What child hasn't dreamed of a big red fire engine under the Christmas tree or been fascinated by the sights and sounds of firefighters hustling off to a fire? The desire of children to be close to firefighters has kept toy manufacturers busy over many decades making fire-themed toys that filled children with wonder. As adults, those same children delight in collecting the colorful and exciting toys that so enriched their early years. Presented here, in nearly 600 color photos, are the best and most highly collected firefighting toys from the second half of the twentieth century. Fire engines, fire chiefs' cars, firehouses, fireboats, firemen -- if it has the word "fire" in it, you're sure to find it here! Organized alphabetically by manufacturer, the comprehensive lineup includes toys from Buddy L, Corgi, Fisher-Price, Hubley, Keystone, Marx, Mattel, Nylint, Remco, Structo, Tonka, Tootsietoy, and many more. Also featured are tips on what to collect, places to find firefighting toys, detailed descriptions, and up-to-date pricing information. A treat for "grown up" children everywhere!

The invention of the telegraph, telephone, and broadcast signals gave kids in mid-20th-century America a new way to play. Speak into a device, push a button, turn a knob, and you were instantly communicating with friends around the block or across the planet. In most cases, it was imaginary, but adults were actually doing it-and with the right "equipment," you were too! The 150 color images in Do You Read Me? Vintage Communication Toys captures the excitement of these new technologies. The art deco and futuristic designs from the '30s through the '70s convey the wonder and optimism of the ever-evolving communication world. String and wire may have carried the signal, but it was the power of imagination that really carried the message. Toy collectors, nostalgia buffs, and retro-future fans will appreciate the price guide and build-it-yourself communicator included with this beautifully photographed and designed volume.

* MINI GOLF FUN ANYTIME, ANYWHERE: Includes portable putting green with wind-up windmill obstacle, 2 putters, and 2 balls * UNIQUE 2" x 3" WIND-UP WINDMILL: Features a kitchy windmill design with wind-up mechanism (no batteries required) * BOOK INCLUDED: 32-page, 2-1/2" x 3" illustrated mini book on the history and rules of this popular pastime * UNIQUE GIFT: Perfect for both golf and mini golf fans of all ages

Give the gift of luck and good fortune to yourself--or someone you know--with this adorable Lucky Dog figurine. * ONE-OF-A-KIND COLLECTIBLE: Inspired by the adorable Japanese lucky talisman * MOTORIZED ARM: No batteries needed; just give it a tap and watch it go * BOOK INCLUDED: Discover the wisdom and lore of this unique canine as well as lucky traditions and charms from around the world in the 32-page, 2-1/2" x 3" illustrated mini book * UNIQUE GIFT: Perfect for dog lovers of all ages

Shred the slopes with Desktop Snowboarding! This kit contains everything you need to assemble a miniature winter mountain slope so you can do some finger snowboarding, right at your desk. * MINI SNOWBOARD: Includes 3-inch mini snowboard with tiny boots attached for your fingers * ONE-OF-A-KIND MINI MOUNTAIN SLOPE PIECES: A mini, flocked mountain slope in two pieces that snaps together, including a jump ramp on one side and a rail on the other * CUSTOMIZABLE: Incudes 2 sheets of full-color sticker to deck out your board * BOOK INCLUDED: Instructional mini book on finger snowboarding, accompanied by full-color illustrations

The best-known and most important manufacturer of plastic model kits in the UK, Airfix has been at the forefront of the industry since 1955 when the first Airfix aircraft kit appeared in UK branches of Woolworth's. The kits were made to a constant scale and covered a wide variety of subjects, from aircraft to birds and from tanks to dinosaurs. In 1981 the famous London-based company closed down and only the kits survived intact. For the next twenty-five years Airfix was run by Palitoy and later Humbrol, but suffered from a lack of investment. In 2006, Hornby Hobbies Ltd, the train and Scalextric manufacturer, bought the ailing company and transformed it. Money and resources were ploughed into the range, and today Airfix releases around twenty new kits per year, designed to an incredibly high standard. The old kits of the 1950s and 1960s are gradually being replaced by new state-of-the-art tooling, all bearing that most prestigious name - Airfix. Published to coincide with the sixtieth anniversary of the first Airfix aircraft kit, Sixty Years of Airfix Models, tells the full story, year by year, of the company and its products.

This comprehensive new book showcases the most desirable electro-magnetic pinball games ever built. Over 1,000 color photos, arranged in decades from the 1930s to the 1990s, display some of the most popular pinballs ever built. Also, rare photos show Gordon Hasse with some of the most sought-after and popular Gottlieb and Parker games. This book breaks new ground in documenting this classic era. It greatly augments the author's three earlier works on pinball history and rounds out the most up-to-date research in the field.

An essential addition to any transportation toy library, this is the book that bus lovers have been waiting for! Over 1,500 toy buses are shown in full color, from early buses to transit and trolley buses to school buses and modern luxury coaches. They are organized alphabetically by manufacturer, with over 250 toy makers represented. Buses from thirty countries on five continents are included, dating from 1905 to the present day. The eye-catching coaches are shown in the correct liveries (trim) of the bus companies. Bus memorabilia and current values for all models shown also included. Hop aboard to experience this wonderful showcase of worldwide bus toys!

Dinky Toys were introduced in 1931 and these diecast metal toys became bestsellers. More than 1000 different subjects were modelled, mostly transport related. They were created by Frank Hornby, a Liverpool entrepreneur, and Dinky Toys were part of the successful Hornby empire, which also manufactured Meccano and Hornby trains and establish factories in France, Germany, Canada and other parts of the world.

This fascinating and entertaining book covers the complete range of action figures marketed during the 1960s. Included here are the soldiers and sailors, cowboys and Indians, space men and the spies that populated the action figure world from 1964 to 1969. Over 300 color photographs capture these often elusive and highly sought heroic "dolls for boys" including GI Joe, Captain Action, Johnny West, Major Matt Mason, Johnny Hero, and James Bond. This book spans the product lines of all the major action figure manufacturers of the day from Hasbro and Mattel to Marx and Ideal. Presented as well are the many accessories that accompanied many of these figure lines. Prices are provided in the text for the figures and their accessories. Both loose and mint-in-the-package prices are provided whenever necessary.

The Cabbage Patch Kid craze started in the 1980s, and continued into the 1990s, where it is perpetuated by a strong community of collectors. This excellent book picks up the story at the start of the 1990s, where the authors' successful first book left off. It shows the full line of Kids produced by Hasbro from 1990-1994, including Birthday Kids, Kissin' Kids, and the 10th Anniversary dolls. All the Kids produced by Mattel between 1995-1998 are here as well, including OlympiKids, Snacktime Kids, and the Keepsake Collection. The book also features pets, with lots of valuable information about the adorable Koosas. The authors have included an excellent 85-photo reference for head molds used through both the '80s and '90s. Learn to recognize fakes and altered Kids in the marketplace, and see some creative ways to turn shabby flea market finds into beautiful Kids again.

Building Toys: An Architect's Collection documents over 100 architectural building toys from the author's collection, from the mid-1800s to the present, from the U.S. and abroad. Each toy has an immersive two-page spread celebrating its unique features with photos of packaging graphics, component parts, assembly diagrams, and a built example designed and constructed by the author. Well-researched background information on designers and company histories provides intriguing facts which complete each toy's description. When taken together, these stories reveal a microcosm of western commercial and industrial history, illustrating trends in design, advertising, and material production techniques. The book is organised by toy material (natural wood, metal, plastic, etc.), creating six "chapters." It includes a two-page introduction which reflects the author's role as architect, photographer, and collector. There are approximately 250 pages giving a dynamic visual portrayal of a seldom seen world.

Celebrate Christmas with the Griswolds with this unique station wagon and tree collectible with a fun sound element. SPECIFICATIONS: 3-inch station wagon and tree collectible figurine on a base with sound button FEATURES FIVE SOUND CLIPS: Audio includes iconic quotes and songs from the film BOOK INCLUDED: Includes a 32-page mini book featuring memorable quotes and color photos OFFICIALLY LICENSED: Authentic collectible NATIONAL LAMPOON'S CHRISTMAS VACATION and all related characters and elements (c) & (TM) Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s22)

A tremendous resource for toy collectors and dealers, this new book compiles the catalogs of the Hubley Manufacturing Company from 1946 to 1965. Each page is reproduced in full color, making it an invaluable reference for identifying and dating Hubley toys. Hubley was incorporated in 1894 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and produced wonderful toys throughout its history. The catalogs in this book represent the production from 1946 to 1965, when the company was purchased by Gabriel Industries. Over 450 color images document each page and every toy Hubley produce in this period. A value guide is also included with current market values. This book is a perfect accompaniment to the author's previous book, Hubley Toys.

Meet the lovable teddy bears and toys produced by the famous Gebru**der Bing toy company. This engaging text is illustrated with 372 enchanting color photographs. Once among the world's premier toy companies, Bing manufactured teddy bears of many sizes and talents. Some of the bears presented here perform tricks, walk, tumble, and growl to the delight of young and old. Other clever toys produced by this prolific firm include miniature sewing machines and phonographs, train sets and buildings, and other stuffed and mechanical animals. Provided in this book is the history of the Gebru**der Bing company and designers, the tale of Bing's current revival, and information about the modern day bears the company is producing (based on the company's much loved original patterns). Values are included in the captions. This book will delight collectors and dealers of teddy bears and toys, and is intended for anyone with fond memories of a favorite, furry childhood friend.

Smaller-scale replicas of dream vehicles capture the imagination and touch the child in each of us. Here are Jaguars, Bugattis, Ferraris, Jeeps, MGs, and many, many others, made from 1900 to the present day, powered by pedals, electricity, or gasoline. It covers a spectrum of cars made from the turn of the century to the present day. Over 300 photos of children's automobiles make this book valuable to collectors, restorers, and researchers alike. Detailed captions for each car explain the model, its unique qualities, current value, and interesting restoration information. A large supplement loaded with catalog material presents children's vehicles produced by the Tri-Ang company. Both toy and full-size vehicle enthusiasts will stop to enjoy this interesting corner of the automotive world.

Playmates Toys produced Star Trek toys--action figures, accessories, and starships--in great abundance, beginning in 1992, and this book chronicles them all. Most of the Star Trek toys Playmates produced are displayed in over 510 photographs with descriptions and accessories, making identifications easy. Exclusive toys, limited edition statues, and collectibles dioramas add depth and interest. Current market values accompany the descriptions of every Playmates Star Trek toy presented. Every fan of the Star Trek** television series and movies, and all toy and action figure collectors will want a copy of this fabulous book.

"Absolutely essential reading for every LEGO fan." -Blocks The definitive history of LEGO, based on unprecedented access to the company's archives and rare interviews with the founding family who still owns the company "This book tells the story of how my family built the LEGO brand." -Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen, former President/CEO of the LEGO Group and 3rd generation owner It's estimated that each year between eighty and ninety million children around the globe are given a box of LEGO, while up to ten million adults buy sets for themselves. Yet LEGO is much more than a dizzying number of plastic bricks that can be put together and combined in countless ways. LEGO is also a vision of the significance of what play can mean for humanity. This book tells the extraordinary story of a global company and a Danish family who for ninety years have defended children's right to play-and who believe grown-ups, too, should make the time to nurture their inner child. The LEGO Story is built on Jens Andersen's unique access to LEGO's own archives, as well as on Andersen's extensive conversations with Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen, former president and CEO of the LEGO group and grandson of its founder, Ole Kirk Christiansen. A riveting cultural history of changing generations' views of childhood and the importance of play, The LEGO Story also a fascinating case study of how innovation and creativity helped leaders transform LEGO from a small carpentry business into the world's largest producer of play materials and one of the most beloved brands in the world. Richly illustrated with never-before-seen photos from the family's private archive, this is the ultimate book for fans of LEGO, revealing everything you ever wanted to know about the brand. An International Bestseller

A history of architecture, in miniature, is seen here through a century of children's toys. For years, toy buildings have inspired the imaginations of both children and adults. Valued as collectible items and praised for architectural design, toy buildings provide hours of fun as well as educational insight into the times in which they were made. This book includes over 550 photographs of toy villages, dollhouses, barns, stables, schools, fire stations, stores, theaters, airports, railroad depots, garages, service stations, castles, forts, and other structures. Photographs from catalogs and magazines verify dates of production and manufacturers including Marx, Schoenhut, Bliss, Gottschalk, Plasticville, Keystone, Rich, Arcade, Built-Rite, Converse, Chein, Ohio Art, Renwal, and Tri-ang. Estimated prices are provided in the captions and sources for finding toy buildings are listed. This book will be an indispensable tool for collectors of toy vehicles, model railroads, playsets, dollhouses, gas station memorabilia, and toy soldiers.

Presented here are one hundred classic-era (1880s-1940s) Hopi and Zuni carved dolls from private and public collections that have rarely, if ever, been put on exhibition and that collectively form a profound and powerful assembly of the very finest examples from the classic period in Kachina carving. Andrea Portago has gracefully photographed these rare figures using available light so as not to distort their colours and to reveal their movement and drama, passion and personality.

He is grumpy, yet lovable, and would claw his way through an Italian restaurant for a plateful of steaming lasagna. Who else but Garfield (R), the famous cartoon/comic cat, could command this much attention? Created by cartoonist Jim Davis, this orange tabby with a mind of his own hit comic strips in 1978 and now appears in thousands of newspapers worldwide. Scores of Garfield collectibles have surfaced--and their value is rising every day as more and more people jump on Garfield's black and yellow bandwagon. With 472 color photos illustrating more than 900 Garfield items, this essential guide for collectors and fans features a Foreword by Garfield's creator Jim Davis himself. Garfield lovers will find a wonderful assortment of figurines, plushes, mugs, toys, music boxes, displays, and many unusual items, all celebrating Garfield and his pals Odie, Pooky, Arlene, Jon, and Nermal. The captions include accurate descriptions, dimensions, manufacturers, and values. So get ready for a treat--Garfield and the gang are waiting for you inside!

Celebrated artist and writer Rose O'Neill created the Kewpie in 1909, fashioning a roly-poly elf with a fat child's body, small wings, and a turnip-top head. Beloved by children and adults alike since then, the charming Kewpie image quickly spread to dolls, tableware, lamps, candlesticks, inkwells, clocks, jewelry and trinket boxes, hatpins, salt and pepper shakers, picture frames, and many other items all highly collectible today. With over 540 color photos, this extensive price guide features a wonderful assortment of early Kewpies in bisque, chinaware, and metal, Kewpidoodle (the Kewpies' dog), Scootles (the Baby Tourist who visited Kewpieville), and many other Rose O'Neill related items. Measurements and values for all pieces are included in the captions. An invaluable reference for collectors, dealers, and all who treasure Rose O'Neill's delightful Kewpies.