In 1982, ownership of Matchbox die cast toys, the most popular metal vehicles in the world, passed from Lesney to Universal. The toys produced under Universal's ownership are documented in this thorough text. It includes the vehicles and a wide variety of other toys manufactured under the Matchbox logo, including infants' educational toys, dolls, and puzzles. This is the third in a series (preceded by Lesney's Matchbox Toys: The Superfast years, 1969-1982 and Lesney's Matchbox toys, Regular Wheel Years, 1947-1969, published by Schiffer Publishing) of marvelous Matchbox books by Charlie Mack. In this revised edition, he has gathered fine color photographs of all the vehicles, their variations, and the other toys produced by Universal. Additional materials include lists of places of interest for the collector to visit and mail order sources.

40 color profiles of the famous Mirage III & Mirage 5, a French Cold-War era jet aircraft. French and foreign users are shown in variety of camouflages.

The book presents a description of work on a model Ju 88 A-4. The author shows step by step each element of the modelling workshop.

This landmark volume explores the history, design, and cultural impact of the iconic LEGO (R) minifigure. Driven by compelling essays, lush full-color photography, infographics, and never-before-seen visuals from inside LEGO archives and beyond, this book reveals why the minifigure matters - as a beloved toy and as a singular cultural icon.

The 00 gauge train set was the ultimate `boy's toy' of the 1950s and '60s. Electric 00 gauge trains were introduced by Trix and Hornby Dublo in the mid-1930s, but the Second World War quickly halted production. However, they burst back onto the post-war scene with great success, and 00 quickly became the dominant scale in Britain, and was taken up by other large manufacturers including Tri-ang. Whilst the components of the sets themselves were often basic, they could be transformed into astonishing landscapes in the hands of imaginative builders. The sheer number of box sets, locomotives, rolling stock, buildings and accessories gave everyone the ability to form a bespoke layout. This beautifully illustrated introduction to the heyday of clockwork and electric 00 gauge trains tells their story up until 1975, when finer detailing and changing trends led to them becoming enthusiasts' models rather than children's toys.

The supersonic fighter in the Polish Air Force of the MiG-21MF is described in unparalleled detail. Includes many unpublished photos from the private collections. Color schemes and markings are described and illustrated in a series of specially commissioned color profiles.

The Cowl is one of the most iconic symbols of Batman, the world's greatest Super Hero. This is a high-quality, one-of-a-kind collectible replica for fans of the Dark Knight. Kit includes: * 6-inch tall Batman cowl with illumination feature at the lenses. Operates with two AAA batteries (not included) * Die-cast metal base * Removable display cover * 48-page hardcover book, Shades of Black: The Many Costumes of the Batman, on the Super Hero's many different looks throughout the years, featuring full-color illustrations

To the Hopi, kachinas are the spirit essence of everything in the real world. In this highly readable and informative book you'll find a comprehensive guide to Hopi kachina dolls, including buying tips.

Star Wars first debuted on movie screens in 1977 and over the past forty years has grown into a collecting phenomenon. It has generated more merchandise than any other movie series in history, spanning every area of licensed product from inexpensive pocket money toys to big ticket full-size replicas. With a focus on the early vintage period of the 1970s and 1980s, author Paul Berry charts the development of the Star Wars collectable through the prequels of the 1990s and 2000s and into the modern era of films. The book looks at the massive success of the Kenner, and later Hasbro action figure range, which has spawned well over 1,000 figures; the wealth of toys and games inspired by the saga; the books and comics that have greatly expanded the Star Wars universe; the records and the videos; the trading cards; and the modern collectors' items. Whether you joined the Star Wars saga in 1977, 1999 or 2015, Star Warsis a hobby that continues to attract new generations of collectors and will likely endure for many decades to come.

When today's Barbie (R) doll collector puts together an outfit for the world's most fashionable doll, they soon find out that the bulk of the value lies in the shoes, hats, gloves, jewelry, and other important accessories. This revised and expanded, lighter edition is decked out with more than 1,200 images of accessories for Barbie, Skipper (R), Francie (R), Ken (R), and other fashionable dolls available from 1959 to 1972, including stands and travel brochures. Complete with values and a cross-referenced description of the outfits each accessory came with, this identification guide is an authority for collectors and a fun addition to any fashionista's library.

Collecting Action Figures presents an alphabetical survey of each of the major toy manufacturers and the whole array of action figures they produced. Covering everything from old-school GI Joe and Action Man figures, including the fantastic toys of Louis Marx and Mego, right through to the game-changing Star Wars 3-inch action figures of the 1970s and 1980s, this is the must-have reference guide for enthusiasts and beginners alike. With over 200 colour photographs, it details the history of action figures arising from the launch of fashion dolls in the 1950s; it describes the industry and consumer reactions to the first action figures; it reviews the many different incarnations that came to market; it looks at film and television tie-ins and finally, provides an essential guide to where to find gems, what to pay and how to look after them.

Feliz Navidad! Your grandmother's ceramic tree has been given a modern, Southwestern facelift in the Teeny-Tiny Christmas Cactus. A bulb inside this fun ceramic cactus illuminates the tiny lights and casts a cheerful glow on your desktop, mantle, or any place in need of a festive touch! This adorable mini kit includes: A 4" ceramic cactus with 20 multi-colored lights A 32-page mini book exploring the fun, quirky ways people celebrate the Christmas season across the world

Matchbox toys were ubiquitous items for children across the Western world. Originally labelled Christmas-cracker trash by retailers and shopkeepers, the small-scale 1-75 series soon began to see unprecedented worldwide sales in the 1950s. Smaller and cheaper than most of its competitors' toys, Matchbox models were also far more accurately modelled, but the company has nevertheless seen its own share of competition and challenging times over the years. In this beautifully illustrated book, Matchbox collector Nick Jones tells the story of Matchbox and its most famous toys, from the Coronation Coach to Hotwheels dragsters, and complements the story with beautiful, previously unpublished photographs.

Dinky toys, produced from 1933 to 1980, have become popular collectibles today. This book, now in its seventh edition, offers concise history, detailed listing of major variations, chronological list, and a newly-updated price guide. It includes all the Dinky toys made in Britain, France, Spain, and other parts of world, from the earliest model railroad accessories to the first cars that bear the name Dinky Toys.

Action figures are more than toys or collectibles - they are statements on race, gender, class, body positivity and more. This collection of nine new essays and one interview argues that action figures should be analyzed in the same light as books, movies, televisions shows and other media. Through an examination of the plastic bodies that fill our shelves and toy boxes, ""action figure studies"" can inform the next generation of toys.

First appearing on our screens over fifty years ago, Doctor Who has not only been a television phenomenon but has also spawned more merchandise than any other British television programme in history. Literally thousands of products have been produced since the series launch in 1963, with many of these items now being collectible and highly sought after by fans of the programme. Doctor Who has featured on virtually every conceivable product, from books and records to toys and games, breakfast cereal promotions to full-size prop replicas. The series merchandising has enjoyed many peaks and troughs, from the heady days of Dalekmania in the 1960s to a drought in the early 1970s, the rise of the collectable in the 1980s to the nostalgia-driven days of the 1990s and then a huge resurgence following the Doctor's return to television in the twenty-first century. Whether you're looking for a full-size Cyberman or a pair of Dalek slippers, a Tom Baker scarf or a Doctor Who pinball machine, Doctor Who has produced something for every type of collector. Sit back and revel in nostalgia as we take a look at some of the more notable and unusual items that have been produced over the last half century.

This is the first study of its kind, focusing on toys made for girls, including the spin-off accessories and comics. Renowned toy expert Susan Brewer explores the world of toys, divided into sections to encompass dolls, cuddly toys and 'families (e.g. Sylvanian Forest and Fisher Price's Little People), amongst others. She includes brief biographies of some of the best known firms, such as Mattel, Pedigree and Fisher Price but the main focus is on the toys themselves, many of which readers will remember from their own childhood. Includes fascinating factboxes with quirky facts - did you know. Angela Rippon created the best-selling Victoria Plum toys based on a plum tree in her back garden - she has written the foreword for this book.

This kit includes: - Dozens of illustrated magnets featuring Frogger, lady frog, logs, alligators, turtles, cars, trucks, otters, bugs, skull and crossbones, and more - A two-sided illustrated backdrop of roads, rivers, and frog homes to build your favorite Frogger scenes

Step back into the ring and recapture the golden days of wrestling as we look back on the legendary action figures from the early 1990s. Check out the toy line that rocked the world, featuring wrestling legends such as Hulk Hogan, Rowdy Roddy Piper and Ric Flair. As well as lavish illustrations of the heroes and villains themselves, Kevin Williams follows the story of how these action figures developed a large number of dedicated followers who have turned these toys into highly collectible items. A nostalgic journey back to the heyday of professional wrestling and a golden era of action figures, this book is sure to delight fans and collectors both young and old.

Junkers Ju 188 - German bomber during World War II, successor of the Ju 88) was flown in January 1943. In February 1943, production lines launched three Ju 188E-0 planes powered by BMW 801ML engines. The first seven serial Ju 188E-1s received the BMW 801C-2 engines. Airplanes powered by Junkers Jumo in-line engines were to be marked A, B, C and D, while those powered by BMW, F, G and H radial engines. The identification variant of the E-1 version was the Ju 188F-1, equipped with two cameras.

An inside look at kokeshi dolls: from the skilled woodworkers behind their design to their important cultural significance. Kokeshi are the simple and charming traditional Japanese dolls characterized by their cylindrical shape and lack of arms and legs. Historically made as children's toys in Japan's northern region of Tohoku, they have now become a popular collector's item and have even inspired famous architects and artists. In this visual guide, readers will find: An overview of the different types of dolls How kokeshi dolls are crafted, including information on tools and woods used Interviews with leading kokeshi craftspeople worldwide Detailed information about both traditional dolls and the modern ones being crafted today An exploration of the cultural significance of kokeshi dolls--both historically and for the areas of northern Japan that rebuilt themselves after their region was decimated by an earthquake and tsunami in 2011 A guide to visiting Japan's kokeshi regions Information on how to buy the dolls--either directly from Japanese artisans or stockists worldwide Filled with artist interviews, gorgeous photos and firsthand travel experience, author Manami Okazaki has created a book to be enjoyed by all--from serious collectors to woodcrafters, interior designers, architects, armchair travelers and anyone with an interest in Japanese culture and travel.

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.