I don't have children, but I do have a nephew.


When he was younger, I hadn't started collecting yet, but I still had a few of my (severely playworn) childhood models around. He saw them and my brother and I would tell him how these were the toys of our childhoods. He was somewhat curious, but I have to agree with Jan, the modern, shiny fast ones were a lot more attractive to him.


I remember when growing up, I wanted realism in cars - models that I recognized from the street outside, and this seems to have been common back then, if you look at the output from all the major manufacturerers: realism and opening parts.


I really believe the HotWheels-revolution changed all that. All of a sudden it was about fast wheels and flashy design. It seems to me, that this trend is still there today. Kids don't sseem to care much about realism; give them a generic car that runs really fast and looks 'cool', and it's a winner in their eyes.


Something I find rather interesting is that, from what I read in the Great Book of Corgi, a major reason for the crisis of toycar-makers starting in the early 70s was, that a study showed toy-car model buyers to stop buying at an earlier and earlier age, so the target audience was shrinking.


The reason I find this so interesting is, that it seems to coincide with the switch in emphasis from realism to fast&cool. So maybe the fast&cool cars create a stronger attraction for the very young, but as they grow older, the lack of realism fades the interest. Thoughts, anyone?

Jan, dinkyfan, Teebodk, Thanks for your replies. I hope others will also reply, it is certainly interesting.


        Jan's reply was almost as expected. I am at the point of nothing really "new and shiny". My purchases are few and far between, mostly of broken with the intent to fix and make as new as possible so the toy has an extended life. If it becomes a collectible because of the nature of the restoration and modification, so be it, but the intent is to make it first a play-worthy toy.


         My toys, the shiny is already there although from many years ago. Those that are shiny are of a different make and not really toy toys, but as you have said = collectibles. My set of Matchbox Models Of Yesteryear Pick-up Trucks fall into that group. Franklin Mint would also be included here. I edited this after a reply, but I share and agree the same thoughts of the 3  TC'ers above.


          Dinkyfan, I agree, with the exception that in my case the Dinkys are toy toys. As I mentioned of my 2 Mint Perfect cars, still they could be played with although I doubt it would happen. The Hubleys (just a few trailer trucks), Tootsie Toys (50-60 or so), and of course Dinkys (only about 400+ or so) to which is the subject of the question, are made so well and lasted thus far were never considered for the collector. It just happens that they now are desirable and have become collectibles. Worsen the situation, folks prey on the collector and purchase only for the investment purpose. They never really appreciating the joy that was meant to be. In addition to the "worsen", how about those many up for sale/auction claimed as "mint" which are obviously far from that. In some cases by "reputable dealers ...?" that claim ignorance or "not an expert" if a question about authenticity arises.


        One thought about my Dinkys, I am willing to bet, that the $$$ value will be much greater long after the Dinkys were returned to the cabinets because other priorities have become the goals of the grandchildren.....


        I must be the exception, because the grandchildren have access and do play with all but those 2 I mentioned, and when I set down on the floor to join them, I am always asked, "which car and truck do you want to play with grandpa?" ....and I can pick the car or truck they may be holding in their hand and they will hand it to me without fuss or grimace. Toys teach ownership responsibility as well as the sharing, although the converse is also true as dinkyfan mentioned, lack of ownership = lack of responsibility, if it ain't mine I can do with it what I may.... but then again there are those exceptions.


         Teebodk mentioned "unreal generic", we also play with those, but the Dinkys to my observation seem to have a higher priority. By the way, I remember when some of those "unreal generic trucks" were hitting the real highway. They reminded me of TONKA TOYS on steroids.  Any one share that thought or have the same realization?


         My biggest toy is a 2004 birthday present from my bride. It has 300HP, 4 wheel drive, locking rear axle, am/fm/cd player, cruise contol, 8' pick-up bed = all standard, larger than standard tires, hauls a diesel tractor with a 6' roto-tiller hanging out the back, and has over 110,000+ miles, no scratches or dents, looks and runs like new. Will I share and lend it out? NOPE! ....but I will drive it and help haul what has to be hauled. It is my toy. dinkyboy

Dinkyboy--
You make some good points there. When Dinky's were in their heyday, I doubt that too many then thought they would occupy the position they do now, but that is also true of many real cars from that era....they were meant to drive or race and not "collect" and remain virgin....but many purpose cars of that era are that now...they turned into classics or collectibiles.
What it boils down to is we are all a little different as to our outlook on this hobby and where our real interest lies. Most of the folks here on TC have the common interest of scale models, but almost all of us approach it a little differently. I like to collect mint or very nice Dinky's from 1937 through 1959....I have purposely replaced or restored some of my few older, scratched up models with nicer ones. Other folks are delighted with playworn models with their own patina from lots of playtime and could care less about focusing on mint ones or keeping them that way. I think that is great!
There is certainly no right answer here, only our collective different thoughts and goals about our hobby, and what makes you happy with it!

dinkyfan, YUP. That is what makes it so interesting and why I asked the question. There was never meant to be other than a correct answer. ALL the replies are correct. It is the reasoning that makes the answer what it is. I luv it. Thank you brother for making that point. dinkyboy

Dinkyboy what a great question, although I have 6 grandchildren I have only 1 grandson that lives close by and he is only 2 1/2years old. So as to your question, I,ve only been collecting for just over a year but in that year I have managed to collect some nice toys of various makes. If someone had told me before I started just how addictive it is I would probably have never of believed them.


In finding a lot of these great old toys from my childhood they bring back so many great memories, of playing fixing and painting these old toys when I was a child. When I look back now I was copying my Father watching his trucks coming in and out of the workshop being repaired and painted etc. For me now though they are to be treasured and kept only for display.


I have repainted and done some code 3 models since I started collecting, one thing I can say though is that I have ever only touched the really really rough ones or that are damaged or have been repainted by someone else.


I have noticed of late people selling off collectors pieces new and old and splitting them up from there boxes and even splitting trucks from trailers and loads etc. Some of these are very limited pieces some of only 2000 or less in some cases or in some cases really old, I understand these people are only in it for the money but they just don,t understand what they are doing, once they split up these toys they,re lost and it really annoys me.


As for my grandchildren I do have some batter old cars here, that I,m keeping just for them to play with, my gut feeling is though that they wont be to interested in them because they,re not fast cool cars and don,t transform into something else.


As has already been stated there is no right or wrong answer, its people like all of you that make this hobby so addictive, Dinky boy you do some great work with your rebuilds and its great to see you bringing back to life those old wrecks, some of us have mixed collections and that are not all mint, some have mint collections that are as Jan said museum pieces and that should be kept that way, thankfully there are people with collections out there like Jan and Dinkyfan that will preserve these great toys.


All I can say is keep up the collecting and treasure what you have, because in this day and age of cheep plastic and mass reproduction you will never see toys with this sort of character again.


Keep posting the pictures of what you have and sharing the information and these toys will never be forgotten!


Ronson.

I did not get back into collecting and restoring toys until my childeren were grown and out of the house. I only have 1 grandchild and he is only barely 4 months old so I have a way to go before he is ready to play with my Dinky Toys when he comes to visit. Being a 10 hour drive or so, it won't be that often, I expect. Still, when he does come he is welcome to play with any of the used toys I have as well as the restorations I have done. I can always re paint them. The few mint or mint in box toys I have and the really old ones will be off limits and be staying in the display Cabinets. Also, ones like Dinkyboy mentions, Yesteryears and my own collectible of DY Dinky and Vanguards will also be off limits as they are also in Mint condition and have too many breakable parts.


The old Dinky Toys, Corgi Toys and Matchbox toys, among others our there are just that, toys and they should be played with. Most of my collection is in play worn condition and I like that. Too many mint models and all I can do is look at them. From time to time I like to take them out and set them on my desk or elsewhere in the house. This is a pleasure to me. My boxed mint toys hardley ever have this done. They just stay on display or get rotated out every few months as I have limited display space. I am hoping to rectify that later this summer by building a few more cabinets. For now, my Vanguards and my New Ray toys are all boxed and stored. The New Rays are also off limits as they are mint is box also.


In the end it is only what you feel you want out of your toys that really matters. As collectibles they have come a long way from the Mass Produced Toys or Yesteryear. Play or Look at your toys as you will and gain the pleasure you need from them. It sounds to me, as has been said, that we all have a different view of this. Dinkyboy, I bet you have a blast playing with  your Grand Sons on the carpet. Great stuff.

Nobleco, 3 grand daughters, 1 = 5 months, and 2 = (8 & 9) are carpet toy pushers. What a surprise that was. Dolls are OK, but the cars and trucks.... what can I say. Almost Tom-boys. 1 grandson (going on 4), and he is learning from the girls. It is not just about the toys, they are learning respect in many ways. I am not the teacher here, I am just the observer, and that is FUN. Of course pushing Dinkys on the carpet with my gang is also a thrill. Sometimes I am even "invited". Other times, I just plop down uninvited and immediately am one of the gang, asked what car or truck would I like to drive, or I might just bring one or two from a cabinet and see who wants to swap... Persian rugs, even under furniture like tables and chairs, have infinite patterns that become roadways, buildings, tunnels..... whatever. .....and it is a great part of imagination with real toys.


     Would it not be a BLAST if all of us from around the world could get together on a giant Persian with our Dinky Toys, Supertoys, or whatever your choice might be for a rug pushing session. Scale never made a difference. Bring your favorites..... I think that would be neat. dob 07/1943        WOW!!!


     I lieu of that idea, TC IS the next best thing, and thanks for it......    dinkyboy

Right guys, a total different scene from the Netherlands, regarding Dinkyboy's question

My 2 sons (17 and 19) are not really in colllecting, although they have a few mint boxed (and once liberated) hotwheels cars, somewhere hidden in the attic. They are not that fond of toy cars and perhaps see my collection as a future investment

I really started collecting when they were little boys, so my life span of a collector is only about 15 years or so. The toy cars from my childhood were only Matchbox and Husly cars and I sold them years ago.

Regards:Theo

I too sold a lot of my original Dinky toys but still have quite a few. Some I have restored as I over painted quite a few with either Dark Brown or Gold. Hmmm!!! :L Oh well, they look great now. Play as you will or sit on a shelf and enjoy, both are have the joy in them that you are seeking. Childhood is forever, did you not know???