The invention relates to the provision of a play area of a toy, typically a model, said play area provided for the selective placement of toy articles thereon, at least one of which has a function which is activated by the provision of electrical power to the article. The play area is provided with electrically conductive material on at least a portion thereof which is connected to a power supply such that when the article, which has electrical contacts thereon, is placed on the play area portion, power is supplied to the article and the function activated.