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Nuremberg Toy Fair 2009
Editorial February 2009

Every year the annual Toy Fair is held in Nuremberg in Germany and 2009 saw the 60th anniversary of the show.  And what a show it is!  The huge sprawling exhibition centre is heaving with stands from over 2500 dealers from more than 60 countries covering every aspect of the Toy market.  The exhibition is trade only so no children are allowed but of course it is full of kids of adult age, and it all feels quite uplifting.  However it is foremost a place of serious business though, with many deals being done.  This year the Toy Fair is under the shadow of the current economic crisis, and one of Germany's famous old names, the model train maker Märklin, was declared insolvent on the day before the fair opened (although it is hoped it will be restructured and will carry on trading).

Speaking to a number of the model makers, business is remaining strong notwithstanding the economic climate, and hopefully this will continue.  Certainly the showing of new models this year indicates a strong market, and perhaps it is resilient also.  Maybe the test will come behind the scenes as OEM companies decide to commission (or not) models for the BAUMA exhibition in 2010.

For the diecast model sector it is a traditional place for new models to be announced, new companies appearing even, and it is the most concentrated collection of models you are likely to see (apart from your own collection...).  Impressions of the new models at this year's show is that it is a strong year, with many interesting models on display and perhaps a surprising number of big models to challenge collector's living space.

Use the following links for a selection of photos and news from the main manufacturers:


BYMO   Conrad   Norscot   NZG   Sword   TWH   WSI   YCC   Others

Cranes Etc
The entrance to the Nuremberg Exhibition Centre.
Saturday night at the Toy Fair ended with an impressive fireworks display for the attendees.