Plank produced it's first toy train in 1882. The early trains made through 1885 were gauge III (2½ inch track gauge) and
were marketed as complete sets that included a steam powered Ernst Plank Vulcan locomotive, four-wheel lithographed
rolling stock with pressed brass wheels, and a circle
of track. Track was made of tinplate, and came in sections that were put together and held in place with steel pins, just like the
tinplate track sections manufactured today. Many of the trains were hand enameled and contained a high level of detail, such as
curtained windows on the passenger coaches. American-profile trains were made expressly for the U.S. market.
By 1900 Plank's catalogs displayed a huge array of electro-physics gadgets and a full
spectrum of optical devices, toy boats, stationary steam engines, and locomotives. Even a steam turbine locomotive
was offered. Some of the trains were designed to run on track, while others were for floor operation. The front
wheels usually had very thin flanges on the track runner models, and could be turned and locked, so that
a circle radius could be run on the floor, without the use of track. Track gauge was 2½", but
the 'scale' was between 'O' and Standard. Plank dubbed its 65mm product as 8 gauge.
Eight major manufacturers of model steam engines conducted business in the Nüremburg area:
Bing,
Carette, Doll, Falk, Krauss Mohr,
Märklin, Plank and Schöenner. Plank equipment is
easily identified by the trademark embossing that had the letters 'EP' inside a cirlce surrounded by a winged wheel.
Plank amazed the toy world in 1882 by introducing Germany's first electric train.
They are famous for their so-called "stork-engines". Their "Black Prince" is one of the most wanted
trains for collectors. Plank's toys were notable for their quality, often being ornate in design and more finely finished than
other manufacturers products. The company survived the First World War, however, Ernst Plank & Company was one of the
many firms that suffered from the 1929
depression and economic crisis. The company was sold in 1932 to Hans and Fritz Schaller, who bought the
factory largely to get the optics from Plank's magic lantern line. Schaller specialized in home movie equipment.
Today, Plank trains are very rare and highly collectible.
