For this selection of toys from his collection, Tim has chosen toys that operate on a string. Some climb up a string, some descend a string, and some can climb and descend the string!

Firstly there are some examples of what we call the stick and slip mechanism. These toys descend down a string in little steps or jerks, and this gives a pleasing animation effect to the toy.

We also have a wooden ball which descends the string, but under control. You can stop it at any point by increasing the tension on the string.

Next up are a few toys that can climb and descend the string. Generally using a two pulley system tucked away inside.

We have a wooden craft toy that as you alternately make the string tighter and looser, climbs up the string.