The Cumberland Toy & Model Museum
www.toymuseum.co.uk

Winner of the 1995 National Heritage Shoestring Award for achieving the best results with limited resources.

Methods of Toy Construction and Assembly Worksheet KS4

Over the years many methods of construction have been used to make toys. Different materials need different assembly methods, for example it is not possible to solder wood. In general, toys made around 1850 were either very simple (often home-made) or very elaborate and thus expensive. By 1900 small, "penny" toys were being mass produced for a population more able to afford simple luxuries. To produce these cheaply meant traditional hand making of toys had to be replaced with less expensive machine operation, only quick and simple hand assembly being required. From around 1900 more and more people bought toys until today they are part of almost every household. The 1950's saw legislation to make toys safer and coupled with new materials such as plastics the way toys are designed and made has changed quite dramatically.

A) Find examples of toys made by or using:

                                                                                                               Approximate date

Casting by gravity    ......................................................................          ...........................
Injection moulding   ......................................................................          ...........................
Stamping (pressing) .....................................................................           ...........................
Woodwork tools     ....................................................................            ...........................

B) Find examples of toys assembled using the following methods:

Glue                        ....................................................................            ...........................
Nut and bolt            ....................................................................            ...........................
Screws                    ...................................................................             ...........................
Solder                     ...................................................................             ...........................
Tab and slot            ...................................................................             ...........................

C) Find a toy finished by:

Painting                   .................................................................              ..........................
Printing on tinplate   ................................................................               ..........................
Transfers                 ................................................................               .........................
Printed stickers        ...............................................................                .........................

Write down other ways toys may be made, assembled and finished. Use the other side of this sheet for notes and sketches.

To see hundreds of pictures and more things to do and print look at
www.toymuseum.co.uk

Great for school projects!

© Rod Moore MBE. May be photocopied for School use only. ConAssy4 Issue 3w, 17.01.06  www.toymuseum.co.uk

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