Tri-ang was an established toy manufacturer who, following WWII, were keen to add model railways to their repertoire, having noted the success enjoyed by both Hornby Dublo and Trix. Rather than reinvent the wheel, Tri-ang purchased Rovex Plastics Ltd, a toy maker and plastics specialist which was producing a model railway system for retailer Marks and Spencer. Originally based in Chelsea, Rovex relocated to larger premises in Richmond, such was their success, although financial problems followed, Rovex being purchased by Tri-ang in 1951, and renamed Rovex Scale Models Ltd in 1953.
Meanwhile, Pyramid Toys had launched their Trackmaster model railway in 1949, comprising a clockwork tank locomotive together a van and open wagon, the tooling for which Tri-ang purchased in 1951 as the basis of their goods (freight) wagon range. Tri-ang purchased Zenith Motor Co Ltd in 1951, Zenith being the supplier of motors to Rovex Plastics Ltd.
For additional background information, with illustrations, please refer to Dave McCarthy's Tri-ang Railways web site.
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