A concise yet comprehensive record of products of the major manufacturers of British waterborne toy boats up to 1980, featuring detailed images, plus a listing and description of all models made. Also includes a fascinating look at many of the smaller, lesser known manufacturers. Toy boats, especially those designed to sail on the local pond, have always had a fascination for boys and girls of all ages.
This book celebrates these boats, which many will remember purchasing with their pocket money. Before the 1914-1918 war many toy boats were of German origin, but when hostilities ceased there was a surge in buying British. Many manufacturers took advantage of this, and British toy boats became extremely popular right up to World War II, with numerous seaside resorts actually building special ponds for yachts and clockwork vessels. Interest continued right up to the introduction of electronic toys, at which point the majority of manufacturers realised that the more traditional toy boat was no longer in demand.
This book covers that golden period of toy boats, from 1920 to 1980. Period covered: 1920-1980 Features: * The first book on British toy boats * A nostalgic trip for people of a certain age * Covers a golden era * Will appeal to all model boat enthusiasts * Previously unpublished images of many of the models featured * Boats powered by steam, rubber band, clockwork, batteries and sails * Boats of every kind, including submarines * Over 350 images, mostly in colour
