Don't over-do it on the kids at Christmas! (Or adults, for that matter). For the little guys keep it simple - don't buy educational toys or TV related action figures and props - get them things that will make them think and create. Lego is an excellent standby,
A steam engine is almost perfect - even for old stubfarts! My wife bought me this one and I played with it for a couple days. It's a handsome ornamental knicknak too! But... for kids - get the older ones. The boilers on these are too small and it's rather finicky. The old antiques are charmers that can burn anything, and are powerful enough to run improvised toys and pulleys. They make wonderful heirlooms and if you take care of them your great grandkids will be playing with them. You can get your kids thinking along STEM lines with drive/driven ratios.pulleys, gears, etc.if you present it to them properly.
The antiques are probly cheaper too!
If anyone is feeling generous - you can order one for me from these guys!
I had this a young lad in the 1960's hasn't changed a bit.
ReplyDeleteMe too and I was amazed when the old man introduced me to Sterno to fire it with.
Delete- WDS
Dead on. Mine is a steam tractor from '67. Still going strong and waiting for a grandson.
ReplyDeleteMy auto shop teacher had an OPERATIONAL internal combustion engine with a GLASS CYLINDER!!! The entire mechanism was visible.
ReplyDeleteIt ran on alcohol. The piston had Teflon rings and bearings, so it didn't need oil. THAT thing was cool to watch!
Ha! Buy a ready built? No way. Get the kit, break out the files, the lathe and the mill. If you don't have one, come down and use mine.
ReplyDeleteMechanical circuit toys. Simulate electric circuits with pulleys and flywheels. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrkiJZKJfpY
ReplyDeleteI still have mine from Christmas about '63. My mom kept for all these years until she died. Nephews too old for it. Got to come across some young lad that has his head turned in that direction. Has a sheave to drive erector set "inventions".
ReplyDeleteI've got an erector set. A big one. I think it can make the ferris wheel.
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