canadian meccanotes 199912 · [email protected] cmamas executive presidentpresidentpresident ......

CanadianCanadianCanadianCanadianCanadianMeccaNotesMeccaNotesMeccaNotesMeccaNotesMeccaNotes--- Issue #16 ------ Issue #16 ------ Issue #16 ------ Issue #16 ------ Issue #16 ---

Dec. 1999Dec. 1999Dec. 1999Dec. 1999Dec. 1999

Happy Holidays!

Toronto Hobby Show 1999Toronto Hobby Show 1999Toronto Hobby Show 1999Toronto Hobby Show 1999Toronto Hobby Show 1999Left: Servetti's Trolley Factory by Ron Kurtz

Top: Ron Kurtz's Giant Blocksetting Crane inDark Blue/Yellow.

2 Canadian MeccaNotes2 Canadian MeccaNotes2 Canadian MeccaNotes2 Canadian MeccaNotes2 Canadian MeccaNotes December 1999December 1999December 1999December 1999December 1999

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© Copyright 1999Copyright 1999Copyright 1999Copyright 1999Copyright 1999C.M.A.M.A.SC.M.A.M.A.SC.M.A.M.A.SC.M.A.M.A.SC.M.A.M.A.S. and/or. and/or. and/or. and/or. and/or

Individual Contributors.Individual Contributors.Individual Contributors.Individual Contributors.Individual Contributors.Meccano and Erector are registered tradenames and are used throughout Canadian

MeccaNotes by kind permission ofMeccano S.A.., Meccano Inc. and Irwin

Toy Ltd. of Toronto.

North American subscribers to CanadianMeccaNotes are automatically members of

the Canadian Modeling Association forMeccano and Allied Systems (CMAMAS).

Canadian MeccaNotesCanadian MeccaNotesCanadian MeccaNotesCanadian MeccaNotesCanadian MeccaNotesThe �Canadian MeccaNotes� (ISSN 1207-2249) newsletter is published 4 times peryear (March, June, September andDecember) by the Canadian ModelingAssociation for Meccano & Allied Systems(CMAMAS).

�Written and produced by Meccanoenthusiasts for Meccano enthusiasts.�

Canadian Modeling Association forCanadian Modeling Association forCanadian Modeling Association forCanadian Modeling Association forCanadian Modeling Association forMeccanoMeccanoMeccanoMeccanoMeccano & Allied Systems (CMAMAS)& Allied Systems (CMAMAS)& Allied Systems (CMAMAS)& Allied Systems (CMAMAS)& Allied Systems (CMAMAS)130 Neptune Drive, Suite 1109130 Neptune Drive, Suite 1109130 Neptune Drive, Suite 1109130 Neptune Drive, Suite 1109130 Neptune Drive, Suite 1109Toronto, OntarioToronto, OntarioToronto, OntarioToronto, OntarioToronto, OntarioCANADA M6A 1X5CANADA M6A 1X5CANADA M6A 1X5CANADA M6A 1X5CANADA M6A 1X5

http://www.edmc.net/http://www.edmc.net/http://www.edmc.net/http://www.edmc.net/http://www.edmc.net/cmamas/cmamas/cmamas/cmamas/cmamas/

[email protected]

CMAMAS ExecutiveCMAMAS ExecutiveCMAMAS ExecutiveCMAMAS ExecutiveCMAMAS ExecutivePresidentPresidentPresidentPresidentPresident ... Colin Hoare, 18 Tweedle St.,Glen Williams, Ontario, Canada L7G 3S5,[email protected], (905)873-8261

Vice PresidentVice PresidentVice PresidentVice PresidentVice President ... Attila Szakonyi, 78 GihonSpring Drive, Rexdale, Ontario, CanadaM9V 4X9, [email protected], (416)741-1652

TreasurerTreasurerTreasurerTreasurerTreasurer ... Marsha Brandston, 130Neptune Drive, Suite 1109, Toronto,Ontario, Canada M6A 1X5

SecretarySecretarySecretarySecretarySecretary ... Colin Hinz, 148 Howland Ave.,Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5R 3B5,[email protected], (416)516-8686

Editor/WebmasterEditor/WebmasterEditor/WebmasterEditor/WebmasterEditor/Webmaster ... David Williams, 3017- 111A Street, Edmonton, Alberta, CanadaT6J 3Y5, [email protected],(780)438-1197

SubscriptionsSubscriptionsSubscriptionsSubscriptionsSubscriptions(4 Issues Per Calendar Year)(4 Issues Per Calendar Year)(4 Issues Per Calendar Year)(4 Issues Per Calendar Year)(4 Issues Per Calendar Year)

o within North America: Canada - $30;U.S.A. - US$28 Make cheque or moneyorder payable to CMAMAS, mail toTreasurer, address above.

o elsewhere: rates upon inquiry, availablefrom MW Models, address on page 28.

Editor�s NotesEditor�s NotesEditor�s NotesEditor�s NotesEditor�s NotesMany thanks to Greg Rahn,Michael Stephens, Colin Hinz,Colin Hoare and others forsupplying articles for this issue.

I rushed out the first two issuesof my editorship relatively quicklyand I was somewhat short ofmaterial. For this issue, that�snot true at all - I had too muchmaterial to choose from, someold, some new. So don�t be toodisappointed if something you sent me didn�tappear - it�ll have to wait until a future issue.

The September issue was somewhat rushed asI headed overseas to Hong Kong, Thailand andLaos in October. The only Meccano I saw wasthat on sale at the Hong Kong Toys �r Us and it�sobviously not popular there as it�s the same stuffas on sale 19 months earlier.

Feedback on the September issue: MaynardOlson of Saskatoon indicated that Brian Lille ofVictoria has been selling copies of the Meccanopostcards in western Canada. I also receivedfeedback on my Klaxon motor - two peopleconfirmed that it was an authentic dealer modelmotor.

I attended the Toronto Hobby Show for the firsttime this year and had a chance to meet manyCMAMAS members. There were many goodmodels like Ron Kurtz�s Servetti Trolley Factory,a model I�ve seen photos of but never seen inaction. Other notable items were Don Redmond�sNickel Rocket (I have a fondness for the nickel

... continued on page 3

December 1999December 1999December 1999December 1999December 1999 Canadian MeccaNotes 3Canadian MeccaNotes 3Canadian MeccaNotes 3Canadian MeccaNotes 3Canadian MeccaNotes 3

plate finish), Attila Szakonyi�s Horse RacingGame, Earl Pitts� Labrynth, Gordon Frank�sSwather, Kirk Roth�s Tilt-A-Whirl, Mike Shaw�sOctopus Ride and Hubert Hogle�s robot. Onevery colourfull model was Eric Eisen�s Menorah(Candelabra). I�ve seen Bubble Blower�s like theone made by Bernard Champoux, but I neverknew that non-staining bubble mixture existed!His model worked for two days without producinga slippery wet spot on the floor! There were somany models!!!

As always, the newletter is only as good as thecontributors. Your articles, photos, model plans,short news items, want, sales and swap ads arewanted. Items in machine readable form (e-mail,diskette) are prefered but everything is acceptable,including good old HB. If you�d like any part ofyour submissions returned, please say so;otherwise I will keep everything.

I�m not going to predict what�ll be in the nextissue as I usually predict wrong! (Don�t forget torenew your subscription.)

David Williams

... continued from page 2

Mississippi Steamboat:Mississippi Steamboat:Mississippi Steamboat:Mississippi Steamboat:Mississippi Steamboat:Not So RareNot So RareNot So RareNot So RareNot So Rare

Beware the auction Net, my son � it�s prices willdeceive. (Apologies to nobody.) The Mississippiriverboat illustrated in the September issue wasdescribed the Spring 1994 issue of the SouthernCalifornia Meccano & Erector Club Newsletter,in an article by Bob Galler, and in ConstructorQuarterly No. 2 (December 1987). Meccano Calaissubsequently sold the kits in Canada as well asin the U.S.A. � not exclusively through F.A.0.Schwarz � and finally when the (then) Meccanoagents in Canada were trying to reduce theirinventory, a number of the steamboat kits wereoffered for sale at the dealer�s booth at theannual Hobby Show at the International Centre(one of the few times the Canadian agents madea real effort at the annual show). The price was$400, which was a very sharp reduction fromthe original price. My recollection is that someoneestimated the value of the parts to be some$1100. Apparently the six or eight kits at theshow were all sold, because (when I changedmy mind and enquired) all was silence from thedealer afterward.

Marklin, the German rival to Meccano, had aboutthe same time (1993) offered a special set, No.1082, containing 4700 parts, which built a 4-foot Mississippi riverboat; the price was $1365US.

Don Redmond

TTTTTable of Contentsable of Contentsable of Contentsable of Contentsable of Contents

Editor�s Notes 2Mississippi Steamboat: Not So Rare 3President�s Report 4Evolution of the Gears Outfit 1949 - 1977 5Toonerville Trolley Cont. 9Crane Grab Challenge Cont. 10�Where on Earth Did That Come From?� Dept.

11My Introduction to Meccano 13Anyone Got A 1920s Meccano Jumper? 14Mutilator�s Corner: Curl Up With A Good Strip

14SkegEx 1999 - a Brief Report 15Threshing Machine 20Coal Loader & Unloader 21Preservation Project - Going for a Song! 21The Engineer, Senior Size 23The Elm Creek Farm Toy Tractor Show 23Crankable Carousel 24Exacto Order Update 26CSM6 Krazy Klock 27


President�s ReportPresident�s ReportPresident�s ReportPresident�s ReportPresident�s ReportC. M. A. M. A. S. AnnualC. M. A. M. A. S. AnnualC. M. A. M. A. S. AnnualC. M. A. M. A. S. AnnualC. M. A. M. A. S. Annual

MeetingMeetingMeetingMeetingMeetingNovember 7th, 1999November 7th, 1999November 7th, 1999November 7th, 1999November 7th, 1999

As all our members are aware, this has not beenthe happiest of years for the Association. Wehave lost three Canadianmembers as well as oneAmerican member. For all ofus, the saddest loss was theuntimely passing of the manwho had the vision, abouttwenty years ago, to try andbuild an Association ofenthusiasts in Canada. Thatman was, of course, NormLaCroix. Words cannot expressthe debt of gratitude we oweto Norm for all the work he did.He will be sorely missed by everyone.

Another loss that was of great significance, notjust to Meccanomen in North America, but alsoto the worldwide Meccano fraternity was that ofKeith Cameron. Many of you will remember thecelebrations we held a few years ago in OwenSound, in honour of his eightieth birthday. Hewas, in my view, the finest modelbuilder thisside of the Atlantic, if not in all the world.

We also lost two other Canadian members, TerryStewart and Bill Mair. We will remember themfor their presence on a fairly regular basis to theHobby Show, and for their modelbuilding skills.

Much as I would like to hold a one minute silencein the memory of all of them at the AnnualGeneral Meeting, it would not, in my view, be theappropriate spot to do so. If everyone could,however, take a quiet moment on their own atsome time during the Show, that would probablybe most suitable.

The membership of the Association has beenreasonably steady, with over 120 subscribers to�Canadian MeccaNotes� in Canada, and aroundtwenty in the U. S. We continue to get newsubscribers, who compensate for those that welose. It will, however, most likely becomeincreasingly difficult to maintain our subscriberbase as the years go by, but every effort mustand will be made by the Executive to ensure thatwe attract new subscribers.

As many of you are aware, Meccano S. A. hasrecently laid off a considerable number of itsworkforce, as the sales of Meccano has tailed

off. How this will affect the distribution ofMeccano through Irwin Toys has yet to bedetermined. We have to recognize that there isso much competition for the attention of youngboys, particularly with computer games. Thismeans that a toy such as Meccano, whichrequires the time and patience to complete amodel, is at a disadvantage in this fast-pacedage.

Talking of time (or the lack of it), I have toapologize again for the fact that the Great Enemyhas once again prevented me from bringing alarge model. As many of you know, I am involvedin several activities, as well as a full-time job. Theone that now takes the greatest amount of timeis the radio show that I host on a weekly basis:sadly, my colleague in the programme also passedaway earlier this year, which means that I haveto host it on my own. Believe me, it takes a lot oftime and work! Even the option I had last year,which was to take the three days off prior to theshow, and work on a model, was denied to methis year because I had to attend an offsitemeeting called by my employer. These days youhang on to a job for all its worth!

Because my time is so limited, I am willing tostep aside, if the membership so wishes, whenthe position of President comes up for election.If, however, the membership can accept that itmay be a couple of years before I will have thetime available to be a contributing builder, thenI am still willing to run. What work I have donefor the group, in terms of administration and inwriting articles for the magazine, has given megreat pleasure, and I am quite willing to continuedoing this.

In conclusion, I would like to thank all themembers of the Executive for their supportthroughout the year, and also to make specialmention of David Williams, who has taken overthe position of Editor at short notice followingNorm�s passing. I must also thank Marg LaCroixand Mike Shaw, who stepped in to produce themagazine during Norm�s illness. Thanks toeveryone, we have a viable magazine, and anExecutive who wants to see the hobby ofMeccano modelbuilding succeed in this part ofthe world.

Colin Hoare,

C. M. A. M. A. S. President


Evolution of the Gears Outfit 1949 - 1977

The Meccano Gears outfit was introduced during the postwar recovery effort in late 1949. It wasdesignated the gears Outfit �A�. The outfit provided owners of smaller sets, that had little or nothingin the way of gears, sprockets and such, an economical way of entering the world of gears and chaindrive. This set and it�s successor, the gears outfit �B�, proved to be very popular for nearly 30 years!

1949/501949/501949/501949/501949/50The first set was in a blue box( 9 ¼� x 6� x 1�). Itsported, in this early time, a very plain label on thelid.(fig. 1-1)

The setappeared inM e c c a n oM a g a z i n eadvertising formost of 1950.The parts werepresented on alight bluestringing card.

(Fig. 2-1) Contents of the �A� outfit are found in theappendix at the end of this article. The manual was a small,16 page effort that had an introduction to the world of gearsand plans for 14 simple mechanisms that demonstratedcertain principles.(figure 3-1)

1951-19551951-19551951-19551951-19551951-1955

The �A� set was continued thru the next few years. Itcontinued unchanged in contents and the only noticeablechange was to the label on the lid. The new label wasillustrated with a selection of gears and a built up mechanism.The label was blue with �Meccano Gear Outfit� in red. The�A� was blue. The pictured gears, on the label, was a kind of false advertising or false expectations,at the very least, for the purchaser or recipient. The expensive gear ring, bevel gears and exotic large

pinions were not included in this outfit, orany outfit, as the label would otherwisehint. The label would not be corrected formany years. (fig. 1-2) Numbers of setssold, derived from print data on manualsof this period, suggests over 150,000outfits were sold. The sets were featuredin advertising leaflets and booklets foryears. (fig. 4)


1956-19581956-19581956-19581956-19581956-1958The gears A outfit was upgraded in 1956. The set gained thenewly introduced keyway rod, a spring and 4 collars. Onesprocket gear was omitted. The new outfit was designated�B�. The box retained the �A� outfit�s dimensions but was nowred. The old blue label was retained and a blue colored �B� waspasted over the �A� on the label.( fig 1-3) This can only beattributed to an economy measure to use up 1000�s of leftoversfrom the previous period. The parts were now presented on anew stringing card. The handsome card was now yellow withthe part numbers, printed in red, next to the actual gears andparts.(fig 2-2). It should be noted that both the A and Bstringing cards were raised above the bottom of the box. Thiswas accomplished but folding down a ¼� portion of the sidesof the stringing card to form a void for the bosses of the gearsto rest. Quite elaborate packaging , that was the hallmark ofMeccano. The quality of the boxes and packaging is creditedwith the large numbers that survive today. In advertising of theperiod, the set was offered for the princely sum of C$2.75 inthis 1957 advertisingbooklet.(fig 5)

1959-611959-611959-611959-611959-61The �B� outfit box was updated in 1959. Gone was thetextured red box and borrowed �A� set blue label. The newbox was covered in red paper with an integral label thatsported Meccano in block letters in the style of the regular setpackaging of the previous period! Better late than never! Thelabel was also corrected, with the illustrated gears, limited tothe actual contents of the outfit. (fig 1-4) The contents, aswell as, the presentation continued as before. The �B� outfitmanual was similar to the �A� outfit in that it still had theintroduction to gears and gearing, etc. but plans were

updated, rearrangedand now number 15 intotal. (fig 3-2)The price had risen toC$3.25 by 1961! (fig 6)

1962-641962-641962-641962-641962-64

Packaging changed again in 1962. The box dimensions werenow 9 3/8� x 4 13/16� x ¾�. The lid was completely printednow with the so called �M� series packaging. The colored barsare green, white and red. (fig 7-1) Inside, as with the main setsof the time, the stringing card disappeared and was replacedby a pale yellow formed tray that the parts were set intoeliminating the costly sewing of parts onto the card. The traywas contained in a red box bottom. (fig 8).The contentsremained the same, as well as, the manual, however, it wasnow folded once so as to fit in the now, narrower box.


1965-67?1965-67?1965-67?1965-67?1965-67?The packaging again changed with the times,although the dimensions remained the same. Themain sets now had a �Theme� motif and the gearsoutfit followed suit. The early ones retained theformed tray and red box bottom. The tray wasnow white instead of the pale yellow as before butadvertising in the Meccano Magazine in 1965/66clearly shows the tray still pale yellow. (figure 10)No authentic example was found during theresearchof this

article and the author doubts any exists. If a sealedexample does show up, the history books can be rewritten!

Another anomaly, thatis verified, is the banneron the back of the boxt h a treads��..instructionsfor 20 inside.�(fig 9)This is probably a typo,as the regular manuals,included with the set only show 15 models. Was there an extrasheet of 5? A set in the author�s collection has this typo on it butthe parts are housed in the white plastic tray. (fig 8) The colorson the bars are bright red, purple and yellow. The �B� wasdropped from the box and the outfit was now referred to as agears set. The manuals retained the �B� for a time. The powerdrivesymbol and designation made it�s first appearance and was onthe gears set box until the set was discontinued.

1968/691968/691968/691968/691968/69

The second version of the windowed box themeera packaging came about in 1968 or so. Theouter box bar colors are now an orange-red, darkblue and yellow. (fig 7-3) The illustration on theback now has the corrected banner reading�instructions for 15 inside� (fig 9). Gone, however,was the white plastic formed tray and red boxbottom. In its place was a Styrofoam tray that theparts friction fitted into. The tray did not need thebottom box for strength ( cost cutting?) The partsare rearranged slightly. Meccano Magazineadvertising in early 1970, for the Christmas 1969season, clearly shows the change (fig11).The manual is still the same but has now dropped the �B� designation (fig 12). The numbers of setssold for this second period 1956-1970 are 150,000 as well.


1970-771970-771970-771970-771970-77The packaging once again changed, for the last

time, with the coming of yet another change in the main set packaging. The only thing that changedthis time around was the outer window box. It was now a dark blue. (fig 7-4) The outfit is nowreferred to as a gears set. The back of the box showed a number of built-up mechanisms, as before,but the banner saying how many was finally dropped. The manual had a new cover for the first timesince 1949!. Gone were the lad and his steam shovel and in it�s place was a starkly plain cover indark blue and blue grey for 1970-72? And black and grey for 1973, 1974 and beyond. (fig 3-3) Thecontents was the same as the previous yellow covered manuals. The sets were advertised until themid seventies and presumably discontinued when the radical change of 1978 came about. It isunknown how many sets were produced during this third and last era but it is probably less thaneach of the previous two.

To this day, complete gear outfits, from all era�s, turn up in their original boxes, as well as, thenumerous sets of gears that are gleaned out of a bunch of parts that could only consist of a rathersmall set in the #1 to #5 range. This is testament to the popularity of the gears outfit.

Thanks goes out to Clive Weston, Melvyn Wright, William Irwin, Ed Barclay and others that providedinformation and sets for the author�s collection , that now includes one each of all know varieties from1949-1977. Are there any other unknown varieties out there? The author can be reached [email protected] or thru the editor of this publication.

Greg Rahn

Appendix Chronological History:Chronological History:Chronological History:Chronological History:Chronological History:

1949/50-�A� outfit with �utility� label. Blue textured box/blue stringing card. Manual stored flat in box.1951-55-�A� outfit with blue illustrated label. Blue textured box/blue stringing card. Manual stored flat in box.1956-58-�B� outfit introduced with upgraded contents. �A� blue label on red textured box. Blue �B� is stuckover the �A� on label. Stringing card is yellow. Manual stored flat in box.1959-61-�B� outfit with red smooth box and new integral red label. Stringing card still yellow. Manual storedflat in box.1962-64-�B� outfit with new pale yellow plastic tray in red box bottom and �M� series lid. Manual folded andstored on top of tray.1965-67- gears outfit white plastic tray in red box bottom with new �theme� series outer windowed box. �20�instruction banner. Manual is folded and stored under tray.1968/69-gears outfit with new styrofoam tray and no red box bottom. Parts are rearranged. �15� instructionsbanner. Manual is folded and stored under tray.


1970-77-gear set with white styrofoam tray and dark blue windowed outer box. Manual is folded and storedunder tray.

Contents of outfits:Contents of outfits:Contents of outfits:Contents of outfits:Contents of outfits:

�A� outfit: 2 x #25, 2 x #26, 1 x #27, 1 x #27a, 1 x #28, 2 x #29, 1 x #32, 1 x #94, 1 x #95, 2 x #96a

�B� outfit: 2 x #25, 2 x #26, 1 x #27, 1 x #27a, 1 x #28, 2 x #29, 1 x #32, 4 x #59, 1 x #94, 1 x #95, 1 x #96a, 1 x #120b, 1 x #230, 2 x #231

Manual print Data : Manual print Data : Manual print Data : Manual print Data : Manual print Data : ( known dates and print quantities)(eg: 255/20= Feb 1955 with a print run of 20,000 copies)yellow manuals:Gears �A� : 1049/40; 650/35; 351/25; 153/12.5; 454/22.5; 255/20( no 1952?)Gears �B� : 656/30; 157/10; 757/12.5; 258/10; 859/10; 260/15; 1160/10; 361/10; 362/10; 663/15; 365/15; 766/15(no 1964?)Gears set : 268/10 (no 1967, 1969?)black/blue/grey manuals:dark blue/light blue(Triang 1970/71?)black/grey( 1973 and 1974)

Toonerville Trolley Cont.Toonerville Trolley Cont.Toonerville Trolley Cont.Toonerville Trolley Cont.Toonerville Trolley Cont.The Rest of the StoryThe Rest of the StoryThe Rest of the StoryThe Rest of the StoryThe Rest of the Story

In the last MeccaNotes, there was a model planto build Don Redmond�s Toonerville Trolley. Aninteresting model, but as I discovered at theToronto Hobby Show there is much more to themodel than meets the eye.

The model is based upon a cartoon �ToonervilleFolks� by Fox Fontaine, a USA cartoonist wholampooned small town living in the early 1900�s.It was the dream of many small towns to havetheir own trolley system and in Toonerville �TheSkipper� piloted theirs. Fox kept his cartoongoing even as trolleys were gradually replaced

by bus lines, with theskipper even becoming abus driver near the end.

The Toonerville Trolleyfilms were the mostsuccessful and popularfilms ever made atBetzwood studio. Based on Fontaine Fox�s famednewspaper cartoons, they were written by Foxhimself. Only seven of the original seventeentwo-reel comedies survive today. One of theactors, Mickey Rooney, got paid $157 for twodays work on these films.

Illustrated below is a �Toonerville Trolley Game�created by MiltonBradley in 1927.Above is a USAcommemorativestamp issued a fewyears ago.

This is the type ofb a c k g r o u n dmaterial thatshould be includedwith model plans!

David Williams


Crane Grab ChallengeCrane Grab ChallengeCrane Grab ChallengeCrane Grab ChallengeCrane Grab ChallengeCont.Cont.Cont.Cont.Cont.

Rising to the challenge in the September 1998issue to model a single rope crane grab I came upwith a very simple grab that works smoothly andefficiently. it requires the modification of a fewMeccano parts for which old or wrinkled partscan be used.

The bucket is quite simple to construct. Thesides are made with 8 Flexible Plates (221). Thebottoms are Flexible Plates no. 190. The twohalves are joined by triangular plates (77) boltedto a Double Angle Strip (48a).

The top Double Angle Strip has been modified byDrilling an extra hole on each side of the centerhole for the rope.

The Grab MechanismFigure 2 shows four no. 6 strips bolted togetherby 10 narrow strips with two holes cut from alonger strip. A Triangular Flexible Plate (221) iscut to the shape shown in Figure 3. A crank (62)is bolted to this plate along with strip 5. Thiscrank is mounted on a one inch rod which passesthrough 3 washers, the strip 6, pulley no. 23,another strip 6 and is held in place by a collar.Part 12b serves as a stop for 221.

It is important that the rope is threaded asshown. When the mechanism is lowered on theopen bucket the hook catches the pivot bolt.When pulled up the bucket closes and remainsclosed until lowered to touch a surface. Theplunger now presses down on strip 5 disengagingthe hook and the bucket opens when raised.

John Elias


�Where on Earth Did �Where on Earth Did �Where on Earth Did �Where on Earth Did �Where on Earth Did ThatThatThatThatThat Come From?� Dept. Come From?� Dept. Come From?� Dept. Come From?� Dept. Come From?� Dept.by Michael Stephens (email: [email protected])

Several months ago, Norm LaCroix gave me a little motor he had acquired in an oddlot of Meccano parts. Neither Norm nor I could identify it. It obviously wasn�t madeby Meccano, but looked like it may have been suitable for driving Meccano models.Here�s a photo of it:

The decals on one sideplate indicate that the motor runs on 4-6 volts AC or DC, wasmade in England, and is model �No. 1260� made by �ESL�. The two feet on eachsideplate are 1 3/8� apart, and they are spaced 2 ¼� between the sideplates, clearlynot Meccano standard ½� spacing in either direction. The motor brushes seem tobe the originals, and are in good condition. They look like they are made of copper(!),which seems odd because the commutator is made of the usual brass and I wouldexpect copper brushes to be too hard on it.

I took the motor to the Kingston Railroad Show in April, hoping someone couldidentify it. (Dennis Caswell�s review of the show appears on pages 16 to 20 of theJune issue of MeccaNotes). To my dismay, everybody (even Don Redmond, an�other systems� guru present) was also stumped as to the origin of the motor.

I had given up hope I could find out more about the motor when I was recentlyleafing through my limited collection of Meccano Magazines. To my surprise, pagevii of the October 1948 issue has an advertisement for my very motor! Here it is:


The manufacturer is Signalling Equipment Ltd (i.e., SEL, not ESL). The motor wasbeing touted as suitable for Meccano models, especially motor boats.

I�m most intrigued by the �reversing switch� feature on the motor. It isn�t obvious(to me, anyway ) how best to wire it. The motor ran only when I attached one wirefrom the power supply to the centre post at the top of the sideplate, and the secondpower supply wire to whichever of the two end posts that the reversing switch isnot in contact with. This seemed to be the only way to make a complete circuitthrough the field and armature coils. (The top centre post is connected to the fieldcoil. The other wire to the field coil is connected to the bottom centre post on whichthe reversing switch pivots. The two end posts each connect to one of the twomotor brushes.)

To reverse the motor, as well as reversing the position of the reversing switch onthe motor, I also had to move the second wire to the opposite end post. To makethis manoeuvre as simple as possible, I have hooked up the second power wire toa SPDT switch, which feeds the two end posts. Now to reverse motor direction Isimply reverse the SPDT switch at the same time I switch the �reversing switch�.This seems to be a strange way to design motor wiring. Is it because the motor wasto run on AC and DC? Does anyone have a better explanation or wiring suggestion?

I now use the motor to drive a model table saw I built using the obsolete versionof the 5 ½� x 2 ½� Flanged Plate (52) with the long and short slots at right anglesto each other, and the Circular Saw (159). (Incidentally, does anyone know exactlywhat parts were to be used to make the guide located in the crossways slot?)


My Introduction toMy Introduction toMy Introduction toMy Introduction toMy Introduction toMeccanoMeccanoMeccanoMeccanoMeccano

by G.G. (Gerry) Reed

Right from early beginnings I was interested inthings that were self-propelled and things thatrequired fixing. Being the son of an Royal NavySignalman, who was frequently at sea, and aNorthern Irish mother I found myself in Belfast,Northern Ireland, whenever Dad was off on histravels. One of my earliest recollections is ofwalking along a road known as the �Sand Quay�beside the River Lagan, watching the cranesunloading sand using clamshell buckets to diginto the sand and then swing it over the pile onthe shore to let it go whilst still in mid air.

When I was nine years old I was living inPlymouth where it was school custom to holdScholarship Exams which if successfully passedwould enable you to enter High School at the endof the school year. The competition was keen forthese exams for there were a limited number ofseats available and many applicants. To spur meon my Dad promised to buy me a #4 Meccanoset if I passed, while my Mother promised asteam engine for the same terms. I had alreadymade aquaintance with the #4 as my best friendDesmond Damerell had one that he used to bringdown to my house when it was too wet to playoutdoors.

The exam results showed that I had passed, soone evening my dad took me to town, gave mea pound note and told me to go into Lawson�s tobuy my #4, allowing me to keep the change. Thiswas unheard of generosity and my feet were 6"inches off the ground as we made our wayhome. My Mother, on the other hand, renegedon her promise, saying that steam engines weretoo dangerous for small boys. The number ofthings I could build with that set was astoundingwith never a look at the instructions that came inthe box. Although I tried and tried I couldn�tseem to make a clamshell that worked like theone on the Sand Quay. I made lots of other typesof hoists and cranes and if I misbehaved the #4was surrendered until I improved. Mother would,once in a while, buy me a packet of nuts andbolts as there never seemed to be enough ofthose.

Next year the war started and it was some timebefore the Germans came over to bomb thecities, late 1940 and early 1941, but we childrenhad already experienced the war�s influence.

The War Dept. had taken over some of theschools for military hospitals., and the kids hadto double tip by going to school in shifts, twoweeks from 7-30 A.M. till noon and two weeksof 1-00 P.M. till 5-30. When I was on theafternoon shift Mother took me to town with herwhenever she went. Dad was at a signal Schoolon the east coast as an instructor and only camehome occasionally. In the one of the main streetsof Devonport, a part of Plymouth close to theRoyal Dockyard, there was a toy store and in thefront window was the most beautiful motor boatthat ever enticed a small boy. It was about 18"long, the hard chine hull painted white withmahogany decks. There were two cockpits, oneup forward complete with windshield andsteering wheel; the other aft had bench seatswith a long brass tiller ending up in a brassrudder. It had a three-bladed brass propeller thatwas driven by a large clockwork motor that waswound up with an enormous key. The price onthis prize was 35 shillings, no mean amountwhen a man�s week�s wages were about 70shillings. I used to stand and imagine myself atthe wheel of that craft and how I would put itthrough it�s paces.

One day we went to town and the store had a50% sale on all items. My desire was now 17/6and after some cajoling mother went into thestore to see what, she could do. She offered thesalesman 10 shillings to take it off his hands andafter lots of negotiations he dropped to l5s.Mother marched out of the store empty-handed.The next trip to town at the end of the week, sawmother in the store again offering the same l0s,and after a summit conference she had thesalesman reduced to 12/6. Still no deal. Well Iused to sing in the Naval Barracks Choir and thenext Sunday I was paid 2/6 for three month�swork. I went home full of confidence that theboat was mine. Mom, you put up the 10s. andI�ll contribute my 2/6. How simple could it get.All this time there have been two week periodswhen I didn�t get to town due to the shift atschool and the anxiety was driving me mad incase someone else should get MY BOAT. Notonly that, I was driving Mother mad by myinsistent please; then the magic day when shesaid �All right, on Monday we will go to townand buy the boat�. Late Sunday night theGermans came over to raid the Dockyard, neverdid hit it too often although they tried hardenough, and on Monday we went to town.


One of the dropped bombs had landed in thecenter of the store and blown the contents outonto the street. The Army Sappers were there toclear away the debris and make the buildingsafe, usually by pulling it down, and when I sawwhat had happened I started to cry. One of thesoldiers came over and asked what the matterwas. Between sobs I told him and he said hewould go back into the store to try and find theboat. Some minutes later he reappeared sayinghe couldn�t find any trace of the boat but couldI use this. �This� was a huge section of Meccanocrane that had been in the store on display,having been supplied by the factory. There wereangles, girders, small parts, gear wheels andchain as well as lots of nuts and bolts. I made lotsof cranes with those pieces, and I shall be forevergrateful to an unknown soldier who gave me alift when I needed it most. However I neverforgot MY BOAT nor did I ever build a successfulclamshell.

G. G. (Gerry) Reed is Training Officer, District #1,Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary (Central & Arctic)Inc., and is a member of the Toronto Society ofModel Engineers.

Mutilator�s Corner: CurlMutilator�s Corner: CurlMutilator�s Corner: CurlMutilator�s Corner: CurlMutilator�s Corner: CurlUp With A Good StripUp With A Good StripUp With A Good StripUp With A Good StripUp With A Good Strip

A strip bender is invaluable. Several designshave been illustrated in Meccano literature overthe years. Most are based on Meccano-boss-sized rollers, 3/8 in. diameter, spaced one hole (1/2 in.) apart. Some have an added feature: a set of

short rollers,outside theframe, withfree ends �so that astrip can be

curled into a full circle and then slipped off therollers � which could not be done inside theframes.

I wanted to curve a strip into a circle 1-3/8 in.diameter, the size of a Bush Wheel � and foundthat screwed up as tightly as it would go, mystrip bender would produce a curve no tighterthan about two inches. Solution: change themiddle roller (which runs free on the axle aroundwhich the other two rollers are hinged) for alarger roller. In this case I was bending a strip,not a plate, so I did not need to change the longmiddle roller. I found a stray non-Meccano roller12mm (15/32 in.) in diameter with a Meccano-sized hole, and substituted it for the middle oneof the short outside rollers. Result: a strip curledup to 1 in. diameter. In fact the �large� roller wasonly 6mm across, but curved the strip smoothly,and has been left on the �overhanging� rollers soit will be at hand next time a tight curl is needed.

Don Redmond

Anyone Got A 1920sAnyone Got A 1920sAnyone Got A 1920sAnyone Got A 1920sAnyone Got A 1920sMeccano Jumper?Meccano Jumper?Meccano Jumper?Meccano Jumper?Meccano Jumper?

The Times Travel section recently published anarticle about the �Museum of Childhood inEdinburgh�. These excerpts are from that article.

�It may seem a curious kind of ambition, butJohn Heyes is longing to get hold of a particularkind of jersey. It was made by Jaeger andadvertised in Meccano magazines throughoutthe 1920s and 1930s, apparently not losing itsappeal until about 1950. It is distinguished by aMeccano pattern running along the hem and forJohn Heyes it would fill an irritating gap in hiscollection.

As Keeper of the Museum of Childhood inEdinburgh, the first of its kind in the world, he isalways searching for things connected withgrowing up through the ages.

The Museum of Childhood, 42 High Street,Edinburgh, EH1 1TG (0131-529 4142) is openMon-Sat, 10am-5pm. Admission is free.�


SkegEx 1999 - a Brief ReportSkegEx 1999 - a Brief ReportSkegEx 1999 - a Brief ReportSkegEx 1999 - a Brief ReportSkegEx 1999 - a Brief ReportFor any overseas Meccanoman, what would a visit to Britain in early July be without a visit toSkegEx? Since I have been fortunate to attend no less than five exhibitions in Skegness, I would hateto think. Once again, my employer was obliging in calling a meeting in Europe in mid-June, and gave

me the perfect excuseto show up. Long maythese companymeetings continue!

The most significantchange to theexhibition in Skegnessthis year was a changein venue. This year itwas held at theEmbassy Centre,because the Pavilionwas apparentlyunavailable. To behonest, once one hadworked out where theexhibition itself wasbeing held -downstairs - then thenew location was, inmy view, preferable to

the old (although I am sure that some of the dealers would disagree).

The first person I caught sight of was Robin Johnson, who, as usual had copious quantities of backissues of �Constructor Quarterly� available for purchase. Once I managed to locate the ExhibitionHall, the full panoply of models came into view. As usual, there were models in every possible corner,plus on the stage. No matter the size, large or small, they were all working smoothly.

For the first time since her late husband, Geoff, had passed away, Ann Coles was in attendance. Shespent most of her time collecting subscription renewals, but we did have time for a chat, to catchup on the goings and comings of our respective families.

Just around the corner from her were Pat Briggsand his wife Betty. Every time I see one of Pat�sexhibitions - and his display is a one-man exhibition- I wish he would prepare instructions for at leastone of his clocks, so that that particular modelwould be preserved for posterity. Sadly, he doesnot seem inclined to undertake the task - but in away it is understandable, since he would have tospend as many hours writing about the timepieceas he would building it. His largest clock, forexample, an Astronomical Clock boasted thefollowing features: (1) aspects of circumpolar status(2) a diurnal world globe (3) a lunar month globe (4)universal time (GMT) (5) variation in length of solarday (6) sundial time at any selected location and (7)calendar with Zodiac times. Wow!

For once, it seemed to me that there was no clearwinner for the Sir Alec Issigonis Shield. Severalmodels were strong candidates, and there was nooutstanding model that was streets ahead of the


competition. So itturned out. The choiceof the top models is leftto the exhibitors, whoall vote on their personalfavourites, rating the topfive models of theirchoice in order ofpreference. As it was,the Shield went toMichael Breal�s SugarBeet Factory, which hebrought from France. Itwas one of the largermodels on display, andapparently was onlypart of the entire model,since Michael wasunable to pack all of itinto his vehicle to bringacross the Channel! Insecond place wasanother of Guy Kind�stop-notch models, a�Caterpillar 990� Loader

that was described in the June 1999 edition of �Constructor Quarterly.� Incidentally, yours truly waswitness to the titanic return match between Guy Kind and Michael Denny at Wolfie�s Bar, where thetwo competed in the game of Bar Football. After three games, the results were one win apiece, witha 5-5 tie. In the decider, Michael Denny was, at one point, down by four goals, but he roared backto win the final match 6-4.

In third place this year was perhaps the finest loom ever built out of Meccano. It was built by DennisWeston, and performed faultlessly all the time I was there. The shuttle was of necessity a large non-Meccano one, as the ones that Meccano Limited manufactured was inadequate to handle the realwool that Dennis was using.

Next came RogerBurton�s model, called�Hey Diddle Diddle.� Itwas inspired by the age-old nursery rhyme, andall the parts were presenti.e. a cow, a moon, adish, a spoon, etc.Rumour has it that theinstructions will appearin a future issue of �TheMeccano Newsmag,�and �ConstructorQuarterly� will devote anarticle about the modelin the form of severalphotographs.

For anyone from this sideof the Atlantic who getsto SkegEx at some pointin the future, make a


point of going to see BobBrooker�s model(s). Bob isabsolutely brilliant when itcomes to taking Flexible Platesand bending them (with hisbare hands) into a multitude ofshapes. This year, he put thistalent to realizing a life-longambition - to build a BedfordDuple Bus. Bob dispenses withthe idea of building a modelequipped with such esotericequipment as an engine andgearbox - but he produces suchbeautifully accurate versionsof the real thing, that no-oneseems to mind. Certainly, hisskills were good enough forhim to garner the fifth and finalprize.

There were several very largemodels on display, one ofwhich was the �De Cruquis�Pumping Station� built by Rene Muijern from Holland. Apparently the prototype was the largest stemengine of its day, and originated in Cornwall, England! The company that assembled the engine wasHarvey & Company at the Hayle Foundry. A second large model was the Giant Ferris Wheel by JohnThorpe - and it was giant!

John Sinton�s display was also eye-catching. There was a miniature crane (as usual), this time aStoth & Pitt 1922 Antifugusta Titan. In addition, there was a WD 280 Freight Locomotive, and theskeleton of what should be a fascinating model, once it has been completed - a Volkswagen �Beetle!�

One person it was a pleasure to see was Ernie Chandler, who turned eighty earlier this year. Ernieand I go back a long way, having first met in 1974! His model was one that has a strong Canadian

connection, as he had rebuiltEd Barclay�s GearDemonstration Model. Anotherold friend, Joe Etheridge,brought another bus, this onea Bristol Bus with rear doorentry.

There were many other modelsas well - just too many to putinto one report. It was, asalways, a social occasion aswell, with a gathering onSaturday night in the bar at theEmbassy Centre. Someoneproduced an accordian, andthe singing began. All in all, itwas just a marvellous show,one that, sadly, I had to leaveearly because of a familycommitment.


Going back to the dealers, although I could sympathize with the fact that most of them were unableto display their wares in the main area where all the models could be seen, I still sensed that theydid not have an appreciation of where they were. The rooms they were assigned were the theatredressing rooms! Such British luminaries as Norman Wisdom, Mike & Bernie Winters had gracedthese rooms in their time.

Colin Hoare


Threshing MachineThreshing MachineThreshing MachineThreshing MachineThreshing MachineBill Derksen of Winnipeg sent these photos of his Meccano Threshing Machine in bare steel colourwith red trim and yellow wheels.

�While not conforming to a particular prototype -it�s perhaps closest to the Waterloo - it is delightfullyforthcoming on performance. It doesn�t actually thresh grain, but it does seperate rice and puffed

wheat. Both materials are fed into thefeeder; the rice is elevated by a �bucketbrigade� auger, while the puffed wheat(�straw�) is taken to the back where anefficient wind turbine forces it throughthe blower. The blower is rotated byworm on a gear ring; it�s angle of elevationis changed by a threaded rod mechanism.

Meccano parts were supplemented by 1.cloth conveyor for the feeder, 2. length ofvacumn hose for the flexible elbow in theblower and 3. plastic tape and plasticeneto achieve an air-tight wind chamber.Power is provided by a single NormLaCroix E15R.

Follow up projects may include 1.change this to a McCormick DeeringIH model, 2. a McCormick Deering1530 tractor to house the motor and,via long belt drive, power thethresher.�


Coal Loader & UnloaderCoal Loader & UnloaderCoal Loader & UnloaderCoal Loader & UnloaderCoal Loader & UnloaderThe �Constructor Quarterly�The �Constructor Quarterly�The �Constructor Quarterly�The �Constructor Quarterly�The �Constructor Quarterly�

Special PublicationSpecial PublicationSpecial PublicationSpecial PublicationSpecial PublicationA review by Colin Hoare

The latest Special Publication from Robin Johnsonis one of the last of the late Keith Cameron�smagnificent models, a Coal Loader & Unloader.As with the Servetti Trolley Factory, Keith hastaken a model designed by someone else, in thiscase Oscar Fontan of Argentina, and rebuilt itfrom instructions published in Spanish (alanguage that Keith did not speak). He achievedthe translation, painstakingly, using an Spanish-English dictionary!

The model has been published in the form of ahard cover book, and is lavishly illustrated withphotographs throughout. As one might expect,the descriptions are up to Keith�s usual highstandard, and the model itself is a delight. For themost part, the quantity of Meccano neededshould be within the normal scope of an advancedmodeller�s collection. As always, however, a fewnon-Meccano parts are required, but none shouldbe difficult to acquire. The model does, however,require eighteen Dredger Buckets, and thesemay not be so easy to obtain, unless a modernsource of these parts is available. The electricalaspects of the model are thoroughly explained,and even those of us who are not electricallyminded should be able to rebuilt the modelwithout difficulty.

The price of the Publication is £30.00, whichincludes U. K. Postage (so the cost to get thebooklet to Canada is higher). Is it worth it?Personally, I think so, because it really bringshome, in the best possible way, how much weare already missing the brilliance of KeithCameron. It should be remembered that Keithnever asked for, nor received a penny for all thearticles that he submitted to the Meccanomagazines that he supported. It would be atribute to him to buy a copy, which is the reasonwhy I elected to do so.

Preservation Project -Preservation Project -Preservation Project -Preservation Project -Preservation Project -Going for a Song!Going for a Song!Going for a Song!Going for a Song!Going for a Song!

Dear Spanners,

In the early 1980s I bought one of the Binns RoadChain (Part 94) machines.

I believe there were originally three. ChrisGraebe (of Hornby Companion Series Volume 5fame) has got one of the others.

It was bought at a time when there was a faminein Meccano compatible Chain. Other sourcesthen came to light, and Calais then resumedproduction, so it has never been put to practicaluse. It is at present unbolted from its cast ironstand. Both the machine, and its stand, needtwo people to lift them. The machine can betransported in the boot of a car, but I don�t knowabout the stand.

I have never tried to run it, and don�t know howmuch work would be required to make it workagain.

But I just know I will never be able to make useof it, so the time has come to ask if any of youwould be willing to take it and preserve it as oneof the last bits of Binns Road history.

It cost me 600 pounds, but no reasonable offerrefused as it would be tragic if it ended up goingfor scrap.....

I also have a showcase which Atlascraft originallyhad for model display in Hamleys, I think.

It is the twin of the one which is in our left hand(as seen from the outside) front window.

Once again - for preservation - no reasonableoffer refused!

Geoff WrightMW Models <[email protected]>


The Engineer, Senior SizeThe Engineer, Senior SizeThe Engineer, Senior SizeThe Engineer, Senior SizeThe Engineer, Senior SizeKendrick Bisset has sent in this cover photo of�The Engineer, Senior Size�. The Engineer box isabout 14" x 12" x 1 1/4". The picture on the left isof the important part: there is no other printingon the lid. The black strip is a 6" pocket scale, soyou can scale the picture. The white area is 3 1/2" high.

The parts inside are all shiny nickel plate, exceptthe two Base Plates are red, and the two largewheels are red with white �tires�. The wheelsare 2 1/2" diameter, and similar in appearance toMeccano metal 187, but one piece plus boss.The outfit is complete, and has two formed strips(Meccano 215, but about 1" radius and with 8holes.)

The Manual says �Senior Model� underneath�The Engineer�; it has 12 pages of models(�Projects�) up to No. 39.

The Elm Creek Farm ToyThe Elm Creek Farm ToyThe Elm Creek Farm ToyThe Elm Creek Farm ToyThe Elm Creek Farm ToyTractor ShowTractor ShowTractor ShowTractor ShowTractor Show

What�s this, a Meccano Display at a farm toytractor show!!! Yes, Tom Wood (Tom is the chieftoy tractor show organizer in Elm Creek) asked ifI would attend his toy tractor show in February,which I gladly agreed and I asked Tom whatshould I display �Red or Green Tractors?�, Tom�sreplied �MECCANO�. Now before I go to far, ElmCreek is a small community in mid south ofManitoba, guessing at about 500 hundred peoplein town, but surrounded with large farms. Thisdisplay was in a beautiful new town hall withapprox. 80 tables of display of farm scene, toytractors, toy tractor parts, a few dolls and threetables of Meccano models. In the hall their is alarge kitchen with tables to enjoy hot snacks andgood company with old and new friends. Inother words it was a warm and friendly place tobe. For a small community the attendance wassurprisingly large.

I displayed my level luffing crane, hauling peasfrom one container to another. On one table Idisplayed my second version of Versatile FourWheel Drive Tractor. This tractor contains a four

speed transmission, two heavy dutydifferentials and final drives in all four wheels.Next I displayed my face shovel that was in theDecember issue. Beside the face shovel, is myCase Steam Engine and a meccanograph. Onthe last table I displayed smaller models, acurrent Meccano set and a beautiful clock thatPat Briggs gave me a few years ago. To finishthe display I had in the background a largeMeccano lettering and pictures. Surprisingly Iwas awarded with one of the three trophies.Many thanks, to Tom and his helpers for awonderful weekend

T. T. F. N. Rick Collette


Crankable CarouselCrankable CarouselCrankable CarouselCrankable CarouselCrankable Carouselby Don Redmondby Don Redmondby Don Redmondby Don Redmondby Don Redmond

SMALL children like nothing better, at any Meccano show, than something with a crank they canturn. Jack Smith used to provide a whole spread of crankable models. The crankable Magic Windmill

is popular not only with kids, who just like to make it whirl,but with adults who try to figure out why the sails turnonly one way. Here�s another of the same kind: a Carousel,Roundabout, or Merry-Go-Round � offered as a basicmodel with lots of possibility for variations to suit the partsavailable, taste in colours, or riders � but not motorization!

The base is formed around a 6in. Circular Plate held insidea Circular Strip by eight 5-hole strips. The Circular Strip issupported by eight #48a Double Angle Strips. Aroundthese are wrapped two 25-hole Strip Plates, and at theirupper edges a 25-hole and a 15-hole Braced Girderforming a railing. The railing must end at the same pointas one of the Strip Plates. At this point also, a #51f 3x5-hole Flanged Plate (the 5-hole sides flanged) is fastenedvertically, forming one side of the ticket booth and alsoacting as a bearing for the crank handle. There will be an8-hole gap in the railing, and below this the access stepsare attached: four #89b 8-hole Curved Strips (which havethe same radius as the base) with a series of ReversedAngle Brackets making the stringers at each end. Theends of the steps are filled in with 4x5-hole TriangularF l e x i b l ePlates, alsoattached tothe bottomedge of thebase byObtuse AngleBrackets.

The ticket booth is enclosed by 5x5-hole Flexible Plateswith a 5-hole Angle Girder at the right corner, andanother as the ledge of the ticket counter. The right sideconsists of two overlapped Flexible Plates reaching thetop of the railing, and reinforced with a strip or two. Aroof consisting of two overlapped 3x5-hole FlexiblePlates and a 3x5-hole Triangular Flexible Plate is attachedby Obtuse Angle Brackets. The booth is also attached tothe base and railing by Obtuse Angle Brackets.

Beneath the centre of the Circular Plate is bolted a BushWheel, with the setscrew removed. Under the CircularPlate, and in line with the left side of the ticket booth (the#51F flanged plate) is bolted a 2x2-hole angle bracket.Through the second hole from the top of the flangedplate a long crank handle is inserted, with a small pinion(10, 11 or 12-tooth) on its inner end, and a collar to holdthe crank in place. The crank must turn freely.

The centre column consists of two Cylinders bolted end-to-end using Narrow Strips, Couplings, or ExactoCylindrical Girders to join them. Atop the Cylinders a


133-tooth gear, boss downward, setscrew removed,is held rigidly by two 6in. Threaded Rods. An 11-1/2in. rod carries at its bottom end a large ContrateGear; a collar on the rod just above the large gearholds the Contrate in contact below the pinion onthe crank handle, and the whole must turn freely.

The canopy is based on a Circular Strip aroundwhich two 25-hole Braced Girders and curved. Twocrossed 15-hole strips carry at their centre a #168aflanged disc from a Ball Bearing, facing downward,and on top a #109 Face Plate. The ball cage of thebearing sits on the large gear, and must be oiled, sothe canopy rotates freely. Beneath each arm of thecrossed strips a Short Coupling #63d is bolted byone threaded bore, and a 5in. rod projects downexactly midway between the railing and the centrepillar of the base.

Each car is a Semicircular Plate carried on a #62Crank. Around it are curved two 3x5-hole PlasticPlates, reinforced by a 3-hole strip, forming theback. If the crank handle is rotated clockwise, thecars also travel clockwise, so the straight edge ofeach Semicircular Plate must face to the left whenthe car is at the steps.

Projecting inward and upward from the canopy arefour #89 11-hole Curved Strips. Two of these are

bolted to a #116 Large Fork Piece fixed to the top of the centre rod, to steady the canopy. The othertwo Curved Strips are attached to a Double Bracketinverted over the Fork Piece. Around the top edge ofthe canopy Wheel Discs and large washers, or otherparts, may be attached as ornamentation.

Alternative large bearings might be used at the topof the column; but a Toothed Ball Race cannot beused as it would interfere with the rods and couplingscarrying the seats. A Meccanitian worker turningthe crank handle would be a nice addition.Meccanitians, small dolls or stuffed animals asriders might delight children, but should be firmlyattached to the seats.

Parts Required (*Optional)


MW Models4 Greys Road, Henley-on-Thames, Oxton,England RG9 1RY, phone: 0491 572436, FAX:0491 571175, [email protected]

http://www.btinternet.com/~mwmodels.meccano/

Credit cards are accepted!

Exacto Order UpdateExacto Order UpdateExacto Order UpdateExacto Order UpdateExacto Order UpdateAs of today�s date (13 December) well over 70 kgof Exacto has been shipped from Argentina, andmost of it has already arrived in Canada. Thisconstitutes about 90% of the parts ordered.Allowing for the usual Yuletide slowdown inparcel delivery, nearly all of the parts orderedshould be in Canada by the end of December.Thus, it appears that the �considerable delays� Ihad remarked earlier are thankfully a thing of thepast. However, those who have ordered the newsizes of helical gears will unavoidably receivethem later than the other parts, as at the momentthey are still being manufactured.

Colin Hinz


Canadian Special Model PlansCanadian Special Model PlansCanadian Special Model PlansCanadian Special Model PlansCanadian Special Model PlansCSM6 Krazy KlockCSM6 Krazy KlockCSM6 Krazy KlockCSM6 Krazy KlockCSM6 Krazy Klock

CSM6: Designed, build and described by Dr. Keith W. Cameron. This 12 page model plan isavailable for sale for $9 including postage or 4.95 British Pounds + postage from MW Models.A full parts list is available on the CMAMAS web site, http://www.edmc.net/cmamas/.

Model Plans and Canadian MeccaNotes Back IssuesModel Plans and Canadian MeccaNotes Back IssuesModel Plans and Canadian MeccaNotes Back IssuesModel Plans and Canadian MeccaNotes Back IssuesModel Plans and Canadian MeccaNotes Back IssuesCan be obtained from:

o within North America: Colin Hoare (address on page 2), Money Order or Cheque.

o elsewhere: MW Models (4 Greys Road, Henley-on-Thames, Oxton, England RG9 1RY, phone:0491 572436, FAX: 0491 571175, [email protected], http://www.btinternet.com/~mwmodels.meccano/). Credit cards are accepted!


TorontoTorontoTorontoTorontoTorontoHobbyHobbyHobbyHobbyHobby

Show 1999Show 1999Show 1999Show 1999Show 1999

Top left: ColinHinz (not visible)and Colin Hoare

hard at workduring the

Meccano sale.Charlie Packponders hispurchases.

Above: GordonFrank with his

Swather.

Left: AttilaSzakonyi and his

Horse RacingGame.

Photos by Charlie Pack andDavid Williams.

canadian meccanotes 199912 · [email protected] cmamas executive presidentpresidentpresident ......

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