I am not sure when my collection was started as it began in my childhood where my parents (primarily Mother) bought me my first Dinky Toys. I have no recollection as to which model it was. My Mom and sisters bought me additionally models as Christmas and birthday presents. When I had jobs (paper routes, washing pots and pans in a deli, etc.) I added models to my collection. I eventually collected about 100 models plus a Meccano set (believe number 8 - large 2 layer red box which disintegrated). When I had my own children (2 boys and a girl), my 2 sons became very interested in pre-65 VWs.