Classic Toys From James May’s Toy Stories
Will our children reflect on the toys and computer games that they have today with the same enthusiasm that James May exhibits for Plasticene, Meccano and Scalextric?
The TV series ‘James May’s Toy Stories’ sees the hirsute super geek of Top Gear fame revisiting his childhood toy favourites with a BBC budget and a bunch of screen writers. In the series Mr May builds a full size house from Lego, a huge bridge from Meccano and a massive 3 mile racing circuit from Scalextric.
Mr May’s favourite toys all involve construction and making something. They come from a time when toys inspired an interest in construction, engineering and making things rather than escapism into a fantasy world of monsters and violence.
His TV series comes at a time when many of us are thinking about buying more computer games and consoles for our children’s Christmas presents. The latest computer games and games consoles have been at the top of their gift lists for many years. Last year they wanted a Wii Fit and Guitar Hero. This year they are hoping that Santa will bring them DJ Hero.
I’ve found myself thinking about which form of toy is actually the most beneficial for a childs education and development? Computer games and games consoles or construction toys like Meccano, Lego and Scalextric.
I belong to the same generation as James May. I grew up with Action Man, Meccano and Scalextric. Computer games didn’t appear until after I’d left school and I’ve never really understood why they have become so appealing. Personally, I would get a lot more enjoyment and satisfaction from building a Model Railway circuit than I would from pretending to be a disk jockey or pretending to play guitar. But I suppose that, in a way, I would be pretending to be a railway construction engineer and train driver. Toot Toot!
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