Arthur Koppel began in the German light railways business in partnership with Benno Orenstein in 1876, initially trading as Orenstein & Koppel. In 1885 the partners decided to divide the company with Arthur Koppel concentrating on developing the overseas market and Orenstein & Koppel the German market.
The model typifies the European style narrow gauge loco and can be finished in many ways to suit the builder's favourite country.