JCB 5CX Eco Backhoe Loader - toy review

"I'm Fred I'm 5 and my dad's Bruce Lee, Drives me around in his JCB."

Freddy, like lots of other young children, loves trucks, cars and diggers. There is something that holds kids spellbound, when faced with a big, impressive vehicle. JCB is a brand that ticks all the boxes when it comes to delighting digger loving children. The iconic yellow colour and the totally cool designs lend themselves perfectly to firing up a child's imagination.

JCB has a range of brilliant kids' toys, scaling down the designs of their full size vehicles making them the right size for some fun and constructive play! Freddy used to love his My 1st JCB toys when he was younger. The cute, chunky vehicles were just right for him when he was a pre-schooler with a penchant for imaginative play and funny characters such as Joey JCB and Doug Dump Truck. Nowadays, he enjoys playing with more grown up toys, taking an interest in how things work and what they can do.

Freddy received an awesome large size, die cast JCB model of a 5CX Backhoe Loader. This is the classic vehicle that I think of when I think of 'diggers'.

The 1:16 scale JCB 5CX eco Backhoe Loader from Bruder Toys, has a fully functional front loader and backhoe with a tilting and locking bucket. It has a fully functional rear bucket with 2 outriggers for stability. There is a swivelling driver's seat and opening rear window, as well as an off-road front axle and rolling wheels with authentic rubber tread tyres. The attention to detail is brilliant - it is just like a mini version of the real thing.

One great feature is the steering wheel extender that is located in the base of the digger. Through an aperture in the top of the cab, the extender connects with the steering wheel and sticks out of the roof, allowing the vehicle to be steered as you move it along. It really adds to the fun of this toy. The buckets can scoop up objects and drop them where required.

With its fuctionality, this toy isn't just for looking at, it's for playing with! And that is exactly what Freddy did with it!  Whether indoors or outdoors, this is a great fully functional vehicle, which is just like the real thing.

Dad Ian and Grandad Stan both loved this toy. It definitely brought out their inner little boys as they marvelled at the mechanics and the authenticity of the design. They both thought it was incredibly realistic and impressive.

The Bruder Toys  JCB 5CX Backhoe Loader model retails for £39.99 and is available from Amazon.

Matchbox Big Boots - Ready To Launch

Freddy has completed his first full week at his new nursery after a very shaky start at his previous setting.  He definitely deserves a treat for being such a good, brave and grown-up boy, so when I was sent a Matchbox Big Boots Blaze Brigade Fire Truck from Mattel to review, I couldn't think of a more perfect reward!

I am more familiar with Matchbox making die-cast cars so I was surprised to see the Big Boots Fire Truck when it arrived.  It is  a big, chunky plastic vehicle with a crew of three fireman, Capt. Lazer, Zelix and Spraymond who have huge big booted feet!  We also received a blister pack containing three extra Blaze Buster figures-Max Charge, Firebolt and Vakkor.

Freddy was instantly drawn to the truck and explored all the features enthusiastically.  He loved launching the fire crew from the top of the ladder by pressing a big button on the side of the truck.  He equally loved the detachable hose on top that fires out a blue plastic 'arrow' of water.  The front of the truck pulls down allowing two of the crew to drive.  The bumper on the back pulls out catapulting the crew stood on the sides of the truck and when it is pushed in the front falls down and catapults out the drivers.  It is chaotic action-packed fun on wheels.

The Blaze Crew are ready to launch into action whenever there is an emergency!  Freddy really loves all the  ways you can make the crew fly off of the vehicle.  He is in his element having toys flying around him and shooting the hose/gun.  Thankfully it is really robust and is built to take some heavy play!

The crew consist of funny little characters with a rubbery body and huge solid plastic feet.  The big weighted feet mean that even though they wobble they don't fall over making them perfect for all the catapulting and launching that takes place from the truck.  The bottom heavy design makes them really stable so they always land on their feet and means they stay put on the truck even as the vehicle is whizzed along.  Each fireman is differently designed and comes with accessories that can be held in their rubber hands.  As well as the fire fighters, two of the characters are an ice and a fire creature to add to the play value.  Freddy liked making them the 'baddies' to incorporate a bit of a battle into his imaginative play.  He is so gender stereotypical when it comes to playing with toys (although he steadfastedly maintains his penchant for nail varnish, dresses and hairbands!!)

Matchbox also produce other vehicles with brave big footed crews for lots of other adventures!  It is a really imaginative range of toys that will provide hours of play as kids act out fire and rescue and other emergency situations with the big footed characters.

See more at matchbox.com/bigboots

Ben 10 Goes Ultimate

A whole new range of Ben 10 toys have been launched by Bandai.  The Ben 10 Ultimate Alien Toys feature Ultimized favourites alongside brand new toys to bring more Ben 10 action to fans!

The Revolution Ultimatrix  allows you to create exciting battles.  Attach the figure, twist to wind up then press the button to release the spinning alien. RRP £14.99

The Alien Crash Vehicle can be crashed to send the parts flying.  Choose Ben 10 or Kevin 11, attach the pieces to the chassis and watch the carnage as you crash into a wall or another vehicle. RRP £12.99

The Ultimate Ultimatrix features six cool lights and sounds that can be unlocked using the mini disc.  Batteries are included! RRP £19.99

The Multi-Function Arms each have a unique feature like the aliens in Ben 10.  They let you re-create action from the TV show.  There are 2 to collect each retailing for £14.99.

The Ultimate Rustbucket 3 is the ultimate jet.  Made from all three alien utility vehicles combined, it can be customised with the included sticker sheet.  It is then ready to fight against evil with exclusive Gwen and Jet Ray figures.  RRP £29.99

The Roleplay Chest Badge allows kids to become their favourite Ben 10 alien from the show!  Place the badge around your neck, press the Omnitrix badge for light action and cool alien sounds.  Time to go Ultimate! RRP £19.99

Ben 10 Ultimate Alien collection is suitable for children aged 4+

Stockists are Argos, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Tesco, Toys R Us, Smyths, The Entertainer, Toymaster, John Lewis, Amazon, and all good toy stores.

Check out the full range on www.bandai.co.uk or visit the Facebook page for further information http://www.facebook.com/BandaiUK