Toy Fire Trucks

An Introduction to Collecting Die-Cast Trucks

Collecting die-cast trucks is a fun and fascinating hobby. Whether you are interested in casual collecting or if you’re a die-hard collector, there is something in this hobby for everyone. When starting out collecting, or if you are purchasing a truck for a collector, there is some basic information that all collectors should know about die-cast trucks.

Die-Cast Truck Types

While some people collect strictly one type of die-cast vehicle, there are a wide range of vehicle types available. Some collectors focus on antique trucks, and others like to collect trucks from a single manufacturer. Others may focus strictly on a type of truck, such as 18-wheelers, and others may have an interest in farm vehicles or construction equipment. It’s important to decide what sort of truck you are most interested in, so you can focus your research and purchasing.

Die-Cast Truck Manufacturers

There are many different manufacturers of die-cast trucks. Some of these manufacturers include:

· Norscott – Norscott is the primary manufacturer of Caterpillar die-cast construction equipment, as well as other brands such as Peterbilt, Kenworth, Case, Claas, Bell, Liebherr and Yale/Hyster.

· Ertl – Ertl is one of the oldest die-cast truck manufacturers. Ertl’s primary focus is on farm equipment, and manufactures John Deere and Case/New Holland farm vehicles.

· Tonkin – Tonkin focuses on road trucks, primarily 18-wheelers, but their collection also includes log trucks and dump trucks.

· New Ray – New Ray Trucks also focus on road trucks, including 18-wheelers and pickup trucks, but their collection also includes specialty trucks such as garbage trucks and tanker trucks.

· Yatming – Yatming is a Hong Kong company that manufactures a wide line of fire trucks and police vehicles, in addition to its automobile lines.

· Corgi – Corgi is a British manufacturer that specializes in branded trucks and limited edition collectable vehicles.

· Tonka – Tonka trucks were manufactured more strictly as toys than many die-cast trucks made today. Tonka is currently owned by Hasbro, and now licenses the Tonka name to Maisto for die-cast vehicles. Today’s Tonka trucks include pickup trucks, farm tractors, big rigs and branded trucks.

Die-Cast Truck Scales

A scale refers to the ratio of the size of the model truck to the size of the actual truck. The primary scales for die-cast vehicles are 1:18, 1:24, 1:43, and 1:64. In a 1:18 scale truck, one inch on the die-cast truck translates to 18 inches on the actual truck. Some collectors prefer one scale of die-cast toy trucks, while other’s collect trucks from a variety of scales.

Resources for Die-Cast Truck Collectors

The majority of resources for die-cast truck collectors are web sites created by die-cast truck manufacturers and sites developed by other collectors. While manufacturer web sites can easily be found with a simple search, it is more difficult to locate non-manufacturer resources.
By:Edward Fisher
About the Author:
This article was researched and written by Edward Fisher who has been involved in the steel industry for 30+ years. Edward grew up on a Farm in Saskatchewan and then spent years chasing Oil Rigs all over Canada and during that time was involved with the manufacture of steel while living in Sault Ste Marie Ontario. Edward settled in Atlantic Canada in late 1987 where he met and married his wife Ada. Edward is still involved in the steel industry but is now semi retired and spends more time at home with his wife and chasing one of his passions Die Cast Products. As a child his dad bought some Die Cast farm tractors that were the start of a life of fascination for Die Cast products. We welcome your comments and suggestions on our article at http://numberfirstsales.blogspot.com

Ride on toys have been a magical part of childhood for generations. For decades, these traditional toys have empowered little legs and young imaginations to explore all sorts of adventures, from driving to the grocery store and changing the oil to racing across a track like a professional race car driver. Whatever the adventure, ride on toys have been a childhood necessity for generations.

Available in all sorts of styles and designs, these toys are ideal for toddlers who are quickly developing control over their large muscles and beginning to walk. During this stage of development, most children are growing at a rapid rate and are learning new skills at the same speed. Ride on toys encourage the natural tendency to explore and, at the same time, enhances early creativity.

Developmental Benefits of Traditional Ride On Toys

Ride on toys, like many traditional toys, offer children a well rounded play experience that addresses most of the critical areas of childhood growth and development.

- Physical development is enhanced as little ones test the power of their legs with the classic foot to floor operation of traditional ride on toys. While most of the physical benefits of these toys are concentrated on gross motor skills, fine motor skills can also be developed by incorporating games with small blocks and toys to pick up on the go.

- Cognitive skills are built when children test the many different ways they can push, pull, or drive their toy. They will also experiment with the size and shape of the toy in relation to its surroundings as they manoeuvre through obstacles like people and furniture.

- Social and emotional skills are also a part of play time with ride on toys as kids come and go, interacting with others as they imagine.

- Language can be enhanced through these traditional toys as well. Children may learn new words, make new sounds, and even create stories around their play, expanding their vocabulary and their experiences.

Ride on toys are favourites for parents because of the rich educational value, but are just as popular among toddlers and early preschoolers because of the tremendous amount of fun they provide. Today’s best ride on toys are designed much like those of many years ago, offering strong, durable construction from high quality wood.

Types of Ride On Toys

Boys and girls alike have been long time fans of these traditional toys [http://www.monkeyshine.co.uk/traditional-toys-21], although originally ride on toys were designed with boys in mind so they could imitate dad with the family car. Today, ride on toys can be found to fit every little personality and interest, from little red fire trucks and colourful choo choos to classic hobby horses and trikes.

Ride on toys are beloved traditional toys that have helped generations of children enjoy play time. Toddlers everywhere continue to be fascinated with the magic of their own wheels. Ride on toys enhance creativity and build the muscles your child will soon use to pedal. These are the ideal training toys for pedal cars and bikes and promise hours of fun for your toddler.
By:Gary Clay
About the Author:
Gary Clay is an expert on the developmental benefits children’s toys [http://www.monkeyshine.co.uk] and manages stylish kids store Monkeyshine the place to go for high quality traditional toys [http://www.monkeyshine.co.uk] in the UK

So there’s a new baby boy. You want to give him the perfect gift. You rush to the nearest mall and grab the following:

1. Gift Packages

Do not be intimidated by the price. It can cost as much as $80. Think of it as worth your every cent because it has bottles, bibs, baby rattles and other stuff that the baby boy and his mother can use.

2. Bath Set

Make bath time special for the mother and the baby boy by getting them bath sets that have shampoo, loofah, bubble maker, rubber duckie and more. Those who bought this can always be found in the comforts of their bath tub.

3. Toy Trucks

Just because he’s a baby boy, it doesn’t mean that he wouldn’t have a grand time having these in his crib. There are stuffed toy versions of fire trucks, tow trucks and dump trucks. This can be pretty much his first car collection.

4. Baby Clothes

You can never go wrong with these. Get the package that has lots of baby clothes in it. Choose those that are colorful so they are appealing to the eye. Light colors also keep the baby boy cool and comfortable.

5. Diaper Cakes

Designed like a cake, these piles of diaper are not to be eaten. Since they are tons of diapers beautifully packaged, every mother would be grateful to get this as a gift.

6. Animal Blankie

To make it appealing to the consumer, manufactures have blankets folded to become animals. They come in duck, frog, penguin form and more.

7. Basketball

Introduce him to sports by giving the baby boy those stuffed basketballs which he can hug and throw around.

8. Picture frames

Don’t take this as simple and plain trifle to give. It actually has sentimental value for the mother and the baby boy because they can use it to put their favorite pictures in. Then they can display it for people to see.

The secret to shopping for gifts for baby boys is getting something the baby will enjoy and the mother will have great use of. In that way you are hitting two birds with one stone.
By:Tim Lee
About the Author:
To learn more baby boy gift ideas, visit http://www.babyboygift101.com