Meccano

In 1901, Frank Hornby (later of Hornby Model Railways) a clerk from Liverpool in the United Kingdom patented a toy called 'Mechanics Made Easy'. More than just a toy, the idea was to introduce children to the principles of Mechanical Engineering. Within only a handful of years, Meccano Ltd had been formed and Hornby was producing all his own parts, to far higher specifications than the early flimsy examples.

Meccano Kits were numbered, and by the time Kit No 7 came along in 1922, Meccano was well established UK wide. Kit No 7 was far larger than previous kits and offered a far wider range of building possibilities. From here through to the early 1960s Meccano (despite the interuption of the Second World War) enjoyed its biggest successes and the brand became internationally known.

In the early sixties however, Meccano was in financial difficulties and was taken over by Linnes Brothers, who in 1970 intriduced the first electronic parts. When Linnes Bros themselves went into liquidation in 1971, it began a succession of companies owning the Meccano brand in different countries. It took until 2007 for the French company Meccano SN to finally gain full control of the brand again, in one place, from their base in Calais.

Time for another golden era of Meccano? We certainly hope so...

The current 20 model set is the ideal introduction to the world of Meccano. It features (as the name suggests), instructions for 20 models, and a whopping 261 pieces as well as being the smallest set to include a motor.

The 20 Model Meccano set makes a perfect gift for any child (as well as "not so small" kids) with an interest in construction, aged 8 and over.