In my pursuit of the lesser known brands of toys, there is much information needed on Australian Made Toys. If you have any old brochures, advertising materials, or personal experiences in the manufacturing of toys in Australia or New Zealand, then I would really like to hear from you via my Contact page.

I was fortunate to recently meet David Daw, the author of the authoritative book on Micro Models and articles on other brands like this Toyzine article on Streamlux Australian Toys range.

David has an extensive collection of Micro Models, Streamlux, Winna and Marquis plastic toys and has a wealth of knowledge on the early Australian makers of die-cast toys.

There were a number of toys that David and I discussed and the images here include some items that I had not been aware of previously, including what I imagine to be a unique Marquis model train in its original box with the locomotive and 3 carriages. The loco is very similar to the BrenToy model that is in my collection.

A Merry Toys racing car is also rare, at least I had never seen one, while I do have a few of the Jeep model.

One issue with documenting the total range of Micro Models is the continuing manufacture of the models in New Zealand up until the year 2000 and more recently the significant number of Code 3 type models that are being created by enthusiasts using a large number of New Zealand castings that appeared on the market in the past few years.

There is little detail available on the closure of the manufacturing of Micro Models in New Zealand or where these excess castings were held in the years from approximately 2000 to 2013 or so when they appeared on the market via the Trade Me auction site in New Zealand.

Both David and myself would appreciate any information on the manufacture of Micro Models (and other die-cast) in New Zealand, particularly relating to the latter years from 1990 on-wards. Please use the Tonys Toys Contact Page to get in touch.