The Britains Floral Garden range allowed 1:32 scale model gardens to be built from a wide range of components ranging from lawns and garden buildings down to tiny miniature crocuses and snowdrops. The resulting gardens looked very attractive, and of course were compatible with the rest of the Britains range especially the Farm and Tree models. The Floral Garden range is now highly collectable and unlike many constructional toys has a strong cross-gender appeal.
The Miniature Gardening was introduced in 1930, featuring numerous sets and components. It was the forerunner of the plastic Floral Garden range of the 1960s, and in some ways superior; the smaller lawn and paving sections permitted more intricate layouts, and it was also possible to build terraced gardens. The range of flowers was wider, but there were no vegetables; this was 10 years before the WW2 'Dig for Victory' campaign! Production ceased in 1939, and the range was not revived after the War.
Britains Trees were marketed as a separate range because they complimented all the other Britains models, and could equally well be used in a farm, zoo or garden display. Supplied as clip-together kits, the plastic trees from the 1960's era were particularly realistic, with careful attention being paid to the colour of the bark and foliage. A few trees definitely bring a Britains scene to life!
Britains Farm models include farm machinery, buildings and animals and other plastic figures, all to a constant 1:32 scale. The tractor models have always been a firm favourite, and are faithful reproductions of contemporary machines seen all over the European coutryside. While the current range is very popular with collectors, the earlier models from the 1960s are particularly sought after and command high prices.
William Britain invented the hollow-casting process for manufaturing toy soldiers in 1893, and the Britains name became pre-eminent in the hollow-cast lead figures through two world wars until the 1950s and 1960s when plastic figures gradually took their place. Many of the old lead moulds were used to make the early plastic models.
The Britains Zoo range has a wide range of animals from around the world, plus a range of fences and enclosures to allow you to build your own zoo. Britains farm, garden and tree models can also be incorporated for added realism.
William Britain invented the hollow-casting process for manufaturing toy soldiers in 1893, and the Britains name became pre-eminent in the hollow-cast lead figures through two world wars until the 1950s and 1960s when plastic figures gradually took their place. Many of the old lead moulds were used to make the early plastic models.
The Britains company was founded on the production of metal toy soldiers, and the military models are seen by many as the 'heart' of the company. As well as figures in various uniforms, the guns were always popular with young boys: because they were fitted with a spring-loaded firing mechansim they had great play value!
Including Herald and Deetail Knights, and the later Knights of the Sword.
Cowboys and native Americans
Civilian road vehicles, motorcycles and accessories.
This range of 1:76 OO gauge models arose from a range of lead railway accessories and figures introduced in 1937. Made for Britains under licence by W. Horton (Toys & Games) Ltd of Middlesbrough, the range was named Lilliput in the 1950s and expanded to include civilian vehicles and farm figures as well as military vehicles. The range was discontinued in 1960.
