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Meccano – The STEM Model Toy Line

Meccano is a line of STEM construction toys that come with wheels, axles, gears, and other apparatus which allow kids to construct workable models of real-life machines and structures. Providing open-ended play and inspiring a child's interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths), Meccano is the perfect toy for ages 10 and up, which gives girls and boys the opportunity to learn, tinker, and have fun all at the same time.

First released in 1898, the original Meccano sets had metal and plastic pieces for plates, rods, and gears used for building structures and machines. An engineer named Frank Hornby wanted to give curious kids in England the opportunity to explore the principles of mechanical engineering. With the use of bolts and metal nuts, he was able to provide young thinkers the tools to build functioning machines and vehicle replicas with working trunks.

The Name Prior to Meccano

“Mechanics Made Easy” was the name given to the toy line that was meant to educate kids about mechanical engineering. The toys featured levers, pulleys, and all sorts of simple yet useful mechanical components; they were made to help children learn to build models that could function and replicate real machines utilised by people every day.

Enter the Name “Meccano”

The toys quickly grew in popularity, which led Hornby to set up a manufacturing shop in Liverpool. He changed the name to “Meccano,” trademarked it, and watched as people buy and play with his Meccano toys. While early Meccano sets were kind of flimsy, Hornby learned many innovative metalworking techniques as the years progressed, and Meccano sets started to become sturdier, able to withstand more extreme usage.

Meccano reached peak popularity in the 1930s as boys and girls continued to love this engaging and educational toy line. Brand new sets were being released with more parts than ever, and even though production had to be shut down during WWII, toy sales were still soaring.

Meccano Sets of Today: Amazing Real World Creations

While the original sets were designed for children, that does not prevent grownups from having fun with Meccano. Hobbyists and collectors are enjoying the excitement of building makeshift yet fully functional machines.

All modern-day Meccano sets feature 4mm holes at ½ inch spacing so that every part is interchangeable. The best thing about Meccano nowadays is that it can essentially be used for small scale mechanical engineering projects. It teaches kids research, engineering, problem-solving, and mathematical skills. Children who grew up playing with Meccano will have a broader knowledge about complex machines and how they work.

Meccano Junior and Meccano Maker's Toolbox

Meccano also released the Meccano Junior series which was aimed to attract younger-aged kids. The series features simple plastic parts for younger children. It also has plastic screwdrivers, so kids can put the parts together. The Meccano Maker's Toolbox is one of the current popular sets that provide endless creativity!

Many Meccano Junior products are perfect replicas of cars, trucks, and other vehicles – and only minor assembly is required. Meccano Junior gives little children the sense of satisfaction and learning, the same way older kids experience with their more complex Meccano sets.

Endless Creativity with Meccano Model Building Kits

Meccano has a cult following among toy hobbyists due to the time, patience, and effort it requires to construct the model kits. It's great for exercising the mind, not to mention the gratification that comes after you have completed a project.

Ready to invent and discover the world? You can do so with Meccano toys! Sort your selected items and buy at Mr Toys online, or shop in-store.