G & R Wrenn of Basildon

The company was started by brothers George and Richard Wrenn in 1950. A third brother, Cedric was to join the company in the late fifties. Initially, the company manufactured a range of high quality 00 gauge points and track from premises in London situated at Lee Green, Blackheath, London SE3. They advertised "Trackwork for Permanent Layouts" made by G & R Wrenn. These products included Diamond Crossings, Insulated Crossovers and Points. All were available for both 2 and 3 rail operation.

As the business expanded, larger premises were sought and they moved to 11, Honeywood Road, Basildon in 1955. Their products were soon advertised as "Universal Trackwork" as the range developed, accommodating Hornby, Tri-ang, Trix, Marklin and Rivarossi stock. By the early sixties, they were producing over 120 items of precision-built model railway trackwork and were manufacturing the famous Formula '152' Model Motor Racing System, following its successful launch at the Brighton Toy Fair in 1960.

Both brothers' extensive engineering backgrounds helped to design and produce this system. Indeed, these 3 inch long cars were able to produce scale speeds of over 200mph! George was responsible for the conception and development whilst Richard concentrated on the tooling and mass production. Cedric Wrenn having recently joined the company, was responsible, as Sales Manager, for the marketing and sales of all of the products now produced at Bowlers Croft. Marketing became an important area for G & R Wrenn, with such a diverse product range. Cedric was often to be seen at Trade Exhibitions in Brighton and London.

During the sixties the company went from strength to strength. Adjoining units were taken on as they expanded in Honeywood Road. Their location became known as "Bowlers Croft" and they stayed in these premises until their demise in November 1992.

Other non-railway items were sold by G & R Wrenn during the sixties. Items such as, Battery Operated Motor Boats - an RAF Twin Screw Crash Tender and a Vosper Triple Screw Yacht, a Baby Alarm, a Pull Back'n' Go Mini, Doodle Discs, the Master Mariner Set, the Wrenn Wonder Boat and Mighty Midget 3-6 Volt motors!