Battery Toys Are Popular Collectibles

                                                             

Toys which were operated by small electric motors, and powered by batteries, were very popular in the 1950s- 1960s period.They reached peak popularity in the 1950s and continued to be quite popular through the 1970s. Many battery powered toys were vehicles including such items as carsand trucks of all sizes and military vehicles including jeeps, tanks airplanes and jeeps. Another very popular type of battery toy of this period, which is now highly prized by collectors, is Character type figures or animals including the ever popular red faced bar tender, the monkey playing a drum and a wide variety of similar items. Disney figures such as Mickey Mouse, Goofy or DFonald Duck either alone as a figure or driving cars were a big hit and are also much prized collectibles at present.



Cartoon characters had similar popularity at the time and again are very collectible.Electronic robots which could walk and move with flashing eyes and lights, of various types, boats and ships which either rasn on wheels or could be put in the water were big items. Starships and spacemen including the ever popular flying saucers and space suited space creatures associated with them were hugely successful. Battery operated toys are very much collectible at the present time, and their prices continue to rise on the collector market reflecting this popularity.


After the Second World War in 1946 Japanese toy makers (in occupied Japan) began to make toys with tiny electric motors to replace the earlier windup or clockwork toys which were more expensive to produce. Some of these toys could simulate human or animal movement and could drive battery powered vehicles. During the next quarter century Japan dominated the battery toy market and produced as much as 95% of all batteryoOperated toys which were sold all over the world.


Disney  Popeye Toys are now rare Battery Toys and can fetch prices of thousands of dollars when in excellent original condition.  Condition is the all important factor in valuing collectible battery toys, just as it is as with other collector toys. A toy which is described as Mint In Box (MIB) will fetch a very much higher price than a similar toy in just average used condition with no box can be sold for. The reason for this is of course that most toys have been played with by children, and had their knocks and scrapes, and an MIB battery toy is quite a rarity.Disney  Popeye battery toys are one of very hard to find items and will sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars depending on their condition.


Production of battery toys reached a maximum in the 1960's and began to decline during the 1970s.  The reasons for the decline were the increasing Japanese labor costs and the new safety restrictions which were applied. This caused toy producers to go out of the toy business or change to manufacturing a different type of merchandise. The period covering about thirty years from  1940 to the end of the 1960's is the " Golden Era" of battery powered toys in the eyes of collectors.

Where should you go to buy battery powered toys?  You can will find great prices at Amazon: Battery Toys.

Check out our website  toys for sale  for more information about toys both new and collectible.

                                                     

Model Train Scales--What Is The Story Behind Them?

Model trains and engines are built to numerous different scales, and may be up to from 700 mm (27.6 in) tall for the big ridable live steam train scales such as 1:8, and from there right down to the smallest trains in Z-scale (1:220) which is matchbox sized. Another scale introduced in 2007 that is also available is called T Gauge, and is 3 mm (0.118 in) gauge track which is actually a scale of 1:450, or half the size of Z scale models.

An HO (1:87) engine is typically 50 mm (1.97 in) tall, and from 100mm to 300 mm (3.94 in to 11.81 in) in length. Some popular train scales are: G gauge, Gauge 1,HO gauge (in the UK the very similar 00gauge), O gauge, S scale, TT scale, and finally N scale (1:160 in the United States, (but different at 1:144 in the UK). Interest in Z scale and T Gauge is growing. HO and OO are still the most popular gauges. Some popular narrow-gauge scales are H0n3 scale, Sn3 scale. HOn3 Scale and Nn3,are the same scale as S, HO and N except with a smaller spacing between the tracks (in these examples, a scale 3 ft (914 mm) instead of the 4 ft 8 1/2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge).

The biggest commonly used scale is 1:8, with 1:4 occasionally used for park rides. G scale (which is Garden, 1:24 scale) is very popular for backyard modelling. The main reason for this is that it is easier to fit a G scale model into a garden with scenery in correct proportion to the trains. Also somewhat popular for gardens are Gauge 1 and Gauge 3. Gauges H0, O, S, and N are mostly used indoors. Lionel trains of O scale (1:48 scale) are very popular. S refers to the 1:64 scale.
Scale and gauge might seem at to be interchangeable terms, but their meanings are actually quite different. Scale is the model's size as a proportion to the real train, while railway gauge is only the distance between the rails.

In earlier times model trains were were not made to any particular scale size. scales to allow interchangeability between different manufacturers became absolutely necessary as the model train hobby became increasingly popular. Hence gauges were standardised, but the model trains were still just roughly proportional to the size of the original train. Standard industry wide scales for the various different gauges were formulated but were not completely followed in earlier times, and were not always in correct proportion to the gauge.

O gauge trains were to 1:48 scale in the USA but actually have track which is spaced too widely spaced for that gauge. In England O gauge is of 1:43.5 scale or 7 mm/1 foot and the gauge track spacing is correctly proportioned. But another example in the UK is OO scale model trains have tracks which have tracks spaced too narrowly. This resulted from the fact that British locomotives and train cars, are actually of smaller size than they are elsewhere. This caused an increase in scale so that HO scale model train materials could be put to use. The majority of scales have wheel flanges which are deeper than true scale,along with wheel treads that are wider than true scale, and rail tracks which are also larger than true scale size.
These inaccuracies and overscale dimensions of the commercial mass produced trains are made in order to provide reliable operation, and also for lower cost manufacture.

Model railroading can be a very interesting hobby and can be a lifetime interest for some train modellers. Very complex and extensive layouts are not uncommon and are often built over a long period of time with ever more detail.

Where is the best buy on model trains to be found.? We are always searching for the best model train deals and discounts to be found. Have a look at what we located through this link to Amazon:  Model trains and see our website  Toys for sale  for more information

Top Toys This Season

Every year the toy makers battle for top place honors on the toy lists of various websites and companies.This year is no different as the big toy makers go head to head for their share of the market. There are always some of the old favorites in there. Great toys like Lego (which has been around since the 1940s) never die and their makers always come up with new ideas or versions to keep them in the public eye and keep them selling. Lego's association with Star wars has been very profitable and the numerous Lego Star Wars toys are big sellers.

Then there is Barbie. What would Christmas be without Barbie? Barbie has been around since the 1950s and boy does she look good for her age.If we could all look like Barbie when we are 60 years old wouldn't that be something. Of course she has undergone numerous transformations and plastic surgery procedures over the years.But just as many little girls as ever will be asking for Barbie toys this Christmas. Many companies put out their list of top toys every year. Here is the list compiled by Toys R'Us a leading toy seller:



LEGO Ninjago Lightning
Dragon Battle
Moshi Monsters™ Moshlings
3-pk. Mini Figures
My Keepon
Air Swimmers®
LeapPad Explorer™
Skylanders Spyro's Adventure
Start Pack for Wii
Fijit Friends™
Playskool Poppin' Park™
Elefun® Busy Ball Popper®
The Trash Pack™ Trashies'
Garbage Truck
Nerf® Vortex™ Vigilon™Lalaloopsy™
SillyHair™ Dolls
Air Hogs® Hyperactives™
Sesame Street®
Let's Rock! Elmo™
Monster High™
Fearleading 3-pk.
Power Wheels® Dune Racer

Now you can go elsewhere and you will find some different toys listed but this is a pretty good representative list of the toys that Toys R'Us finds to be big sellers at present. There are some new items on there which were not available l;ast year. The LeapPad Explorer is a tablet computer designed for kids. It is much like the adult tablets such as iPad which are a favorite gift this year. There is something for everyone on these toy lists so browse and take your choice.You will find more information about popular toys at  Toys for sale

                                                 

Top 10 Toys Christmas 2011

The top 10 toys listed on Amazon for 2011 are as follows:

 

(1.)Perplexus Maze Game by Plasmart Inc

This is a maze game where players  maneuver a  marble around difficult barriers inside a transparent globe
This is a 3 dimensional experience
You can twist, flip and shift the sphere to in order to maneuver the marble
This is an educational and entertaining toy which develops hand-eye coordination and motor skills
Does not require batteries or setup.

(2.)Wild Planet Hyperdash


Wild Planet Hyper Dash is a challenging game.. It is easy  to learn, but the different skill levels (which you can select) and 4  game modes provide a challenge for all skills. Hyper Dash has an electronic tagger and five numbered different targets. The electronic tagger plays  music and tells you which targets  to strike. It also tracks the time taken in completing each course. The distance between targets is unlimited. Distant targets provide  more running and excellent exercise. Hyper Dash is a game which is suitable for play either indoors or outdoors; for teams, pairs or solo players. The  commands becomes longer and  challenge you more as your skill increases.. Level one calls out only  the colors for you to tag, level two adds numbers as well as colors and level three adds special commands of a wide variety of types. You can also play the Micro Dash--the memory game and for yet more variety you can play multi-player relay races which need teamwork.

(3.) Lego Creator Winter Toy Shop

Christmas is coming, and this is the busiest time in any toy maker's workshop! This toy includes a wonderful shop  with toys, tools,  and a lighted tower window. Outdoors there are minifigures singing carols by  lamp post, skiing on the snow, playing with snowballs, building a snowman and  decorating the huge Christmas tree with a  lights and presents and a star.


(4.)Techno Gears Marble Mania
Techno Gears Marble Mania Twin Turbo Trax is a fun marble game which has 2 spring powered marble launchers, 2 tracks which allow 2 players to compete with each other. There are blinking lights, chrome racing tracks and a  trophy. Twin Turbo Trax is  fun and competition for the  family!

(5.) Critter Christmas 2011
Calico Critters Christmas 2011 set  is produced in a Limited Edition Set and  be available while supplies last.

 Features
A Cat dressed in a Santa Claus Suit
Comfrey Rabbit twin and Magnolia Mouse Twin are included
A miniature townhome
White teddy bear
Included are Santa's white bag, wreath, and stocking and the box

(6.) Matchbox Rocky The Robot Truck-Deluxe Rocky
An interactive dump truck
Rocky says over 100 phrases while talking, and tells jokes while interacting with kids.
Rocky sleeps and he snores
A finalist for the10th Annual Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards

Matchbox Rocky the Robot Truck by Mattel is an interactive dump truck  for children aged three and up. Driving, dumping,lifting, dancing and also talking this toy is a boy's friend.  Rocky can say over 100 phrases and has lots of jokes. Get Rocky to help out instead of doing all the work yourself

(7.) Hot Wheels R/C Stealth Rides Racing Car
 The foldable RC Stealth Rides Racing Car by Hot Wheels gives you speed with portability and control
This is the first  Hot Wheels RC vehicle which folds
Fits in a small carrying case when folded!
The carrying case is also the controller!
Unfolds to into a fully functionable R/C car
Performs high-speed turns and soins.  This mini racing car is about 3 inches long and can be folded for storage in it's controller/car holder. Take  this  foldable, portable car to playmates houses for high speed racing. You have full control of the RC Stealth Rides Racing Car by Hot Wheels with high speed, and portability. Recommended for ages 8 and up.

(8.) Playmobil Advent Calendar-Christmas In The Forest

The 24-day countdown to Christmas Eve is enjoyed by all kids
Every day  has a separate box with a surprise inside it.
Celebrate the Christmas with cute forest animals
The main theme is feeding time

(9.) Fisher-Price Disney's Dance Star Mickey
Kids can dance with their friend Mickey Mouse when he comes to life dancing .  Dance Star Mickey walks, talks, and dances and kids love him. He performs an unbelievable grand finale for one of his signature performances. Dance Star Mickey comes to life when you press his foot for a wonderful experience that makes kids want to get up, be active and dance along with Mickey. Mickey dances to 6 different songs with   disco, Latin techno, and the Moonwalk styles. Dance Star Mickey includes interactive games that  children and parents will laugh and dance along to

(10.) Barbie Pink 3-Storey Dream Townhouse
Barbie's townhouse has a pink personal elevator, with sounds and lights at every stop!
Barbie has a pop up flat screen tv
The Barbie signature bathroom  is very luxurious
There is an outdoor whirlpool tub  and Tiki lights
The doorbell,fireplace, kitchen timer, flush toilet and shower humming sounds are all heard.  .
 .

Check out these toys and many more top toys at our website Toys 

See all of the top toys for the season through this link to Amazon:  Top Toys

Video Games To Play On Your PC Or Mac Computer

                                                               
Video games are  immensely popular of course, and they are fun to play. The good news is that you can buy them now for quite low prices and in some cases even for free.
A massive selection of thousands of video games is available for your PC or Mac computer which you can browse through. The greatest number of these games are in CD ROM or in DVD format and a selection is available as downloads.

The great thing about these video games is their low cost and high quality. A large number of them are priced at less than $10, and some can be had for under $1.  I see that there are even some free game downloads for the taking.

There are many top choice games there to select from. To name just a couple of them "Call Of Duty" is listed there, and also listed is "The Lost Tomb".  Those two great games are certainly biggie names in the field of video games.

You can also find "Scrabble", "Hoyle Puzzle And Board Games" and "Hasbro Family Games",  just to name three interesting selections, which are available for you buy for a quite low price. These types of games are fun to play, and break away from the very common kind of games, which involve a lot of violence and are so numerous.

"The Big Kahuna Reef" is an interesting game you can download for free and you can also get "Ship Simulator Extreme" for zero dollars. No doubt there are more freebie choices if you do a search for them and the selection of games listed is ever changing.

Where should you look for these great games?   See all of them and a lot more interesting stuff by checking our website Toys For Sale

                                                         

Transformers Dark Of The Moon Optimus Prime Figure

                                                                 
The Transformers Dark Of The Moon Optimus Prime transformer figure is most impressive on first sight  and is armed with enough power to handle any of his enemies. The lights on the weapons glow, there are very realistic battle noises and  the sounds of missiles launching which are enough to tell any enemy that they are going to be going to be in serious trouble with this opponent.

Your Optimus trailer can be quickly transformed into Omega combat armor format to take care of the big battles. You can also deploy his wings, his energy collection panels and his Super Cannon weapon..

This robot warrior transformer converts into a truck version which features a lot of great lights and realistic sounds. The transformer includes the trailer which is quickly transformable into the Omega combat Armor format, and the Optimus Prime figure will fits inside this armor.

Once the big fight is all over, and the enemy has definitely been completely destroyed the warrior figure transforms back into the truck format and it then drives away to be ready for the next fight.

 The Optimus Prime warrior has the fabulous super cannon which can be quickly deployed at the same time as the extendable wings and energy collecting panels for the ultimate power.  The weapon's glowing lights, realistic sounds of roaring battles and missile launching noises are a feature of this transformer.

Read more about this great transformer figure at our website: Toys For Sale

Where can you buy Dark Of The Moon  Optimus Prime? We search for the best deals and discounts every day. Look at what we found at Amazon:

Lego--The Toy That Everyone Loves

Lego inspires most kids to be really creative in building all kinds of models such as houses, forts, cars, trucks,airplanes and just about anything else you can dream of.  In fact it will build even abstract constructions thatyou never dreamed of till you started to work on them. It can be an art form as well as a toy.

The Lego Brick Box 5508 is a great big Lego set packed in a handy heavy duty container, which is great for storage when not in use.This set is huge and capable of building complex models, as well as the simple little things that younger children love to build with Lego.

You can be really creative with this great big set, and it will really get you into the spirit of Lego construction.
There are more than 700 Lego pieces in this big box including an assortment of special pieces in addition to the standard Lego bricks. In this set you will find doors, windows, figures and a brick separator tool complete with building instructions.This great big set gives you many building possibilities.The heavy duty plastic container with lid makes for easy clean up and storage after use.

This  Lego set provides you with a great big pile of Lego bricks and special parts, which make building almost anything possible.What child doesn't take sheer delight in a big pile of  Lego to play with?  For that matter there are an awful lot of adult Lego construction fiends who just love this hobby. Lego can get your imagination going in a big way, and exercise your mental capabilities to boot. Any child will play contentedly for hours with a  Lego set like this.

Take a look at our website for more information about Lego 
If you want to know where to get the best buy you will find it through this link to Amazon
                                                                      

The Leapfrog LeapPad Educational Tablet

                                                           




The Leapfrog LeapPad tablet is available in all-over white color and has green or pink accents for decoration.The popular color is pink which sells more than the green decorated tablet. Controls in front of the casing are a big silver multi-function button used to move the cursor up and down or left-right and to access other options, and the power button for on/off, home button and sound volume button.

The LeapPad  as purchased includes a camera and microphone. The capacity of the camera is 30,000 pictures or 120 minutes of video.

The LeapPad has a lot of very good features.It is not easy to break, and my 5 year old is kept busy, happily entertained, and getting a good learning experience a lot. The videos and books  are a bit expensive but they are worthwhile. The books have a lot of features which combine education and entertainment. If the child comes up against a word he is unable to read properly he just has to click on the word, and it is spoken to him. I believe this really helps in progress with reading.

The videos are very much learning oriented in teaching numbers, as well as phonics. This has helped my childs progress while also providing great enjoyment.

You could spend quite a lot if you were to download many apps and/or games. However if you make good choices you don't really require a great number of these, since the excellent built in standard features in LeapPad are really sufficient for most users. You could purchase an extra app once in a while just to have some variety.

My Opinions and Experience with LeapPad

This LeapPad system has very real educational value and is  certainly worthwhile to help with the learning speed of your child.  He/she will certainly have a good time while using LeapPad, and will acquire knowledge while using it. The videos and books are at the center of the user experience, and are very well designed for this purpose.

You can get books and videos on your personal computer or tablet device without using LeapPad of course, but this is a personal educational tablet  for your child which feels more his/her own. Education oriented videos and ebooks for your computer are much more expensive than the LeapPad equivalents are.

I bought just two games to begin with, and added a few gradually over time as special rewards. This works very well I find and keeps the child's interest high.

The LeapPad requires four AA batteries, and I would certainly recommend that you get two sets of rechargeable batteries since the device uses up ordinary batteries at a set every day. With the rechargeable batteries you just need to keep one set charging while the other set is in use, and there is always power available.

Where can you get the Leapfrog LeapPad?  You can  at present get an excellent buy at the best price through this link to Amazon: Leapfrog LeapPad


For more information please check out our website Leapfrog LeapPad

Teddy Bears Are For Kids And Adults

                                                               






The Teddy Bear's Picnic --famous song by John Walter Bratten written in 1907 with words by Jimmy Kennedy written in 1932

If you go down to the woods today
You're sure of a big surprise
If you go down to the woods today
You'd better go in disguise
For ev'ry bear that ever there was
Will gather there for certain, because
Today's the day the teddy bears have their picnic.
Ev'ry teddy bear who's been good
Is sure of a treat today.
There's lots of marvelous things to eat
And wonderful games to play
Beneath the trees where nobody sees
They'll hide and seek as long as they please
Cause that's the way the teddy bears have their picnic
If you go down to the woods today
You'd better not go alone
It's lovely down in the woods today
But safer to stay at home
For ev'ry bear that ever there was
Will gather there for certain, because
Today's the day the teddy bears have their picnic.
Picnic time for teddy bears
The little teddy bears are having a lovely time today
Watch them, catch them unawares
And see them picnic on their holiday.
See them gaily gad about
They love to play and shout;
They never have any care;
At six o'clock their mummies and daddies,
Will take them home to bed,
Because they're tired little teddy bears.

Original words to the famous
"Teddy Bears Picnic" song



The teddy bear is familiar to nearly everyone today. But the teddy bear actually began its career in 1902. By what appears to be pure coincidence Teddy bears were manufactured in the USA and Germany that year and with the poor state of international communications then neither manufacturer was aware of the other it seems.

This cartoon,Drawing the Line in Mississippi by Clifford Berryman started the Teddy bear craze in the USA.it showed President Theodore Roosevelt who was refusing to shoot a bear cub. Roosevelt was in Mississippi to settle a border dispute between Mississippi and Louisiana, and was taken bear hunting. The hunting was unsuccessful so a bear cub was captured and Roosevelt was given the opportunity to shoot it. Roosevelt's refused to shoot such a helpless baby animal and this inspired Berryman to draw his famous cartoon.
The cartoon was published in The Washington Post on November 16, 1902. It was a sensation and was reprinted in many papers. Morris and Rose Michtom of Brooklyn, New York made a soft stuffed bear toy in honor of the president. The  bear  was named"Teddy's Bear" and the Michtons displayed it in the window of their store."Teddy's Bear" was a  bighit with the general public. The demand for the bears was so big that the Michtoms partnered with a firm called Butler Brothers, and founded  the Ideal Novelty and Toy Company to manufacture the bears.

At about the same time in Germany, Richard Steiff was working with his aunt, Margarete Steiff,in a stuffed toy business. Richard,was an art student, and the Steiff Company made a toy bear based on his design.
The Michtoms and Steiff started to make bears at about the same time, but neither knew about the other due to poor communications. The Steiff bear had a humped back and long nose, and looked more like a real bear cub.

At the Leipzig Toy Fair in March 1903, Steiff introduced the first of their bears named Bear 55PB. European buyers were not interested, but an American toy buyer being familiar with the United States bear craze ordered 3000 bears. In the USA, Teddy bears were a sensation, and Steiff's product fitted right in.

In 1906, the teddy bear craze continued fiercely in the United States. Socialite ladies carried their teddies with them, and children all over the USA owned bears . President Teddy Roosevelt used a bear as his mascot during his re-election campaign was elected to his second term. J.K. Bratton, wrote "The Teddy Bear Two Step" which , with  new lyrics became "The Teddy Bear's Picnic" a song which has endured down through the years.

The well known song "The Teddy Bears Picnic" was written about this time as tabulated in Wikipedia:e"Teddy Bears' Picnic" is a song consisting of a melody by American composer John Walter Bratton, written in 1907, and lyrics added by Irish songwriter Jimmy Kennedy in 1932. It remains popular as a children's song, having been recorded by numerous artists over the decades. Kennedy lived at Staplegrove Elm and is buried in Staplegrove Church, Taunton, Somerset, England. Local folklore has it that the small wooded area between the church and Staplegrove Scout Hut was the inspiration for his lyrics.
 Quoted from:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teddy_Bears'_Picnic

American companies were now making bears in a wide variety of styles and colors,and "Teddy bear" became the accepted name for this genre of bear toys, Steiff, in Germany also used the name for its bears.
In the USA, numerous competitors launched their bears into the market. Most of these companies flared briefly then died. The Gund Manufacturing Corporation was one of the few survivors. Gund is widely known today and is still making bears of many types.
In Germany  many long established toy making companies companies, such as Hermann and Schuco, competed with Steiff to sell their teddy bears.
The J.K. Farnell & Co. started in England to make bears; in fact, they were the original makers of Winnie the Pooh bears which are still very popular at present.

For the next 25 years the teddy bear continued to be extremely popular. New teddy bear makers started.  Chad Valley is a well known example. The bears were also changing.  Glass eyes took over from black buttons, and kapok stuffing became popular.
 in the USA was continuing to grow. The Knickerbocker Toy Company which started in 1920 is still making teddy bears at the present time. In the "dirty thirties" the U.S. was engulfed by the Depression, and American companies had to find cheaper ways to manufacture bears.
During World War II the factories switched to making war materials and some companies closed never to re-open.

After World War II synthetic fibers were used to make teddy bears. Buyers wanted washable bears bears made from nylon or acrylic,  with foam stuffing and plastic eyes. For many teddy bear makers the inflow of cheap mass produced bears from Asian countries was very damaging.
The resurgence of the quality hand made teddy bear began in the 1970s when Beverly Port, a doll maker in the USA, pioneered the making of "artist" made bears. These were made as collectibles for adults rather than as childrens toys. Soon there were "teddy bear artists" in business all over the USA and around the world supplying bears to avid bear collectors.

Artist-designed but mass manufactured bears are now sold by Ganz, Gund, Dean's and other makers.

The popularity of collectible bears has served to increase the interest in, and therefore the value of antique teddy bears. These  bears from the early 1900s became prominent in antique  auctions and shows, and reached ever higher prices. Today the record price for a teddy bear, Teddy Girl by Steiff, is $176,000; that bear was sold at a Christie's auction in 1994.
In the 21st century, teddy bears continue to be as popular as ever with both children and collectors.

For more information about teddy bears check out our website: Click Here

Where can you buy teddy bears? Right now you can get some great discounts and the lowest prices through this link to Amazon: Teddy bears

Toys For Sale--Dolls For Kids And Collectors

                                                        



Collecting dolls either antique or modern is one of the most popular hobbies for females today. Adult women collect valuable antique dolls, special edition Barbie dolls, or a host of other collectible genres. They frequent online auctions such as eBay, to keep an eye out for the dolls they want for their collections. Other sources are antique dealers and antique shows.

Young girls are usually more interested in modern dolls such as Barbie or Bratz or many other presently made lines. Generally these can be had for a few dollars and up depending on the particuilar doll and where it is purchased. Fairly common late model Barbies show up frequently in all kinds of  places such as thrift stores, garage sales and online. Sometimes they can be found in bulk lots costing a dollar or less per doll.

Antique dolls can be very expensive bisque dolls from the 19th century, which generally run from fifty up to several thousand dollars, or can in fact be much lower cost collectibles such as composition, cloth or early plastic dolls which may only cost from a dollar or two up to several hundred dollars. People tend to collect what they can afford to buy. If money is no object then expensive bisque dollas are a good investment. If funds are somewhat more limited then the lower priced bisque dolls can be purchased for around one hundred dollars and up. With less funds to invest it is much better to collect interesting composition or cloth dolls which may run from just a few dollars and up.

Examples of bisque dolls are Bru dolls, which usually sell for figures in the thousands, or Armand Marseille which is more likely to be in the hundreds of dollars. The reason for the difference in values is scarcity and quality. Bru dolls were made in relatively small numbers and are of top quality. Armand Marseille dolls were made in large numbers, and are generally of good but lesser quality than the Bru. Modern reproductions of antique bisque dolls are readily available, and some are beautiful and of high quality. Their investment value is however another story as they are unlikely to increase in value as the true antiques do.

Special edition Barbie dolls are manufactured in limited numbers in order to retain value. To be of collector interest these must be in mint condition and in the original packaging. This generally applies to all modern collector dolls. Once removed from the packaging they are worth only a fraction of the original value. As a matter of interest here,  it is certainly a fact that any old toy which is in its original packaging and in good condition, will be worth a great deal more than the same toy with no box. Collectors will pay a premium price for MIB items of any kind. MIB is a term you will come across which is used to describe toys or any other collectibles which are Mint In Box.

                                                                   



The following information is quoted from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doll

During the 19th century dolls' heads were often made of porcelain and combined with a body of leather, cloth, wood, or composite materials, like papier-mâché or composition, a mix of pulp, sawdust, glue and similar materials.[18][19] With the advent of polymer and plastic materials in the 20th century, doll making largely shifted to these materials. The low cost, ease of manufacture and durability of plastic materials meant new types of dolls could be mass produced at a lower price. The earliest materials were rubber and celluloid. From the mid-20th century soft vinyl became the dominant material, in particular for childrens dolls.[20][21] Beginning in the 20th century, both porcelain and plastic dolls are made directly for the adult collectors market. Synthetic resins like polyurethane resemble porcelain in texture and are used for collectible dolls.

Collectors make a distinction between china dolls, made of glazed porcelain, and bisque dolls, made of unglazed bisque porcelain. A typical antique china doll has a white glazed porcelain head with painted molded hair and a body made of cloth or leather. The name comes from china being used to refer to the material porcelain. They were mass produced in Germany, peaking in popularity between 1840 and 1890, and selling in the millions.[22][23][24] Parian dolls were also made in Germany, from around 1860 to 1880. They are made of white porcelain similar to china dolls but the head is not dipped in glaze and has a matte finish.[25] Bisque dolls are characterized by their realistic, skin-like matte finish. They had their peak of popularity between 1860 and 1900 with French and German dolls. Antique German and French bisque dolls from the 19th century were often made as children's playthings, but contemporary bisque dolls are predominantly made directly for the collectors market.[24][18][26]


Up through the middle of the 19th century, European dolls were predominantly made to represent grown-ups. Child-like dolls and the later ubiquitous baby doll did not appear until around 1850.[24][27] But by the late century baby and child-like dolls had overtaken the market.[24] Realistic, lifelike wax dolls were popular in Victorian England.[28]:

18.^ a b An Introduction to Bisque Dolls - About.com: http://collectdolls.about.com/od/dollprofiles/p/bisquedolls.htm?rd=1
19.^ Glossary of Doll Collecting Terms - Composition - About.com: http://collectdolls.about.com/od/dollcollectingglossary/g/composition.htm?rd=1
20.^ Fraser 1973, pp. 81–83  Fraser, Antonia (1973). Dolls. Octopus books. ISBN 0706400569.
21.^ Vinyl Dolls - An Introduction to Vinyl Dolls - About.com: http://collectdolls.about.com/od/dollprofiles/p/vinyldolls.htm
22.^ Coleman, Dorothy S., Elizabeth A., and Evelyn Jk. (1968), "China Head Dolls", The Collector's Encyclopaedia of Dolls Volume One, London: Robert Hale, pp. 118–134, ISBN 0709055986
23.^ An Introduction to China Dolls - About.com: http://collectdolls.about.com/od/dollprofiles/p/chinadolls.htm?rd=1
24.^ a b c d A Brief History of Antique Dolls, Part II - About.com: http://collectdolls.about.com/library/weekly/aa033199.htm?rd=1
25.^ Krombholz, Mary Groham, German Parian Dolls, 2006, Reverie Publishing, pg. 7
26.^ Christopher, Catherine (1971). The complete book of doll making and collecting. Dover Publications. pp. 187–190. ISBN 0486220664.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doll

You can find more information about dolls at our website Click Here

Where can you buy dolls. You can find the best selection anywhere, many with big discounts, through this link to Amazon: Dolls

The Razor A Push Scooter or Kick Scooter

                                                             


The Razor A is the original kick scooter which started the scooter craze. It is a great machine for young kids and teenagers to use  for getting from place to place over relatively short distances. It needs just a few pushes with the foot to propel it at a good speed, and gets you where you want to go really quickly. In addition to its utility it is real fun to use as your kids will tell you.

The Razor A scooter is built using top quality aircraft grade aluminum,  which is very strong and can take lots of use and even abuse for years. The upright T tube folds down over the stand-on deck to make a very compact item, which is easily carried when not in use. Weight is about 6 pounds so it is not a great burden, and can go in a backpack or under the arm.

The patented rear fender brake works smoothly and stops you quickly. The 98mm urethane wheels have great bearings and give a smooth ride along the sidewalk.

The manufacturer recommends the Razor A scooter for kids 5 and up, and it is rated for up to 143 pounds carrying capacity which means that a small adult can use it to.  This is a great scooter at this low price and is covered by a 6 month warranty.

                 

Specifications of the Razor A scooter:

Aircraft-grade aluminum upright tube and stand-on deck.
98mm urethane wheels with ABEC-5 bearings.
Rear fender brakes
33 inches handlebar height (from wheel to handlebar)
6 pounds weight
143 pounds maximum capacity
Folded down size: 23.75 x 4x 7.25 inches

The manufacturer Razor USA LLC holds worldwide rights to the Razor© brand and is based in Cerritos California. They manufacture other scooters, including electric scooters.

The scooter is recommended for 5 year olds, and up through teenagers to light adults. With its capacity of 143 pounds it is usable by a good percentage of the population, and heavier duty models are made for heavier people's use. My 4 year old son is big for his age and I bought one for him. He loves it and quickly learnt how to use it extremely well. He rides it to visit friends who are half a mile away, and gets there in no time flat. He just loves his Razor a scooter, and I am really glad I got it for him. Lots of other kids in the neighborhood got one when they saw him riding it.

For more information about the Razor a kick scooter check out our website Click Here

Where can you buy a Razor a scooter? You can get a really good deal at the lowest price through this link to Amazon:  Razor A Scooter



For more information about the Razor a scooter check out our website




                                                       

Barbie Dolls And Accessories For Collectors

                                                               


Barbie was 50 years old in 2009. Oh boy! Don't you wish we all looked as young as she does at 52? Well, she did have quite a bit of plastic surgery over her lifetime. In fact she had a total body replacement.

Barbie was first sold in 1959 by Mattel, and many millions of Barbie dolls, as well as accessories, have been sold around the globe since that year. March 9th 1959 Barbie's debut was at the New York Toy Fair and that is her official birthday.

She wore a one piece black and white zebra stripe swimsuit withhigh heel open toe shoes and hoop earrings and sported snazzy white sunglasses which had blue lenses. She came with either blonde or brunette hair which was pulled back in a ponytail and she had very much arched eyebrows and her eyes had white irises.

Unfortunately she was made from a type of plastic which fades to white over time. She was made with copper tubing inside her legs and had holes in her feet for mounting on a pedestal. She had the mark JAPAN on the base of her right foot and her body she was marked with Barbie TM Pats. Pend. Copyright MCMVIII.

Should you get unbelievably lucky and find one of these original Barbie dolls in good condition, you have found a collectors dream item which is worth quite a sum of money. The actual value will depend on the overall condition and completeness of your find. If any parts are missing or there is any damage, this will lower the value of the doll very considerably. This original doll is known to collectors as the #1 Ponytail Barbie.

The #2 Ponytail Barbie is exactly the same as #1, but without the copper tubing in the legs, or the holes in the feet of the doll. The pedestal type was changed completely, and now had extensions to hold the doll in place.

The #3 Ponytail Barbie is nearly identical to #2 but with different eyebrows, and the eyes have blue irises. She came with either brown or blue eyeliner.

The #4 Ponytail Barbie was manufactured from a different, and non fading plastic which can retain it's flesh color over time. She came with blue eyeliner.

The #5 Ponytail Barbie changed to a hollow plastic body from the solid plastic body used in earlier editions. The body markings are quite similar with the slight difference that she is now marked R Pats. Pend. instead of TM Pats. Pend. A new hair color which was named titian was added to the blonde and brunette colors.

Dolls which have this titian hair color are considerably scarcer and are as a consequence of higher value than the brunette or blonde varieties. Some dolls developed a problem with the plastic which changed to a greasy look over a period of time. The matte faced doll,if you can find one,is of more value than the greasy faced doll.

The #6 Ponytail Barbie was manufactured using a vinyl type plastic, which does not become greasy looking with time. The lips and fingernails are a pinkish red, rather than the previous bright red. She is clad in a red swimsuit and has open toe,red,shoes.

The #7 Ponytail Barbie was made with different hair colors including brunette, titian,lemon blonde and ash blonde. Her lips and the nails are coral red in color. This new Barbie edition was made in the 1962-1963 era and the markings changed to "Midge TM copyright 1962/Barbie copyright 1958 by Mattel".

Dolls which are stamped with this new mark are often classed as the #7 Ponytail Barbie but some collectors insist on including them as #6. Dolls which were made before the 1962 change-over are somewhat more difficult to find, and consequently are worth more than the new edition dolls are.

Condition is the dominant factor in putting a value on old Barbie dolls. Collectors want dolls which are clean, fully original and have no damage to them. Dolls in this condition fetch the absolute best price. If in addition the Barbie is in the original factory packaging, and also in mint condition, this constitutes a very desirable collectors Barbie doll and brings a premium price on the collectors market. Any doll which has repairs, restoration or has been repainted is worth a lot less than those which are in the faded but original condition.

Where can you locate early collectible Barbie dolls? The answer to this is almost averywhere you go, if you know what you are looking for. Most people have absolutely no idea of what an old Barbie doll appears like or even that it has collector value. Collectors find old Barbie dolls sometimes by searching in thrift shops or second hand stores, sometimes in flea markets and even in garage sales. Be sure that you take a magnifier with you to read the markings on the Barbie dolls, when you go out to hunt for them. Best of luck in your search.

Where can you buy Barbie dolls new and used? Right now you can find great deals,some with discounts,through this link to Amazon:
Barbie Dolls

The Syma S107G Model RC Helicopter

                                                                


The Syma S107G RC model helicopter can be bought for under $20 at times, but the price can vary considerably. For around $20 it is great value in comparison to some very expensive RC model helicopters.  I am saying that the performance the Syma S107G gives is great value for the price, but not that it is a better machine than the more expensive models. It is not, but its performance is comparable to them in every way generally speaking.

The Syma S107G comes with 3 way controls but the performance it gives compares quite well with the very expensive ($150) Blade MCX2 model which comes with 4 way controls. The helicopter  certainly is fun to operate, perhaps more fun than the ultra smooth flying Blade helicopter model. The Syma's  flying is certainly less smooth, and it will take a little more skill to fly it at its best, but this factor really adds to the flying fun, and at it's price the model gives an amazing performance..
The rotor blades on the helicopter produce a sound unlike any other model I have come across, and this actually provides  more enjoyment as the model climbs beautifully into the air and hovers precisely.
The Syma S107G feels solid, and the quality of the finish detail is very nice and well fitted. The Li-PO battery which it uses must be handled correctly to give its best performance. Some owners do not know this, and it is easy to ruin the battery very quickly by  attempting to overcharge it.

When the battery is fully charged, you must stop charging immediately. If you leave the battery on the charger damage will result, and battery life will be shorter. Spare batteries are to be had for $5 or so on Amazon, and having one or two of these is a good idea. The Syma S107G will fly for around 10 minutes per charge,  then the battery must be allowed to cool for 15 to 30 minutes, and then recharged for some 30 to 40 minutes. Be sure to cool the battery  before recharging after use.
The helicopter has 3  control modes,  to fly it with. It can go up/down,  by using the left throttle control stick. Forward/back and rotate left to right, are done with the 4 way right stick. There is no direct control to give left to right movement . The Syma is of rugged construction when compared to some other models and  as a result of this can survive crashes much better. Landing a model helicopter requires you to have some practice, and crash landings are common at first,  making the crash survival rate important.
The Syma S107G is, in my humble opinion, a terrific buy, and compares very well to several more expensive models I have owned.

My  present Syma helicopter has been in service for 2 years, and has survived numerous crashes. The built in gyro, the model is equipped with, makes flying very simple, since it makes the helicopter easy to control and very stable. The model hovers really nicely if you can keep the throttle control steady. It can be steered accurately in all directions, and it is easy to fly this helicopter without crashing it. The fun experience this helicopter provides, is a  solid bargain at this really low price.

Where can you buy a Syma S107G helicopter? At present it is available with a hugely discounted price through this link to Amazon: Syma S107G

Nintendo Games

Prior to introduction of the Nintendo Game Cube all Nintendo games were on cartridges.
The Nintendo Game Cube was introduced to the market in 2001. This was the first Nintendo console with optical disc storage.

The newest Nintendo home console, the Wii, has motion sensing controllers, and has online functionality for services such as Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and Internet Channel (in contrast to GameCube which had limited functionality only on certain games by means of an additional modem).

The Wii's success, and the success of the DS, introduced a new broader audience with non-traditional demographics. This business model has been successful for Nintendo. However this new business model has also caused some gamers to abandon the Nintendo console, and move over to some of its competitors.

Nintendo's new home console, the Wii U, was introduced on June 7, 2011 at the Electronic Entertainment Expo. Where can you buy Nintendo games? Right now you can get a great selection both new and used at the very lowest prices through this link to Amazon:  Nintendo Games

For more information about Nintendo games and other toys check out our website Toys for Sale

Collecting Action Figures

                                                                   

Serious collecting of Action figures increased rapidly during the 1980s. Serious collectors began to buy the toys and keep them in their original packaging for display as collectibles rather than as toys. This forward surge in collecting led to the toy companies producing a huge numbers of action figures.

One of the most popular series, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figures were produced in such huge quantities that their collector value was seriously diluted and remained very low. During the  1990s decade Spawn Star Wars figures were produced in massive quantities and action figures were no longer just childrens toys. ToyFare magazine which was a new publication recording news and nostalgia about collectible toys became popular with mature collectors.

As the Internet surged forth in the late 1990's, websites such as Toy News International were created to publish information about collectible action figures.
Some very popular action figures were dressed in specialized types of costumes. Batman for example was produced in a wide array of different figures including Arctic Batman, Neon Armor Batman and Piranha Blade Batman to name a few. Glow-in-the-dark figures and accessories for them started to become popular in the early 1990s, including such favorites as Swamp Thing and Toxic Crusaders. The figures as a whole became much more muscular in build, and far exceeded the muscular build of even the greatest human body builders.

The collector market for many types of action figures is presently growing rapidly with companies including McFarlane Toys, NECA and Palisades producing very popular action figures. These are of course intended as display items rather than simply as toys, but some figures while aimed at children, such as the revival of Justice League Unlimited, and Masters of the Universe, are sought as adult collectibles also. Comic book figures which are popular with some collectors are produced by companies such as DC Direct and Toy Biz.

Certain adult-oriented  collectible action figure lines are sold exclusively by chain stores rather than other smaller retail outlets. Some popular figures are often made available only by means of mail-in offers, and at comic book conventions which raises their collectible values due to lower production numbers.  Such unfortunate and devious promotional ideas as intentional packaging "errors" and "short-packed" figures have been known to be used by certain toy companies for the express purpose of creating collectible value in these "Errors".

Where can you buy action figures. Right now you can get the very lowest prices including some big discounts through this link to Amazon:  Action Figures

For more information about toys and collectibles see our website at http://www.toysforsalewebsite.com/actionfigures.html.

Collecting Hot Wheels Cars

                                                                    

The Mattel company began producing Hot Wheels cars in 1968. Their Barbie dolls had been a huge success in the girls market, and they hoped to attract boys with hot wheels cars. They very definitely got this right. Hot Wheels are collected nearly everywhere around the globe, and have been a total success story from the start.

During their first year of production in 1968 there were 16 different Hot Wheels cars in production. This first produced line is now known as the "Sweet Sixteen" among collectors. These 16 different cars were made in various colors and were manufactured in the United States and also in factories in Hong Kong. By the year 1972 all of Hot Wheels cars were being made in Hong Kong.

From the start in 1968 to the year 1977 all Hot Wheels cars were made with a red line painted around the tires. These early cars are known as Redline Hot wheels which distinguishes these first cars from later production models. Nine of the "Sweet Sixteen" were customised editions of actual real cars of that time and the other seven were show cars and racing cars.

Redline Hot Wheels cars are easily recognised by  

A. Bright shiny metallic "Spectaflame"  paint in bright colors.
B. A red line around the side of the tires on all models.
C. Chrome wheel hubs and rims. 
D. The redline Hot Wheels models were all customised in a  hotrod or custom fashion.

A beginner starting to collect Hot Wheels cars will find it a good idea to start their collection with the current year models. They  are obviously easy to obtain in stores, and cost less than earlier cars which have added collector value. Mattel Hot Wheels check lists are available to keep records of your collection. You can then gradually work back through the earlier years and add cars to your collection when you come across good deals or make trades trading with other Hot wheels collectors.

Where can you buy Hot Wheels vehicles and accessories? Right now you can get a terrific deal at the lowest prices through this link to Amazon:  Hot Wheels

For more information about Hot Wheels cars and many other collectible toys see our website.

Diecast Toys For Collectors

Diecast toy vehicles were first manufactured in the UK and in the USA in the first years of the 20th century. These very simple models featured simply a painted body with nothing in the interior. These models were cast from low quality alloys, which usually broke down over time, so these early toys are quite scarce now. Toy makers however realised quite soon that they were onto a good seller with these vehicles of many kinds. Airplanes, cars,farm equipment and trucks were produced in large numbers. Demand increased and the quality of metal alloys improved. Makers paid more attention to detail as competition increased.

Lesney Matchbox cars got their start in the UK in the year 1947 and began a new trend in miniature models. In 1953, the year of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth, their big success story was a miniature model of the coronation coach and horses which sold more than a million models. Lesney Matchbiox cars were made in large numbers, including 75 different vehicles in each model line. This array of different vehicles gave diecast model collectors a very large variety of models to add to their collections.

Corgi diecast vehicles were introduced by Mettoy in the 1950s. These miniature model cars had excellent interior fittings, and were fitted with windows of clear plastic. These fine and very detailed little models were an instant hit with collectors.

Mattel began production of Hot wheels cars in 1968 with a startup line of 16 models which have now become known to collectors as the "Sweet Sixteen". Hot wheels vehicles are nowadays collected all over the world by keen collectors and have been a huge success for Mattel. These Hot Wheels models are still being made today.

Hundreds of companies now produce diecast toys for collectors. Top quality and great attention to detail are necessary if these toys to be a success with collectors, and numerous models made all over the world are of excellent quality.

Where can you buy diecast toys? Right now you can find some great low prices through this link to Amazon:  Diecast Toys

For more information about diecast toys see our website.website.

Toys For Sale Website

The Toys For Sale website is a huge source for just about every kind of toy imaginable. We have information and data on thousands of toys from A to Z and are adding more constantly. Keep on coming back to look for any toy you really want to find out about. Chances are we will publish information on it very soon if we do not have it listed already.

We will guide you to the items you want information on. Try a search for the items you want right here and we know you will get results. We have hundreds of toy suppliers where you can find any toy you want. We have Amazon.coms huge selection of new toys, and can point you to any toy you want there. We have covered all the bases in our search for toys including some unique difficult to find toys.

You can locate any kind of toy you want right here. Are you interested in antique and vintage toys? You will find them here. Antique dolls are big sellers whether you want bisque dolls by well known artists or penny wooden dolls that were lovingly made by someone for a child, you can see them here. Just about any antique doll ever made shows up sometime, including the really rare ones.

Collectible toys which may not yet be classed as antiques are extremely popular. If you collect diecast models such as Dinky Toys or Hotwheels you will find them right here. If you want windup toys made in the 1960s and 1970s you can locate them also. Battery powered toys from that era have always been popular and you can find them also.

Collectible trading cards, including baseball and hockey cards, are popular with huge numbers of collectors. The rarer cards such as rookie cards are worth a lot of money sometimes, and you willfind them on this website along with the more common issues.

Where can you find collector toys? Right now you can find some great low prices including some big discounts through this link to Amazon:  Collector Toys

Check out our website now.