Bill's old loco diorama reminded me of a hardback book I got back at Christmas 1992, Toys of Our Generation by Robin Langley Sommer. Its an important book for me as it was the first vintage toy book I got just as my collecting 'bug' was biting after finding an SPV in a junk shop.
The book, covering toys from 1945 to the Seventies, is divided into neat chapters and this one is Wheels and Wings.
This is why Bill's train rang a bell, this beautiful Santa Fe loco pictured below. I always loved this page and in particular the nostalgic tone of the advertising for Lionel toy trains. "Grandfathers of America" is a great line!
The next page contains a black and white image I've admired for years.
This scene of pop and sons relaxing with their lay-out is so snug looking. The OHIO pendant, skates, rifle and winter jacket add to the feeling it must be freezing outside, whereas in here its toasty and fun. The V-neck jumpers and Dad's pipe is the final touch of domestic warmth. Is this what in America is called a den?
The book contains an informative chapter on space toys. This was the first explanation about them I'd ever read in a published book [next came Kitahara's book on robots and space toys]. There's some excellent action shots of kids and their Fifties/ Sixties toys.
The colour pages display robots, My Favourite Martian, Mr. Machine and Major Matt Mason.
More space toys include Lost in Space.....
and the dawn of the Seventies: Star Wars and Transformers among some vintage chums.
My first proper toy tome, anyone else got this book?
