Monday, June 27, 2011

Ultimate Star Wars Replica Costumes

I've never seen as replicas of Star Wars. To me they were just toys. Despite all that Star Wars was just one of the best games we have known. Almost every day after school, we would gather to play the scenes. While cowboys and Indians, cops and robbers, and other typical childhood games boring - Star Wars never seemed stale. I ask you, what child is not to save the world from powerful forces of evil dreams?

The toys are fun in many ways. AsYou get older, you can go completely, or begin a serious interest in winning. For me, I was almost obsessed. The assortment of Star Wars replicas, who had grown up without reserve and in recent years have become more intense with the creations of episodes from one to three. Although I like the new Star Wars, nothing beats the original classic. For this reason, it's good for the Lucas movie rereleasing a series of Star Wars replica models are linked to the originalMovies. Currently I have a small X-Wing Fighter Pilot helmet to my helmet of Darth Vader Storm Trooper suits and costumes. I have no idea if one day my performances worth something. I am convinced that the old Star Wars toys I own, but that's not why I collect. These elements represent the passion I feel for the Star Wars movies.

When it comes to epic fantasy, nothing compares to Star Wars. People have written epic poems dealing with good and evil,But none of this magnitude in the movies had become. That's why many fans of the movies for Star Wars mad replica models are, as the story is so well known and popular. The evil of the dark side is strong enough to eliminate the planet on a whim, when the rebellion is fighting bravely to save the rest of the universe from chaos.

However, if you are just starting to collect replicas of Star Wars, then the best place to start is with the new versions of the original toys. After allWhat is a collection of Star Wars like no other by Luke Skywalker and Hans Solo, Chewbacca and R2-D2? Before we ever saw Yoda in a lightsaber battle, he was fighting evil with young Luke Skywalker how to use power effectively.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Playing Dress Up Barbie

Boys have teddy bears and action figures while girls have dolls. Not much has changed throughout the years even if computer games have been invented because there should always be something that distinguishes between being masculine and feminine.

One of the most popular dolls ever to hit the market is Barbie. The physical characteristics of this toy has not changed and girls can buy one and then just buy the accessories such as the clothes and shoes making Barbie fashionable for any occasion.

Barbie can be purchased at the toy section of the department store, other retail outlets and even online from the official company website. This allows the girl to go for other items including the dollhouse, the car, the boat and Ken so the girl can let the couple go off on a romantic adventure.

Since the doll itself doesn't age, the kid can prepare Barbie with clothes for the first day of school, partying at the beach or attending a formal ball. There are so many places this doll can go turning the mannequin from the girl next door to the life of the party.

If the cost of getting the additional accessories is too expensive, there is another way to play dress up Barbie. The developers of this toy have also made it available online so the child can choose which clothes to wear and then drag this to Barbie. This can be interchanged over and over again if the look isn't quite right.

There are over 5 different games online which even includes putting the right shade of makeup and lipstick. Now, that is something that can't be done with the doll in one's hand.

Whichever mode of dress up Barbie the girl chooses to play, the experience itself promises to be both fun and exciting. It can help a girl learn to choose the right clothes to wear given the occasion at the same time teach child what is fashionable and what is not when it is also time to find the appropriate outfit for going out.

Barbie is known throughout the world. In fact, this doll is even sold wearing the native outfit of the country. With the Christmas season coming, perhaps this will be a nice gift to the little girl so the child will also be able to enjoy the wonders of playing dress up like mom once did as a child.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

1965 Mustang Pedal Cars

The 1965 Mustang pedal car is among the most popular pedal cars ever. Originally built by AMF for Ford, the Mustang pedal car was produced from 1965 to 1972. Today, these original models command premium prices, especially in original or restored conditions. Over 93,000 pedal versions of the 1965 Mustang were sold in its first year; the pedal toy was as much of a runaway hit as the real version. Originally designed as an advertising promotion, it was sold in Ford Dealerships around the United States for a discounted price of just $12.95 per car, and in toy stores for $25, about the going price of a pedal car during that era.

For more than 30 years, no steel Mustang pedal toys were being produced. During this time, steel gave way to plastic for the manufacturing of ride-on toys, leading the initial manufacturer, AMF, to sell the tools for making the cars. These newer pedal toys had a cartoon-like aesthetic and were generally designed to be fantasy cars, not modeled after a specific real-life car. They lacked the realistic details of such models as the 1965 Mustang and other popular pedal toys designed after real car models.

The design for the 1965 Mustang pedal toy remained unused for over twenty years until it was rediscovered in Mexico in 2004 by Mark Luzaich, owner of pedal car manufacturer Warehouse 36. After re-discovering the original tooling for the AMF Mustang, the original design is again being produced today, over forty years since its original release. This steel car uses the exact same design as the famous 1965 Mustang pedal toy of the 1960's and early 1970's, with all of the original tooling, down to the Mustang horse on the front grille. The first cars of this new wave were produced in 2005, timed to coincide with the redesigned 2005 Ford Mustang. Because they are made of steel, not plastic, they are built to withstand generations of children.

These authentic pedal toys are coveted by collectors who can't get their hands on one of the originals. Not only pedal car collectors, but also fans of the real 1965 Ford Mustang car, enjoy this new version. These attention-getting models also make great gifts for a new generation of children. They are loved by car lovers of all ages, kids and adults alike, who enjoy the styling of this classic car.

Today's version of the AMF 1965 Mustang features all of the original details, including chromed hubcaps, that made the original version of the '65 Mustang one of the most popular pedal toys ever. Despite the numerous changes in standards for children's toys since the 1960, this new version features an identical exterior, with Mustang markings on the body, all-steel construction, and a clear windshield. In fact, many have noted that the only difference between the 1960's version and today's version is the price, which has increased due to inflation. Today, these nostalgic cars are produced in red or blue, and are fully licensed by Ford.

Monday, June 20, 2011

Which Wheels and Oils Are the Most Suitable For Model Train Operation?

If you have a choice of buying model trains with plastic wheels or metal wheels, always choose metal wheels. If your trains have plastic wheels you may want to look at replacing them. Metal wheels typically run more smoothly and provide less resistance. They also stay cleaner for longer as does the track they run on.

Plastic Wheels, like you find on toy train sets, are usually injection molded and are mass produced for price, rather than quality or reliability. They are also inclined to leave plastic residue on the track, which needs to be cleaned off regularly. Overall, they can be very troublesome.

The good news is; metal wheels have become less expensive over the past few years. So, if you have plastic wheels, now could be a good time to look for metal replacements.

Another suggestion is not to oil the track if you operate with plastic. Although products like Wahl Hair Clipper Oil are used by many model railroaders; applying oils to plastic is not generally recommended, as the plastic can react with the oil. This could mean more cleaning and damage to the wheels over the longer term.

Oils and lubricants are a useful tool in any model railroader's toolbox. You just need to use oils with caution and moderation, and use the correct ones for the job.

Companies like LaBelle do make plastic compatible oils, but I still prefer to stick with metal wheels as they are far more reliable. Labelle Oil Medium is best for wheel bearings and the armature. The oil is available in small plastic bottles with a needle point applicator for accurate application. The LaBelle Light Oil can be applied to side rods, push rods and train axle bearings.

Using too much lubricant can damage a commutator over time. What happens is; the oil lubricant is vaporized and the heat bakes it on to the surface of the commutator. This then, lowers the overall performance.

A worn commutator usually reveals signs of heat and arcing after long term use.

If your train motor is not working well, it may need higher voltages than would normally be expected, hence the 'arcing.' An under-performing motor will mean more resistance and need higher transformer voltages for train operation.

Wahls Clipper oil is another one used by many in the hobby. It can be applied each month with a cloth for keeping tracks in good condition. Wahls Clipper oil needs to be applied carefully and then thoroughly cleaned off using a dry cloth. If your tracks are really dirty you could remove the worst dirt and grime with lighter fluid and/or Brite Boy. If you keep your tracks clean you will probably experience 'less sparking' from the contact wheels on the track.

In summary; use metal wheels over plastic, and use the correct oils and lubricants carefully and sparingly. This will help your trains last much longer and make for smooth model train operation.

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Model Trains - Toys, Models Or Miniature Works of Art?

The interest in model railways has seen a huge increase over the last few years, and especially in recent months. The recent increase in popularity, particularly in the UK, has been put down to the credit crunch forcing people to get involved in more 'home based' and 'family oriented' activities, rather than days or evenings out.

The quality of model trains has also improved enormously over the last few years. Having gone from tin plate, through basic plastic injection moulding, some of today's models are highly intricate works of model engineering, with impressive amounts of detailing. This attention to detail really captures the character and feel of the prototype locomotive, coach item of rolling stock being modelled.

Some of the more recent Hornby trains are particularly fine model trains with magnificent detail. No longer are these models just simple plastic mouldings, with all the detail cast into the main moulding, these newer models are intricately made up of many different parts. For example, the recently released Hornby Schools Class shows an entirely reworked model. The firebox, boiler and dome are all cast in metal, whilst the smokebox, running plate, cab, chimney and smoke deflectors are plastic.

The locomotive features plenty of accurate rivet detail and there are plenty of separately fitted items, such as brass safety valves, clack valves, nameplate, chimney and wire handrails.

However, perhaps the most stunning area of the model is the one that will most likely be hidden from view. That is the cab interior and boiler backhead. The quality of the cab instruments, control levers and wheels is amazing. The calibrations on the gauges are legible under a magnifying glass, and the water gauge glasses, regulator, reverser and atomiser are miniature works of art.

So the question is will models of this quality be run on layouts by young children, or are these models now intended for collectors to display proudly? Certainly these new, highly detailed models do look magnificent on display but also look magnificent on a highly detailed layout.

Hornby have obviously thought of this as they often produce Limited Edition models, clearly aimed at the collector. In 2008 they produce the British Rail 4-6-2 West Country Class 'Bude'. This was released to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the formation of British Railways. 2008 limited edition models were produced, each with a numbered certificate of authentication. This particular locomotive was chosen as it took part in the locomotive trials in 1948, where different pairings of locomotive and tender were tested to see how they performed outside their normal regions.

With the advent of Digital Control, (DCC) locomotives now feature working lights that stay on and also sound. These locomotives are obviously meant to be worked on layouts to add extra dimensions to the operation of the layout, and also as an added experience for the observers.

In contrast to this, Hornby also have a range of models aimed at the younger enthusiast known as the RailRoad range. These models are devoid of the easily damaged detail parts that adorn the new super detailed models. The Hornby RailRoad range also offers a simple and cost effective way of getting into the hobby.

So summing up. Are model trains toys, models or miniature works of art? The quality of some of the recent models could well be classed as works of art. Many people still believe to this day that steam locomotives were works of art and these new models faithfully reproduce the character of the originals. However, how many children still get delight from operating their first train set? These are the ones that go on to become enthusiasts and collectors as they grow older.

I suppose the answer is Yes to all three!

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Collection of old toys

If you collect old toys, you are just one of many collectors around the world. What was once an obscure niche communities is really blossomed in recent years, some groups contain 'everywhere.

Business customer online and in person. And you might be shocked to discover what might be some seemingly harmless toys to draw on the global market. Even within the categories of collectors of toys, there's a lot of money to find.

Nicheis the collection of Barbie dolls. Barbie has a very long time and has been increasingly popular over the previous year. Not surprisingly, the number of games out there and the excitement following their collection and sale.

Another popular vintage-toy is the classic jack-in-the-box. This is another subcategory of collectors, because they were very popular at one point in time, but have all but obsolete in modern times. But the ancients didincreased in popularity in relation to their darkness.

Another class of collectors toy is a subset of baseball memorabilia. From baseball cards, balls and gloves, including baseball-style Windups or even models, this type of toys never seem to go down in popularity. This is for collectors who rarely see their investments lose value enjoyable.

Some people believe that the value of a toy is destroyed if it is not in the outermost regions State. This is not necessarily true. Toys have some scratches or scratches and still extremely valuable for some people. The value is related not only to care for the particular item.

The collection of antique toys and other toys, it just seems more and more popular over time. Who knows why. It may be that more adult nostalgia for times past, or it may just be more interested in things that seem to increase in value. In any case,Toy> Collection is something to be forever and ever and seems to be coming for some time.

Both personally fascinated by this practice or not, you should always know that there is someone out there who gets paid a lot of money for Ahold, what do you think are just junk.

Friday, June 17, 2011

Doll House Play

Doll House Play - doll houses can be very useful in encouraging imaginative play in your children. Our technological modern life can easily leave little time for childhood imaginative play and can also stunt our children's ability to author their own creative play.

Modern children are often accustomed to manufactured toys with defined purposes, television and films that present someone else's imagination, computers that use other people's programs, and classes in dance or sports in which someone instructs them in what to do. As parents we must strive to nurture our children's ability to engage in creative, imaginative play.

Child directed imaginative play fosters and builds creativity. Creativity will serve your children their whole lives. Creativity allows us to see new solutions to problems, see the "light at the end of the tunnel", envision new inventions and the list goes on. We give our children the ability to create their own lives when we allow them as children to create their own play.

Dolls houses are perfect for imaginative play. They give our children basic objects that they come into contact with every day but allows them the opportunity to do what they want with them. Many children when playing with a dolls house will make up their own families, scenarios and games. You may see your child bring a teddy bear into play with their doll family, they are not restricted in the items they play with and this allows them to be creative.

Many children will put the bathroom furniture in the bedroom or kitchen simply because they see it as being easier to use there. They use logic and if you sit and talk to them while they play you will be amazed at the ideas they come up with. Develop your child's creativity early on and it will serve them all through their lives.