www.spielwarenmesse.de » Model construction, hobbies » Market overview

The RC Bulldozer by LEGO is an example of the change that working models have undergone worldwide in the last 10 years. This power-packed toy, by no means low priced, which was followed this year by a truck, even managed to climb to fifth place in the German toy chart in 2008. Working models were once the preserve of experienced model makers but today, thanks to increasingly affordable technology and the variety of ready-to-run sets, they are at the heart of the toy market.

Nothing illustrates this shift into the children’s domain better than the boom in indoor helicopters in recent years. And the suppliers of RC cars, aircraft and ships have also tried to impress the classic model making enthusiasts with new fantasy products – with names like Truggys, Offroad Buggys and Monstertrucks.

But the biggest effect on business came, and is still coming, from the accessories segment, because as a rule no model maker leaves a vehicle looking as it did when it was taken out of the box. The main items are the new generation of batteries (LiPo), the 2.4 GHz technology and, currently, the brushless motors, whose performance makes you forget you are dealing with an electric motor. But rather bizarre details like heated rugs for formula 1 tyres to give you that authentic race track experience come into this category too. This is why there are experts who, with some justification, believe that the accessory segment props up the business.

Plastic model making is an anachronism, which even the odd manufacturer concedes. But it’s something plastic model making shares with other toys that demand time, effort and commitment. What is the reason for being out of touch with the times? Plastic model making stands for play values that are likely to be trodden underfoot in a fast-moving age. As they say at Tamiya, the fact is that die-cast models are getting better all the time and are competing with the classic model construction kit. But it is precisely values like relaxation, concentration, learning motor skills, the fun of using your hands and the pleasure of being able to create your own individual model that give model making its specific appeal. Plastic model making is an "educational toy".

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