My BAYKO Collection

Some people when the collect are very specific in there addiction, although I am a BAYKOholic, I am very promiscuous in that I collect anything and everything to do with BAYKO.

I collect boxed BAYKO sets [preferably mint or very good condition for the older ones] and would like to own at least one of each size and variation - but then, who wouldn't?

When I attend exhibitions, I usually take a comprehensive range of BAYKO sets, from all the different production periods. This makes a popular part of the display, often striking a nostalgic note with the visitors, and helping to set them off down memory lane with yours truly.

► Secondly, I'm just a big kid at heart - I play with it : -

Most of the BAYKO I buy comes in job lots, which I clean up and play with.

I particularly enjoy building large models and have found a source of 1 or 2-metre long, correct gauge, replica BAYKO rods, which are ideal.

► The third string to my BAYKO bow is packaging : -

I collect both wholesale packaging, [used by Plimpton or MECCANO to supply their BAYKO retailers] and retail display packaging, [intended to be sold on direct to the public].

It may not sound that exciting, but I can now put on a comprehensive display.

As well as the obvious BAYKO aspect to this, I also find it interesting to see how packaging evolved over the middle third of the last century.

► The next area is BAYKO Retail Cabinets : -

Plimpton used both wooden Retail Display Cabinets and various styles of cheaper, cardboard Retail Display Cabinets. However, these weren't strong enough, especially in busy shops, despite the fact that several styles were tried. They frequently look more than a little worse for wear!

MECCANO reintroduced wooden Retail Display Cabinets, doubtless, learning from their previous experiences with their own product range.

► My penultimate(!) section is paperwork : -

I collect anything and everything from direct mail; via BAYKO or mixed product Fliers and Spare Parts Price Lists; to Shop Display materials.

Not the sexiest part of the collection - but to an obsessive…!!!

I also seem to be accumulating BAYKO adverts and articles. Photos of displays at major Toy Fairs or more recent exhibitions are also of interest.

► The last section is export related materials : -

In the 1950s, up to 35% of BAYKO's production was exported.

This was standard product…

…but was supported by a variety of export literature…

…most of which were copies or translations of the U.K. equivalent…

…and then there's export retailers own literature.

Well that about sums it up - I've written this page in such a way that you can use it as an alternative way of navigating round the 'collectable' parts of the site - hope it helps.