Lego and Ricko Star at the American International Toy Fair


Photo Gallery and story by Werner Pfister

Scroll down for photo gallery.

On February 29th, the Toy Industry Association launched a four day exhibition entitled the "102nd Annual American International Toy Fair." The event showcased toys from more than 1400 manufacturers including 5000 new product launches to over 22,000 buyers from more than 87 countries. All of this was housed at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City—and only buyers and journalists are permitted!!! In addition, the journalists are the only ones permitted to carry cameras.

Needless to say, most of the exhibits displayed stuffed animals, dolls, board games, and of course electronic games. This journalist went straight for the automotive toys, Italian section. I was determined to walk what seemed like miles and miles of aisles to locate the lastest ready built die cast models.

However, I spent even more time waiting to be escorted into the very secret, sealed off area for the Lego exhibit. Last year, I reported on the latest Lego Ferrari Formula One model. It was so fascinating that after the show I could help mention it to my associates at work. Finally, one of my co-workers bought the new Lego and challenged me and my 12 year old son to build it. Despite a few false starts, we completed the model in about a week of evenings, with steady devotion to the task at hand. Assembling the Ackerman steering, functioning differential, rotating crank and reciprocating con rods and pistons was a great learning experience for my son—and me, for that matter!

So, I was anxious to see what Lego was doing this year, and am happy to report that they did not disappoint. There is a new challenge for me and my son in the form of the 1:17 scale Enzo, which I guess we’ll have to order for ourselves this time!

Ricko Limited is a new company making great models like this Maserati A6GCS2000 by Pininfarina, 1954, chassis number 2056.

Another Ricko, also in 1:18 scale, is this Maserati 3500GT Spider by Vignale with great dash detailing.

Something new, the Alfa GTA 147, in European Alfa Challenge colors.

Striking Lamborghini Countach, 25th Anniversary Model of 1989.

Well-casted Alfa Giulietta Spider with fully detailed engine and plug wires.

Lamborghini 4350GT has noticable, correct details such as the correct steering wheel and shift knob.

The Ferrari Enzo by Kyosho, tipping in salute.

Ferrari Daytona Comp in Pozzi racing livery as per Le Mans.

1:12 Ferrari F40 by Kyosho features pop up headlights, removable wheels and tool kit. Available in red or yellow.

Another Ferrari Daytona, this time by Koyosho, a 1:18th Paul Newman version.

The Lego Enzo, block by block, and the author's next purchase.

Also by Lego a motorcycle, unidentified by make, but appears to be a Ducati.

Lego has come a long way. Note the chain drive, disc brakes, and shocks.