Very sad. Another of the things that made life interesting for curious kids back when goes down the plug'ole.
Plenty of interesting toys nowadays of course, some even requiring a modicum of intelligence - but steam engines, Meccano (my all time favourite), clockwork Hornby train sets (not really my thing, but nice all the same) . . . have all had their day. Although Lego lives on for them as likes playing with plastic blocks, and has evolved to maintain its popularity. Not something for the serious pre-pubescent biker-in-the-making though, even if the design options are endlessly brilliant (my grandchildren tell, so it must be true).
And as for air rifles (esp BSAs!), the absolute MUST HAVE for the enterprising pre-teen still waiting to get to grips with GIRLS, along with a decent sheath knife with a good bone handle and a Bowie-shaped blade. . . . Omigod, can't be encouraging the youf to shoot things or play with offensive weapons . . . . I still have all of them and more though, god help the Heirs when they have to sort through it all.
Oh well . . . The Times they Are - a -Changèd
