Mechanical Toys As Gifts

The Science and Art of Design: A Consideration

• Mechanical toys can be a working replication of a life-sized machine. However, a mechanical toy doesn't need to be restrained by reality, just physics, so it can also be something completely made up. An example of a mechanical toy replicating real life is the hopping kangaroo. In addition, mechanical toys can replicate real sounds, combining it with movement, such as a musical bird that flaps its wings. There are even toy mechanical dancers such as a toy hula dancer. An example of a surreal mechanical toy is the blue hopping squirrel, and an example of a musical surreal toy is a rabbit with clanging cymbals.

Banks

• One type of mechanical toy contributes to saving money. These mechanical devices require someone to contribute a coin, usually a penny, to be placed on the device while at the same time arming the device. The audience then waits for the toy to perform. Generally, the action is a quick movement of the coin from the starting point to a slot through which the coin disappears into the interior of the bank. The toy is then ready to start over.

Trains

• A toy steam engine is a true model of a life-size train steam engine. These mechanical toys are made with precision and can be used with a set of tracks to pull an actual model train. These come in a variety of models and sizes.

Cars

• A simple mechanical toy is the wind up car. These automobiles are powered by an internal spring that provides the power to turn the gears, which in turn make the wheels go. The spring is wound via a key sticking out of it, which may be detachable or non-detachable.

  An example of a key being worked into the car's design, is the mechanical car whose wheels act as the spring winding mechanism. The car is pulled backwards, so the wheels turn in reverse, and this winds the spring. This kind of car has been used in fast food restaurant children's meals.

Rube Goldberg

• The fascination of a Rube Goldberg type of toy is its complexity. These mechanical toys vary but one type lifts a ball up through a maze of actions in order to drop the ball and start the process over. The actions and the end accomplishment have virtually endless combinations. Some Rube Goldberg devices dispense gum.