This battery operated wand uses static electricity to float very light flying toys, which are included. Produced by Unitech Toys, Inc., Foster City, California, USA. www.unitechtoys.com.
Toys and games
In whichever order these 24 cards are laid side by side, the result will be a perfectly harmonious landscape. The packaging tells us that the Myriorama was a popular novelty during the 19th century. This version is apparently closely based on one published in Leipzig in the 1830s. Supplied by Tobar, St Margaret, Harleston, Norfolk.
The magnetic base allows sculptures to be made using the steel rings supplied. Made in Taiwan.
The Levitron top floats by using the lifting power produced by opposing permanent magnets. The top is stabilised in space by the gyroscopic effect produced when you spin it. Getting the top to levitate is not easy: weight and balance are critical and it comes with an assortment of additional weights to fine tune its behaviour.
When you grasp the two beads at the bottom of the string, one in each hand, and pull down on the strings in turn, the two people slowly climb up the string. As soon as the tension in the string is released, the people drop back down. This is a traditional toy that still gives great pleasure.
These are two very strong magnets. One dramatic trick you can do is as follows. Separate the two magnets in your hand by about 25mm (holding them firmly otherwise they will just lock together) and then throw them in the air together. Initially they will rattle in the air before they join together. The rattling sound is amazing – something like a demented cicada. At one time these were advertised on www.grand-illusions.com.
To start the kangaroo hopping, put it on a slope and lightly pull its tail, let go and adjust the slope for best hopping results. Handmade in Australia in Australian Red Cedar for Good Ol’ Toys, Charlestown, NSW, Australia.
The photographs show how these loosely jointed pieces of plastic are able to flex. In one configuration the orange discs are in the middle and the green discs on the outside. In the other configuration the discs have changed positions – the orange ones are now on the outside and the green ones are in the middle. The third photograph shows the half way stage. This unusual behaviour explains how a Switch Pitch! ball (for details see Ref. no. N1614) manages to change its colour when it is thrown up into the air. The effect is distinctly magical.
This looks like a model that has been made up at home from thin printed cardboard taken from a Do-It-Yourself book of paper models. It’s source is not known. Although showing signs of wear, the flexagon remains a pleasing ‘fidget’ toy.
This is a well presented product which includes clear folding instructions. A photograph of one of the folded models is included as an example. Copyright Accord Publishing, Denver, Colorado. Patent No. 6,925,739.