Watch James May's Toy Stories

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 ran for 1 seasons (10 episodes) between December 25, 2009 and on BBC America