James May's Toy Stories

Watch James May's Toy Stories

  • 2009
  • 1 Season
  • 8.1  (1,169)

James May's Toy Stories is a British television series that aired on BBC America from 2009 to 2014. The show was hosted by James May, a former presenter of Top Gear and The Grand Tour, and focused on exploring the history, design, and construction of classic toys from different time periods.

Each episode of James May's Toy Stories explored a different toy from a specific era, examining how it was made, who played with it, and its cultural significance. The show's format was a mix of documentary footage, interviews with experts and enthusiasts, and hands-on experiments in which May and his team attempted to recreate classic toys using old-fashioned tools and materials.

The show's first series, which aired in 2009, focused on iconic British toys from the 20th century. May and his team recreated a life-size model of the Airfix Spitfire, built a garden-scale model railway, constructed a giant Meccano bridge, and built the largest Scalextric track in the world.

The second series, which aired in 2010, explored classic toy stories from around the world. Episodes included the construction of a giant Lego house, a challenge to build the world's fastest model car, and the recreation of a Victorian-era dolls' house.

In 2011, the show returned with a special series entitled James May's Plasticine Garden, in which May and his team constructed a garden entirely out of Plasticine. The series showcased the versatility of Plasticine as a modeling medium, and featured interviews with leading Plasticine artists and designers.

In 2012, James May's Toy Stories returned to its original format with a series exploring classic toys from the 19th century. Episode themes included building a life-size model of a classic Victorian kite, constructing a giant toy glider, and exploring the world of tin toys.

The show's final series, which aired in 2014, was entitled James May's Toy Stories: The Motorcycle Diary. The series followed May and his team as they attempted to build the world's first full-size toy motorbike, using only parts and materials from classic toy motorcycles. The series culminated in a road trip across Vietnam, where May and his team tested their toy motorcycle on some of the country's most challenging roads.

Throughout its run, James May's Toy Stories was praised for its engaging mix of history, science, and practical experimentation. Viewers enjoyed seeing classic toys brought to life, and were inspired by the creative challenges faced by May and his team. The show was widely praised for its educational value, and has been used in schools and universities as a teaching aid on topics ranging from engineering and design to cultural history and the sociology of play.

Overall, James May's Toy Stories was a unique and entertaining exploration of the world of classic toys, and remains a beloved show among fans of classic British television.

James May's Toy Stories is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (10 episodes). The series first aired on December 25, 2009.

James May's Toy Stories
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Seasons
Action Man at the Speed of Sound
10. Action Man at the Speed of Sound
December 26, 2014
James attempts to rehabilitate one of Britain's most derided toys by seeing if Action Man can do what no toy has ever managed -travel faster than the speed of sound.
the Motorcycle Diary
9. the Motorcycle Diary
March 1, 2014
James puts an iconic toy to the most ambitious test ever attempted. The challenge: to build a motorbike and side car entirely out of Meccano to take on the Isle of Man's legendary TT circuit.
Flight Club
8. Flight Club
December 23, 2012
In this epic Toy Stories Christmas Special, James gets to the heart of the nation's childhood love affair with the model plane and sets out to achieve what seems an impossible dream.
The Great Train Race
7. The Great Train Race
June 12, 2011
In this one-off special episode, James' team races against the German owners of Hamburg's "Minatur Wunderland" the largest model railway exhibit in the world.
Train
6. Train
July 26, 2010
James May, with the help of his army of volunteers, attempts to build the world's longest ever model train track. Ten miles long and linking two towns, how will this track hold together in a mess of leaves, mud, and pouring rain?
Lego
5. Lego
June 28, 2010
James May attempts to build, and then live in, the world's first full-size house made entirely out of Legos. It's a feat that takes 3.4 million bricks!
Slotcar Racetrack
4. Slotcar Racetrack
July 5, 2010
James May and his team of volunteers work to build a world record-breaking slotcar racetrack that's nearly 3 miles long. But to pull it off, the track must run through people's gardens, across ponds, and even through an office complex.
Bridge
3. Bridge
August 9, 2010
James May and his helpers try to construct a life-size useable bridge made entirely out of model construction sets. With last-minute accidents and late deliveries of building materials, will James's bridge ever see the light of day?
Plasticine Garden
2. Plasticine Garden
July 12, 2010
James May and his army of volunteers cultivate the world's first garden made entirely out of Plasticine for entry at London's prestigious Chelsea Flower Show.
Model Airplane
1. Model Airplane
August 2, 2010
James May and his team attempt to sand, paint, and glue together the world's largest model airplane. Will the giant 36-foot pieces be strong enough, and will they even fit together?
Description
Where to Watch James May's Toy Stories
James May's Toy Stories is available for streaming on the BBC America website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch James May's Toy Stories on demand at Amazon Prime and Amazon.
  • Premiere Date
    December 25, 2009
  • IMDB Rating
    8.1  (1,169)