Lone Star (D.C.M.T.)
49 years in operation (1939–1988)
About Lone Star (D.C.M.T.)
Lone Star (Die Casting Machine Tools) was an important British die-cast toy manufacturer producing vehicles, cap guns, and figures. Their 'Roadmaster' Locos and small die-cast Flyers are collectible. Lone Star also produced the popular Treble-O-Lectric HO train system.
History of Lone Star (D.C.M.T.)
Lone Star was the toy brand of Die Casting Machine Tools Ltd — DCMT — an Enfield engineering firm that made die-casting machinery and then used it to make toys. The name was chosen for the American western market the company was targeting, and cap guns were a substantial part of the business.
The die-cast vehicle ranges are what collectors pursue. Lone Star produced the Roadmasters and later the Impy series of small die-cast cars, competing with Matchbox and Corgi at the pocket-money end, along with larger models and a range of farm and commercial vehicles.
Treble-O-Lectric, launched at the end of the 1950s, was a genuine technical ambition: a working electric railway in 000 gauge — smaller than anything then commercially available and effectively an early attempt at what became N gauge. It was too small for the manufacturing tolerances of the day and did not succeed commercially, which makes it one of the more interesting failures in British toy history. Lone Star continued until 1988.
Timeline
- 1939Die Casting Machine Tools Ltd is established at Enfield
- 1949The Lone Star toy brand is launched, aimed at the western and cap-gun market
- 1956Roadmaster die-cast vehicles compete at the pocket-money end of the market
- 1957Treble-O-Lectric attempts a working electric railway in 000 gauge
- 1966The Impy die-cast series is introduced
- 1988The company closes
Notable & Best-Selling Toys
- Lone Star Roadmaster Locos
- Lone Star die-cast Flyers
- Lone Star Treble-O-Lectric trains
- Lone Star Wild West cap guns
- Lone Star Impy die-cast cars
Identifying & Dating Lone Star (D.C.M.T.) Toys
- Look for "LONE STAR" cast or printed on the base with "MADE IN ENGLAND" and often "D.C.M.T."; cap guns carry Lone Star cast into the frame.
- Impy models are marked with the Impy name and a model number on the base.
- Treble-O-Lectric stock is marked Lone Star and is unmistakable by its size.
Collector's Notes
- Treble-O-Lectric is the most interesting Lone Star material and needs to be complete and boxed to be worth much; the mechanisms rarely still run reliably.
- Cap guns are worth substantially more boxed or carded, and the western branding is the appeal.
- Die-cast cars are inexpensive and are collected as an alternative to Matchbox. Condition standards are high because production volumes were large.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When was Lone Star (D.C.M.T.) founded?
Lone Star (D.C.M.T.) was founded in 1939, based in Enfield, England.
Is Lone Star (D.C.M.T.) still in business?
No. Lone Star (D.C.M.T.) ceased operations in 1988, after 49 years in business.
What is Lone Star (D.C.M.T.) best known for?
Lone Star (D.C.M.T.) is best known for Lone Star Roadmaster Locos, Lone Star die-cast Flyers, Lone Star Treble-O-Lectric trains, among other toys.
Where was Lone Star (D.C.M.T.) located?
Lone Star (D.C.M.T.) was based in Enfield, England.
What kinds of toys did Lone Star (D.C.M.T.) make?
Lone Star (D.C.M.T.) is categorized under die-cast, vehicles, cap guns.
How can you identify genuine Lone Star (D.C.M.T.) toys?
Look for "LONE STAR" cast or printed on the base with "MADE IN ENGLAND" and often "D.C.M.T."; cap guns carry Lone Star cast into the frame. Impy models are marked with the Impy name and a model number on the base. Treble-O-Lectric stock is marked Lone Star and is unmistakable by its size.
Are Lone Star (D.C.M.T.) toys valuable?
Treble-O-Lectric is the most interesting Lone Star material and needs to be complete and boxed to be worth much; the mechanisms rarely still run reliably. Cap guns are worth substantially more boxed or carded, and the western branding is the appeal. Die-cast cars are inexpensive and are collected as an alternative to Matchbox. Condition standards are high because production volumes were large.