"The difference between men and boys is the size of their toys..."

 

 

Well, if that age old expression has any thruth to it, a quick look at the toys of my youth might explain a lot about my chosen career path and current interests as an adult.

 

Let's see now...

 

1950's & 60's - Cowboy rifles and pistols, fast model cars, model motorcycles, tape recorder, record player, a toy 007 James Bond gun, home theater projector, the Beatles on 45 RPM records, toy boats, Lionel trains, simple refractor telescope...

 

Today... Cowboy rifle and six-shooter pistol, high performance automobile, motorcyle, open reel tape deck, audiophile turtable, a real 007 James Bond Walther PPK pistol, home theater with surround sound, the Beatles on audiophile quality 33 RPM records, a vintage 1950's runabout boat, N Gage model railroad, precision computerized astronomical telescope...

 

My educational toys of the day were Chemistry sets, microscope, and mechanical construction sets and tools. Tons of plastic model kits. Great for fostering an interest in the sciences and engineering. And let's not forget the space and rocket related toys -an inspiration to work at NASA?

 

Hmmm, all this sounds like a LOT more than a coincidence to me.

 

Judge for yourself.

Here are some of my favorite toys from back in the day. (The actual toys themselves are long gone, but here are some identical or close examples I found on the internet.)