Toys and Models

With the endless choice of models available, past and present, Matchbox Toys affords an overview of the whole market, providing an indispensable guide for collectors of all ages, and at all stages of collecting.

This addition to MBI's successful "toy train" installments in the Enthusiast Color Series examines how Lionel for the last 25 years has weathered increased competition, survived numerous ownership changes, adopted improved production techniques, and utilized computer technology to remain an American icon. From the auspices of cereal giant General Mills, to be the sometimes criticized but always pragmatic ownership of Richard Kughn, and finally on to the formation of Lionel LLC, the last quarter-century of Lionel's business and products are examined in detail.

The history of Dinky Toys, Corgi Toys and other makers of diecast metal cars has been covered in great detail in many books and magazine articles; by contrast, information on plastic toy cars is much harder to come by. Yet collectors are taking an increasing interest in plastic cars, particularly as the rise in the value of early diecast and tinplate models has put many of these out of reach of the average enthusiast. For the first time, this book aims to provide a systematic introduction to the vast number of plastic cars made during the 1950s and 1960s. Years of research have enabled the author to uncover many fascinating facts about the companies who made these toys. Some were major players in the toy industry, like Tri-ang and Brimtoy in the UK, Norev and Minialuxe in France, Gama and Siku in Germany and Ingap in Italy. Many others, though, were more obscure, and some only modeled one car before disappearing without trace. More than 250 photographs of these toys are included, with the emphasis being on the most colourful and realistic examples, all of them based on real vehicles of the period. In many cases, the toy is pictured alongside its original box, the presence of which can often double the value of the item to a collector. Readers will also find a handy glossary listing the names of many of the companies who were active in this field in the 1950s and 1960s, together with some evocative period advertisements and catalogue illustrations. If you thought that a model car had to be made of diecast metal to be worth collecting, this book might change your mind... With 250 colour photos, extensive appendices and identification aids this is a must have for any collector or dealer.