A CATALOGUE OF CHILDHOOD EVENTS...

Copyright relevant and respective owners

I find it strange (and sad) that many of the pastimes of childhood are now almost exclusively the pursuits of adult collectors.  Take Corgi Toys as an example.  Back in the '60s and '70s, Corgi (and Dinky, and Matchbox) were regularly churning out dozens of diecast models for kids to buy with their pocket-money (or Birthday and Christmas money for the more pricey items).  However, nowadays it seems that such things (like Airfix model kits, etc.,) are primarily produced for the more 'mature' buyer.

Action Man, who, perhaps surprisingly, is still available, even has an advisory on the box saying that it's not for children, but for adult collectors.  Eh?  Did ol' AM suddenly become a health risk to kids after several decades of being perfectly safe and acceptable?  Strike a light!  Maybe it's just a manufacturer's ploy to charge more for things.

Anyway, I have a couple of official reproductions of Corgi catalogues (available from the Corgi Model Club) for 1966 and '69, so I thought I'd take you on a short journey back into the past to remind you of some of the great diecast toys that were once available to kids the length and breadth of Britain (and beyond).  If only more toyshops still sold such playthings, perhaps children would be allowed to remain children for just a little bit longer than they do today.

Childhood - a time of enchantment that seems to get shorter with each new generation.  Sad, isn't it?  I'm glad that I'm still a big kid.  Anyway, enjoy the pretty piccies and feel free to gleefully reminisce in the comments section about the toys that you once owned.

Strictly speaking, the D.B.5 ejector seat isn't operated by 'remote control'

Loads of TV and movie tie-ins featured in this catalogue

Posted in: Cartoons