Who can Build?
Almost anyone can build one of our cars - you don't need any special skills or experience. There are patterns, parts, part kits, whole kits and complete cars, so there's something to suit every budget. Our vehicles are superior in every way to the many plastic offerings you see in toy shops. See TOOLS below.

What do I get?
Patterns and Build Manual: Each of the models: Mayfair, Geepstar and Toylander 2 are all supplied with a set of full size paper patterns to cut out, stick down and cut through with a jigsaw to produce the panels. The Tractor and Toylander One have patterns for the tricky panels and all the standard square and oblong panels are produced from dimensioned drawings. Make your model choice and we'll send the appropriate Pattern and Build Manual.

Kits: The basic kit includes everything you need EXCEPT the body made from two sheets of board using the patterns in the kit. Buy your Wood, Glue, Screws, Paint and a battery and it is up and running.

Parts: We also supply parts to those who want to make most of their own stuff and to those people who are creating their own model vehicles.

Who can Drive?
What Age?
Children can steer from 2 and generally drive competently from around 3 to 3½ years old. The cars are large enough to take a 6', 15 stone adult and two five year olds. The Tractor will take a similarly sized adult easily. The Geepstar will take an adult just! The Mayfair takes children drivers up to eight or nine years old. The record for oldest customer at purchase for their own use is 83 years young!

What Size?
All our cars are designed to get through the average door [30" / 762mm]. All our Car sizes are on their respective page.

What power?
Electric drive: The standard cars are one wheel drive and a Toylander will pull away on the flat with two adults on board [a tight squeeze!] without problem. I would not recommend it as a regular thing but it was demonstrated at Billing Land Rover show 06 to prove a point. However twin drive transforms the torque and running time tremendously. A partial differential effect is gained when two motors are used in series. There is no comparison with any plastic or toy shop car, pedal or motorised.

These models can be powered by either one or two motors: One motor one battery one drive wheel; two motors, two batteries i.e. one per motor two drive wheels. Motor drives through chain to wheel.

Pedal power: the all up weight and size of these toys discount the viability of Pedal Power. Build without motor and push the car for some real exercise.

Petrol: Due to the extra dangers involved in installing petrol engines the child safety rules require a stricter set of standards to deal with explosion, heat, gasses and noise plus the recent ruling that only adults with a valid driving licence are allowed to drive a petrol vehicle of any size in a public place, we do not encourage or have knowledge of fitment to our models. The law states it can confiscate and crush any petrol driven vehicle used by a child in a public place.

Is it a 4x4?
Toylander models are not four wheel drive or sold as off-road vehicles.

Which is the best control?
Speed control: this system works like the throttle on a real car the more you press the faster you go up to its maximum speed. It comes complete with forward and reverse switch, ignition switch, throttle and full instructions. Also allows remote control. Great for teaching how to reverse a trailer. See this system on our Toylander S1.

Soft Start: designed for use around Tiny Tots and if there is some resistance felt it will not pull away. Older children and adults have a little difficulty with pulling away and convert to either Direct Drive or Speed Control. See this system on the Mayfair.

Direct drive: is as it suggests and allows forward and reverse. Include a cut out switch to disable the car when unattended or emergency stop. See this system demonstrated on our prototype Toylander and Geepstar.

How long will they last?
Play time duration: In the average level back garden with regular cut grass and a path or patio at the same level the little cars will last for the best part of a day on average. When giving rides at the local school in the playground or on cut and level playing field the cars run for about three and a half to four hours depending on the number of riders at a time. This is equivalent to half the time running and half the time changing and instructing drivers. When we are at a showground and the children drive the car around all day they use a twin motor model and get about seven hours or so depending on the terrain.

What sort of Tools do I need to assemble these models?

• Jig saw with adjustable foot to cut angles, fine tooth blades, narrow blades
• Electric drill, assortment of drill bits, hole saws or 'Forstner' bits and countersink
• Protractor, school compass - crimp pliers for electrical connections or soldering iron
• Pop rivet gun with variable rivet size nozzles - centre punch
• Hand saw Hacksaw Assorted screw drivers - workmate or bench or old table
• Tape measure - Hammer - mallet - chisel - knife - pencil - steel rule
• Rasp, files, surform or similar and selection of sandpaper
• Assorted small spanners, pliers, snips etc.
• Bench mounted Vice

To Manufacture the steel work you would also need a welder and associated kit.

Do you fit Doors or Roof?
Doors no. In the original design we decided against this route as it complicates the job for the average builder and meant that we would need to add considerable extra weight to replace the lost strength from the sides or get into a welded chassis. We overcame entry concern [which turned out to be un-founded] by supplying a step, in the ancillary pack, for the side to ease entry for the smallest driver.

When the cars were tested for 'Child safety' the advice was that with doors cars must comply with 'Slam', 'Pinch' and 'Trap' rules. e.g. full length hinges, large gaps, hinge covers etc., etc..

Roof: Fitting a roof limits the age of driver that can be accommodated. The Geepstar has a canvas top option and in the last six years none have been built. It works to a greater point on the Geepstar because the screen is proportionally higher and the doors are cut away. Geepstar with Canvas top fits children up to about age 5.

Which batteries do you use?
A safe choice is GEL or AGM at 33 or 35Ahr. You can use Caravan deep cycle but make sure they fit and have looped overflow pipe to catch acid. Car batteries: only use if you already have one but don't expect and old one to be powerful enough to power up the electronics.

Do you do a remote?
We have a system of remote control suitable for the Speed Controlled vehicles.

Can I just buy the Patterns and Build Manual?
Certainly, in fact most people start with the Patterns and Build Manual and if they go on to buy a kit we give a discount against their invoice number relating to the cost of the patterns and manual already purchased.

Can I just buy a few parts?
All parts are available from the stores individually, small packs and whole kits. There is no need to struggle to find any of the parts. We also supply many scratch builders and robot makers.

Where do you ship to:
Apart from all over the UK and Scottish Highlands and Islands we have shipped to New Zealand, Australia, Tasmania, Taiwan, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Sweden, South Africa, Cyprus, Japan, United Arab Emirates: Jordan & Dubai, Germany, Ireland, Norway, The Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Singapore, Honk Kong, USA, Guatemala, IOM, IOW, France, Italy, Belgium, Taiwan, The Philippines, Switzerland, Luxemburg, Cyprus, Malta, Greece and Peterborough! In addition we have sent patterns to Estonia, Israel, Poland, Russia, Turkey and The Channel Isles.