Ok, so in my internet surfing I came across an article concerning the Bayko Building System (was looking for articles on celluloid and Bakelite.) Anyone ever have one of these pre-Lego building sets? They look pretty cool 'cause I love building stuff.
never even heard of it and i grew up in the early 40's, which is what these look like from the box art... however, their being english-made, i probably wouldn't have, since they obviously didn't make it across the pond... wish they had, though, 'cause i'd have loved to have them!!! still would, as a matter of fact... you're never too old for a really great toy! all i had to fulfill my lifelong love of building buildings and stuff was lincoln logs, tinker toys, and erector sets...
I had an Erector Set (Gabriel) from the late 70's which I loved! Thinking back on it now, all the tiny pieces and sharp corners would probably never pass inspection these days for a nine year old's X-Mas gift, but I was riveted (sorry, just had to) by this toy for years.
I too had Lincoln Logs and an Erector Set. I still own the latter, in its early 1960s metal case, and with a massive electric plug-in motor! Imagine slipping that one past today's Consumer Product Safety Commission. I also had chemistry sets, microscope sets, geology sets, all with toxic chemicals and sharp objects. You know, I never heard of huge numbers of deaths from these killer toys. An they were actually educational.
Yup, I too had a chem set. And you're right, the one I had would never be put on the shelf for sale today.* Part of me wonders how much fun and education kids miss out on in this rubber-padded, round-cornered, safety-latched day and age. *and yet, at least in Florida, every year just before July, explosives are put up for sale on every free bit of roadside. A bit dichotomous, aye?
