The toy industry and its close relationship with children's artefacts and equipment, made a huge contribution British ascendancy in light industry, after decline of heavy industry. Light industry was a pivotal theme in British economic history and toy-making and sales in internationals markets was a vital ingredient in Britain's reputation as the 'workshop of the world'. It flourished from the Great Exhibition of 1951 - in competition with German and French toy industries - through the 20th century and the great depression of 1929, to postwar commercial ascendancy in consumer goods. Decline began in face of US and Asian competition.and with Britain's post-war economic problems; and, the nature of family business contributed, with the passing of generations and loss of drive and tenacity. It is a family business story of the Lines Brothers Ltd, the world's largest manufacturer of children's toys with the household name of Triang, with model railways, Minic and Spot-on toy cars, soft toys, 1918-29 Pedigree prams, dolls' houses, Cindy dolls. It is a serious economic, industrial and business, history, full of personality and rivalry from supreme Victorian entrepreneurship to modern international decline, but a social and cultural story intimately linked history of childhood.

This innovative and timely volume of essays critically interrogates the shared histories between sport and a variety of leisure, entertainment and cultural pursuits. Sport’s Relationship with Other Leisure Industries: Historical Perspectives spans the bowling greens of early modern England to the postmodern exhibition halls of contemporary Las Vegas, and considers examples from Europe, North America and India. Utilizing a range of historical methods and sources, they describe how sport has interacted with a broad range of leisure forms, including tourism, shopping, theatre, circus, carnival and film. The collection takes into account the economic, cultural, geographic and political interactions sport has forged and poses a series of questions: about how sport has been forged in contemporary consumer capitalism; about the manner in which it has been shaped by space and place; and the ways in which entrepreneurs, sportspeople and artists have represented sporting competition. The collection will help both students and scholars conceptualise sporting networks, and will be of interest to those working in multiple fields. This book was previously published as a special issue of Sport in History.

Dave Angell explores the collectible nature of the iconic Tri-ang brand.

A concise yet comprehensive record of products of the major manufacturers of British waterborne toy boats from 1920 onwards, featuring 564 detailed images, mainly in colour, plus a listing and description of all models made. Also includes a fascinating look at many of the smaller, lesser known manufacturers.

Moi Ali explores the fascinating world of dolls' houses.

Tells the story of Hornby railways from the inception of the Gauge O system as an extension of the mighty Meccano empire, through the market dominance of the famous Hornby-Dublo range, to its take-over by Tri-ang and the re-emergence of the Hornby name, once again associated with the market leader in model railways.

Bicycle Engineering and Technology is a primer and technical introduction for anyone interested in bicycles, bicycling and the bicycle industry. With insight into how bicycles are made and operated, the book covers the engineering materials used for their manufacture and the technicalities of riding. It also discusses ways in which the enthusiast may wish to get involved in the business of working with these fantastic machines, which are now being aided with electrical power. The bicycle is a significant factor in transportation around the world and is playing an increasingly crucial role in transport policy as we collectively become more environmentally conscious. To celebrate the importance of the bicycle on the world stage, a brief history is included along with a detailed timeline showing the development of the bicycle with major world events. Previous knowledge of engineering or technology is not required to enjoy this text, as all technical terms are explained and a full glossary and lists of abbreviations are included. Whether you are a bicycling enthusiast, racer, student or bicycle professional, you will surely want to read it and keep it on your shelf as a handy reference.