Sign up for the free Grand Illusions newsletter, at http://conta.cc/3dplns1
_______________________________________________________________________

An unusual toy from the Japanese toy company TOMY. Bought in France back in the 1970s. It is a bit like a tunnelling machine, with rotating wheels with cogs at the front. It will 'tunnel' its way though the inside of a corrugated plastic tube.

Secondly, The Magic Robot. Pop the robot on the question side of the box, and point the robot's stick towards a question. Then lift the robot up and place it on the mirror at the centre of the answers, and the robot will rotate to show the correct answer. Magnets are involved, but I am sure you knew that!

Finally, a toy Tim bought in 1986 in Japan. It consists of the small boxing ring, with a central spindle which is magnetic. Set the spindle spinning and add two or more metal snakes. As they whizz to and fro, eventually snakes get shot out of the ring, until there is a winner!