We, humans, have a really interesting way of making miniature models of real objects for kids to play as toys. There are toys models of animals, pets, houses, buildings, jungles, devices or gadgets, and many other objects, both living and non-living. These toy models for kids are a way of making them familiar with what they see around and are fascinated by. A kid starts learning the ways of the world and understands life from what he/she sees and experiences. It is important that you introduce those things that can help him/her get accustomed to the world at an early age, and toys are the best way to do it.
Car toys are one of the most popular among the miniature versions of objects that are manufactured as playthings for kids. This kids toy can include models of cars, buses, trucks and other types of automobiles.
Toy models were made as early as the time automobiles were first manufactured. However, these models were very rough as they used very limited type of materials and due to the lack of proper casting and metal shaping techniques. It was first started in Europe and later on spread to America.
The first designs were crafted from lead and brass, and came out during the late half of the 19 Century. In the beginning of the 20th century, these were replaced by slush cast, plaster and iron. Tin and pressed steel models followed, only to be replaced by diecast zinc alloy, which is the main material in which car toys are still being produced. However, there are also beautiful models of cars in wood and clay too. Though the market and techniques of toy car making arrived very late to Asia, Asian countries took to it very quickly. Today, China and Southeast Asian countries are the main producers of diecast metal toy cars.
Car toys are measured and designed using a system called scale sizes. It is the ratio of the toy model in relation to the actual car. It varies according to the demand of consumers and the detailing needs. They are designed more popularly in scales like 1:4, 3:8, 1:10 and 1:43. Scales like 1:25, 1:18 and 1:43 are the more preferred ones among consumers today. Some of the most popular manufacturers of toy cars were Corgi Toys, Dinky toys, Matchbox, Spot-On, Majorette, Solido and Schuco Modell. These were just simple models and there were no parts that could be opened or separated from the main part like real cars.
Over time, there were improvements in these kids toys due the improvement in the techniques and technologies that were employed in their production process. These toys came with more realistic features like opening doors, windows, rotating wheels and interiors. There also came toy automobiles with motors that were powered by battery and actually moved like their real versions. Later, they were available with tracks and in sets of multiples meant for racing. Mattel is an important manufacturer in this respect and they have created some of the most exquisitely designed models in the history of toy cars.
Hot Wheels is the brand under which the company markets its toys, which are really popular among kids and adults.
Toy cars have not just remained toys for kids, but they have become items of collection among adults. There is a big craze among certain adult consumers about these toys, and manufacturers release special series or models of them. Most of the grown-ups of today have played with toy cars during their childhood and feel the need to be connected with them. Others collect them because of their sheer beauty and splitting resemblance with the original cars.
Car manufacturers license toy companies to create the models of their cars and even provide the exact blueprints. This is also a marketing policy as it helps popularize their brand and cars. Consumers who are interested in the brands or models of cars will buy these toys. Ferrari, Lamborghini and Ford are some of the big manufacturers of cars that have licensed toy companies to manufacture models of their products and even use original blueprints.
Car toys are available from brands like Bburago, Maisto, Siku, Welly, Hot Wheels Cars, Disney, Pixar cars and Funskool among others. These toys are available in various toy stores and are classified into various categories. You can also buy them online from e-commerce stores that sell them. These sites deliver the toy cars of your choice to your doorstep, and provide various payment options like cash on delivery or online methods.
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