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Meccano is to toys, what clay modelling is to adults. A building pursuit that doesn’t always lead to something you expected, or even something useful. But it does lead to a a glow of of achievement and you enjoy the journey getting there!
Originally patented in 1901 under the name “Erector sets” by Frank Hornby (yes, that famous toy related name!), it was manufactured by the British company, Meccano Ltd, between 1908 and 1980. Indeed, "Erector" se are still sold by Meccano S.N. of France, part of the Japanese Nikko Group.
To put it plainly (and a little dully, I'm afraid), Meccano is a model construction system comprising re-usable metal strips, plates, wheels, and gears, with nuts and bolts to connect the pieces. With a set you can build working models of actual objects like trains or cars etc.
In reality Meccano is more than a toy, it’s educational, it teaches basic mechanical principles like levers and gearing.
Study the face of a child working on one of these sets, and it’s a portrait of concentration. Working to the paper plans, like they will 20 years hence after a visit to IKEA. From plan, to pieces, to plan to pieces. Bottom lip half bitten in confusion, always with one bit left over at the end.
In the early 1960s Meccano Ltd experienced financial problems and was purchased by Lines Bros LTd. They introduced electronic parts for the first time in 1970.
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Originally patented in 1901 under the name “Erector sets” by Frank Hornby (yes, that famous toy related name!), it was manufactured by the British company, Meccano Ltd, between 1908 and 1980. Indeed, "Erector" se are still sold by Meccano S.N. of France, part of the Japanese Nikko Group.
To put it plainly (and a little dully, I'm afraid), Meccano is a model construction system comprising re-usable metal strips, plates, wheels, and gears, with nuts and bolts to connect the pieces. With a set you can build working models of actual objects like trains or cars etc.
In reality Meccano is more than a toy, it’s educational, it teaches basic mechanical principles like levers and gearing.
Study the face of a child working on one of these sets, and it’s a portrait of concentration. Working to the paper plans, like they will 20 years hence after a visit to IKEA. From plan, to pieces, to plan to pieces. Bottom lip half bitten in confusion, always with one bit left over at the end.
In the early 1960s Meccano Ltd experienced financial problems and was purchased by Lines Bros LTd. They introduced electronic parts for the first time in 1970.
More...