Giant Scalextric Race

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?

In the TV series 'James May's Toy Stories' we see Mr May revisiting many of the classic toys that he enjoyed as a child. 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 clearly likes toys that involve building something. These toiys come from a time when toys inspired youngsters to develop interests in engineering and construction rather than blowing people away.

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. computer games have been at the top of their gift list 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 been wondering which form of plaything is actually most beneficial to their development? Computer games consoles or creative construction toys like Meccano, Lego and Scalextric.

I belong to the same generation as James May. I grew up with Airfix model kits, footballs and bicycles. I've never really understood why computer games have grown to become as popular as they are today. 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. I suppose that building a model railway is actually pretending to be a railway engineer. Toot Toot!

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