Carlisle and Finch did not produce 0 gauge trains, the first US 0 gauge trains being produced by Ives in 1910, followed by Lionel in 1915 and American Flyer, 1918.
Carlisle and Finch, of Cincinnati, OH, USA, first produced toy trains in 1896, and continued to do so until World War I (1915), at which time they switched to searchlight production, for the US Navy. Toy train production was not resumed after the war, the company continuing with the more profitable searchlight business which continues to this day.
Reference to this Tinplate Times article advises that Ohio Electric, who describe themselves as 'Wholesale and Retail', was one of the best customers of Carlisle and Finch, with Ohio Electric issuing Carlisle and Finch catalogs under the Ohio Electric name.
Please refer to the TCA Western Division site for a detailed history of Carlisle and Finch, with many illustrations.
Carlisle and Finch Catalogue/Catalog 1911 |
Carlisle and Finch Freight Cars |
Carlisle and Finch, Popular Mechanics, January 1905 |
Carlisle and Finch, Popular Mechanics, August 1912 Image credit Google Books |
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