What to get?

[NJW 77]

Ive never really collected a series of anything (except junk) but my boy will be 2 in April and we have just decorated his room in a more 'manly' blue. While we've got the decks clear (figaratively speaking)I was going to put up some open shelves (or a small display cabinet?) and start a collection of small model cars, but I havent a clue what series/manufacturer to look at. I dont want to go silly money for them as no doubt he will be climbing on chairs and getting them down to play with (which is what they are for, are they not?). Then again, Im not after the ASDA Model Cars 2006 series at 50p a pop

Im not even sure what type of car/s to look at. Ive got a TVR so that was a thought...but then thats only a dozen or so models, other than that is there a 'Sportscar'series, or a 'Racing' car series or a 'Supercar' series that I could start to collect.

Im guessing Im looking at Corgi or Hot Wheels or similar?

Yes, I 'could' do an internet search but where's the fun in that? Helpful and informative replies from the PH Modellers are much more, err, helpful

[Eric Mc]

At the age of two there is no point putting anything of value on display. To your kid they'll be toys so you ARE better off with cheap and cheerful stuff that he can play with and have no fear of breaking. On the other hand, if you are actually collecting for yourself, go for the subject matter that appeals to you most but DON'T display your collection in his room.

I have modest collection of 1/43rd scale Grand Prix and F1 cars covering the period from the mid 1930s to the early 2000s on display in a Picture Pride glass fronted cabinet.

[roblees]

My toddler when two was given the first of quite a few Burago cars. On more than one occasion he was found on the floor trying to get into the car

That confirmed him as a petrolhead and yesterday 15 years on he passed his driving test!

Seriously don't get him anything you treasure - it will probably get trashed - just get him a simple car you like the look of, that he can get his hande around and without too many sticky-out breaky-off bits. I'd look for a nice Vantage in 1/43 or 1/24 or 1/18 but beware of opening doors bonnet and boot which could get swallowed.

Above all, play with him and in a few years you'll have someone to drive you to the pub.

[NJW 77]

Thanks guys. I wasnt planning on getting anything too expensive as yes, primarily, they will be his toys and I think Im getting ahead of myself thinking of a display cabinet (and who will fix it to the wall rather than me knocking the wall down is an additional problem. I can just about handle shelves )

I think I'll pop up my local ModelZone and see what they've got, even if its just for ideas and I buy on the 'net.

At 18 months he was able to get into the integral garage, knew how to open the door of the cerb (my wife still struggles with this point!), climb in and turn on the ignition. I make sure the 'blipper' is no where to be found .

I doubt very much I'll have a problem finding a taxi driver in 15 years time

[speedchick]

One thing to be careful about is the plastic windows on the cars, my son had hundreds of small cars that he played with and we regularly had to check them over to make sure they were ok.

This came about as one night as he was getting ready for bed (about 3 years old at the time), he asked in a very matter of fact voice, 'daddy are you going to take the window out of my nose now?' turns out he had broken a plastic windscreen and jammed it up his nose! we still have the offending piece of plastic which had to be removed at hospital with a large pair of tweezers. (it was quite a substantial piece too!)

[njw 77]

speedchick said:

One thing to be careful about is the plastic windows on the cars, my son had hundreds of small cars that he played with and we regularly had to check them over to make sure they were ok. This came about as one night as he was getting ready for bed (about 3 years old at the time), he asked in a very matter of fact voice, 'daddy are you going to take the window out of my nose now?' turns out he had broken a plastic windscreen and jammed it up his nose! we still have the offending piece of plastic which had to be removed at hospital with a large pair of tweezers. (it was quite a substantial piece too!)

Good point Jo.

Though Im not sure my boy would get any plastic bits up his nose....his finger isnt out of it long enough

[simac]

Some of the hotwheels cars are good, my 20month old son has a lot of those ! some of them are very smooth with no sharp edges, I think there are called the "phat" range LOL

The thing is, a lot of the better quality models you'll find are 14 years plus and can be quite delicate.

Every now and then I have some "quite time" with my son and we sit down and admire the cars in my collection. He really enjoys this and knows that those cars are daddies and he can't touch them until he's a bit older !