Cyldon was the brand name for a range of model stationary steam engines, manufactured in Enfield, Middlesex, England between 1947 and 1951 by Sydney S Bird & Sons. The name Cyldon was an amalgamation of Sydney Bird's two son's names Cyril and Donald.[1]
The range extended to five different models, numbered 13/1 to 13/5. The designs were notable for their extensive use of non-ferrous metals, especially aluminium alloys, with very little steel used in most of the models.
All the engines were methylated spirit-fired with wick type burners, and all except the 13/3 were fitted with whistles.
Other Cyldon products included other toys, reels for magnetic tape and cine film, and variable capacitors.[2]
Models
13/1
The 13/1 was (presumably) the first model made by Cyldon and is atypical in some details. The firebox is a different style from the usual Cyldon type and is steel instead of aluminium.