ROBUST RANGES AIMED AT YOUNGER KIDS
Big Boys & Top Boys (1972-77)
In 1972 Lone Star launched a series of new robust toy trucks aimed at younger kids. Initially the range was branded ‘Big Boys’ but this was quickly changed the following year to ‘Top Boys’. The range was likely inspired by Corgi’s Qualitoys lorries which are of a similar design and construction. The futuristic looking ‘Top Boy’ trucks all shared the same cab/chassis with a range of 12 different bodies. There were some unusual choices including a camper and British Telecom inspired telephone repair truck.
Initial models had ‘Big Boy’ cast underneath and came in Big Boy branded cartons. These trucks and the early ‘Top Boy’ models often had coloured glazing. Later the truck casting was altered slightly, the most obvious difference being the removal of the diecast section below the (2!) steering wheels. I’m not sure what the purpose of having two steering wheels was. If it was intended for one to be removed by the purchaser relevant to the side of the road driven on in their country, then it could have been a clever idea. However, given the age group these simple trucks were aimed at I suspect this was simply a quirky design feature by Lone Star.
Where appropriate late issue trucks had the diecast body replaced by plastic, doubtless a cost-cutting measure. The range last appeared in Lone Star’s 1977/78 trade catalogue and was replaced by a simplified series of ‘Kings Of The Road’ branded trucks which continued to use several of the existing ‘Top Boy’ bodies.
Top Boys appeared on the front cover of Lone Star's 1973, 1975 (shown here) and 76 trade catalogues.
BIG BOYS (1972) / TOP BOYS (1973-77)
