Toys and Models

Can there be any car-loving males who weren’t absorbed by Scalextric in childhood? In 2007 the world-famous slot car racing game celebrates its 50th anniversary with this delightful official book that will appeal to anyone who has ever enjoyed racing in miniature. A true feast of nostalgia, this beautifully designed hardback is packed with fascinating illustrations that capture every facet of Scalextric over the years – not just the cars, track and accessories but also period artwork as seen on box sets and in catalogues. An ideal gift for grown-up boys, this book will prompt many happy memories.

Racing model cars is a fascinating hobby that provides thrills and excitement for young and old alike. The name Scalextric is now so well established that it has become a generic term for electric slot car systems. The fifth edition of this best-selling book - reformatted and illustrated throughout with specially commissioned colour photographs - is the complete guide to models that have been marketed under the brand name of Scalextric since their introduction in 1957. It brings the story right up to date and includes details and illustrations of 2001 models.

Making realistic scenery for model railroads has never been so fun and easy. Transform setups from miniature to magnificent with the expert-proven techniques presented in these pages. This book details the easiest and most effective methods for recreating the splendor of nature in miniature. Foolproof techniques are explained with easy-to-follow directions, step-by-step photos and 26 handy reference cards. Learn how to: • Create realistic mountains, trees, streams, grass, rocks, bushes and much more • Use inexpensive, easy-to-find materials to make stunning scenery; • Model in all four colourful seasons

Robert Schleicher wrote the book on slot car racing—literally. In the three short years since Schleicher’s Slot Car Racing: Tips, Tricks & Track Plans was published, the hobby has been virtually transformed by new products and technologies. This new volume, a perfect complement to its predecessor, brings readers and racers up to date, offering a concise, comprehensive overview of slot car racing’s developments, along with expert, practical guidance for putting this information to good use. A primer on the latest digital and analog developments for both 1/32 and HO scales, Schleicher’s book delivers the lowdown on building cars from individual components on ready-to-race chassis, as well as popular tune-up tips to get even more speed and better handling out of today’s cars. Schleicher also provides track tests of 70 cars and a slot-car shootout featuring 23 more vehicles. Finally, Schleicher includes nearly 50 track plans: 14 tabletop-size plans for Scalextric, Classic, Carrera, Sport, SCX, and Ninco brand track; 14 plans modeled on real circuits like Watkins Glen, Monaco, Spa-Francorchamps, Sears Point, and the Bahrain and Shanghai F1 courses; and 17 4x8-foot HO scale plans. Illustrated throughout with colour photography and track plan line art, this is the book that no serious slot car racer can afford to be without.

This is the 2nd edition of identification and price guide; the most comprehensive reference covering farm toys made from the 1920s through 2004 has been updated and expanded. More than 5,200 photographs assist in the identification of rare farm toys, variations, pedal tractors, and more. Contributions from farm toy collecting pioneers Bob Zarse and Eldon Trumm are joined by the expertise of Kate Bossen, who updated listings and pricing information. Numerous photographs feature the collection of the National Farm Toy Museum in Dyersville, Iowa. With more than 6,700 listings and 21,000 up-to-date values, this book is essential for all farm toy collectors.

In 1900, Joshua Lionel Cowen invented his first toy electric train, creating a popular new hobby in a nation expanding every day on real railroads. Within a few short years, Lionel layouts became a part of American living rooms at Christmastime. In this new officially licensed guide, veteran hobby industry writer Robert Schleicher presents an illustrated treasury of practical advice for the year-round Lionel enthusiast, or for beginners who want to begin their own holiday tradition with a Lionel set under the tree. Contains comprehensive information for prototype railroads, including track plans for the floor and tabletop, advice for scenery and structures, tips for wiring and track how-to, maintenance and restoration techniques, and instructions for operations to best emulate a real train.

Learn everything you need to know about setting up and maintaining a Lionel layout, as well as maximizing the enjoyment of your Lionel trains, in the pages of The Lionel Train Book. Included in this reference guide are an overview of product development, updated instructions on the setup and use of the TrainMaster Command Control System, track plans for the floor and tabletop, advice on building scenery and structures, wiring and track how-to, help in choosing steam or diesel locomotives and freight or passenger operations, maintenance and restoration tips techniques, and instructions for operations that best emulate those of prototype railroads.

Reviews the entire range of model cars and selected other wheeled and tracked vehicles, individually and mass-produced, proceeding from the earliest prototypes to contemporary, radio-controlled, miniature racers.

The book has black and white photos, but the photo quality is done well. What's great about this book is that it provides the reader with a well-written and researched documentary about this fine American company. Since these toys have not been made for a long time, books such as these do not go out-of-date. At the end of the book is a bibliography of books and magazines about Tootsietoys, so that you can research further if you can find these references.

Bob Gordon gives a fascinating survey of the different kinds of toy steam engines of the stationary type, and especially those produced during the heyday of steam toys between 1900 and 1930. Dealing mainly with the German manufacturers who pioneered the mass-production of steam toys, it explains how the engines work, gives advice about operating and maintaining them, and contains useful information about identifying and dating vintage models. The manufacturers and retailers who played a leading part in the production and distribution of steam toys are described, and brief references are made to manufacturers who are still making toy steam engines. This will be an excellent reference book for steam enthusiasts of all ages.

Want to know the value of your 1961 Ideal Robot Commando in Mint-in-Package condition? How about your 1977 Kenner Darth Vader action figure? You'll find everything you're looking for in Toys & Prices 2011. This nostalgic bible, now in its 18th edition, contains the most comprehensive identification and pricing information on post-World War II toys. Included are action figures, Barbie, Fisher-Price, G.I. Joe, PEZ, and Robots, not to mention all the other fascinating toys you remember and collect! You'll also find: • New listings and expanded coverage for more than 35,000 toys and 100,000 current-market values • Updated commentary and advice from the country's most prominent toy experts • Historical information, hobby trends and advice for evaluating toy condition • Special 16-page colour section featuring TV and movie-themed toys This book is the first choice of collector's, dealers, and enthusiasts to identify and assess the value of their collectible toys.

Simple text, illustrations, and diagrams explain how to set up model trains and scenery, accessories, and how model trains work.

Vintage Model Aeroplanes focuses on vital techniques which the R/C modeller has to master. This book covers choosing a vintage subject, kit or plan, conventional or orthodox; details on building and covering, engines and fuels. Then flying, with practical advice on control take-off and landing, engine thrustline, etc. An essential handbook for all.

The World of Antique Toys is a guide to, and celebration of the artistry and craftsmanship of the world's greatest toy-makers. It contains 505 colour photos, with descriptions and dates across: American Tin Toys, Mechanical Banks, American Cast Iron Toys, European Tinplate Toys & Trains, Comic Character Toys and American Toy Trains. Complete with a bibliography and price list.