals - The Models

The first thing I must do here is acknowledge the work which Chris Boutal did to bring light into this prominent yet previously relatively obscure corner of the BAYKO world.

The table [below] lists each BAYKO model as shown in the Instruction Manuals from 1934 to 1964, together with its dates.

The chosen order is very specific : -

► Firstly, the chronological order in which the manuals appeared.

► Secondly, the page order of the manual.

► Thirdly, normal reading order - top left to bottom right.

Where available, the set from which the model could be made has been specified, however, the number quoted is for the first occurrence, subsequent ones may well have been made with a BAYKO set, from a later period, with a different number. There are also several models which were added for general encouragement, without mentioning a set number.

Generally self evident - models can, of course, also be built from sets larger than those specified…

…with the exception of a couple of models in the MECCANO era set #15.

These models were specifically intended to encourage the purchase of either the Ornamental Additions sets or their successors, the 20's series Special Sets as they combine parts from these with the specified standard BAYKO sets.

These three models were built to be shown at the B.I.F., British Industries Fair, as part of Plimpton's marketing strategy and, self-evidently, cannot be built with any standard set!

These seven models each lasted no less than 25 years, albeit in different guises, as BAYKO evolved.

The names of these models changed, sometimes more than once, in different editions of the Instruction Manuals. The model appearance may well have changed as BAYKO evolved, but the plans remained essentially the same.

These two models, although close in dates, are slightly different, the main change being the use of the [then] new Side Bricks and Side Windows in the later version.  Thanks to Heather Monforth for noticing this.

The descriptions of the models, including all the different versions, are links. If you click on them, it will launch a large image showing the manual page which included the earliest version of the model that was shown under that description.

For the record, the numbers quoted [below] are there for organisational convenience of referencing, and have No Official Status.

Given the patchwork nature of the evolution of BAYKO Instruction Manuals, it seems extraordinary to finish up with such a memorable number, in terms of the total count of models presented to the BAYKO-mad public…

…but it's true, both Chris Boutal [who did most of the collation] and I have checked!

I thought it worth including a table showing the proportion of models in the various building categories, so here goes : -

It would be remiss of me not to mention another 'model', or, more accurately, a set of models, collectively known as the BAYKO Village. [below, right] This appeared on page 70 of the second style of BAYKO manual in 1935 and is the earliest attempt at scenic toy modelling that I've come across.

This 12' x 6' display was created for the 1935 British Industries Fair [B.I.F.] to show off the creative opportunities offered by BAYKO and was shown alongside the famous Skyscraper model. [left] Click on either image to show a larger version.

In a similar vein, several other BAYKO 'Supermodels' were constructed over the years as part of ongoing marketing programmes.

I think it would also have been remiss of me had I failed to provide a link to the comprehensive analysis of the manuals whence came the '199', so if you'd like to find out more information on the complete range of BAYKO Instruction Manuals…