text: Incorporating MECCANO ENGINEER & MECCANOMAN'S JOURNAL 1977 JANUARY 50p SIXTY-FIRST YEAR OF PUBLICATION Vol 62 N°1 SPECIAL COLOUR FEATURE INSIDE THE MECCANO MOTOR CAR STANDARD SETS Pocket Set No 2 Set I m %j w w vL i i # i i i • i i i f i No 4 Set I MO O Oct ••««*■■■•••* No 6 Set . No 7 Set No 8 Set No 9 Set No 10 Set . . . . CONVERSION SETS 1X ■ • • * • ■ • ■ • • * ■ * * 2.99 4.95 6.65 8.95 12.95 17.95 2 1 .95 26.95 62.95 248.50 • . ■ - . • ■ > 4X . 5X . «*••■• • • • * ■ *«■•* • • * . ■ • ■ 1 ■ * ■ « 8X SPECIAL SETS No 3M No 4M No 5ME. . . . , \J 69 1 5 OtJL * f ■ * • * ft * * ft ■ * * • « i Super Tool Set Flexible Track Pack MULTIKITSETS Crane Building Set. . . Highway Multikit Super Highway Multikit Army Multikit Combat Multikit PLASTIC MECCANO & PRIMA 1.99 2.25 2.99 5.25 5.45 5.25 7.25 19.95 10.95 14.95 31.90 4.75 2.99 3.58 11.95 9.45 10.95 5.95 ARGENTINE MECCANO PARTS ZINC PLATED 1 c Perforated Strip 24 1 / 2 " .56 1d Perforated Strip 18 1 / 2 " . .41 9g Angle Girder 1" 11 103m Flat Girder 1" 11 103r Flat Girder 24 1 / 2 " 84 103s Flat Girder 18%" 62 215a Flat Slotted Strip 3" 13 BRASS 26g Pinion, 22-teeth, 1 / 2 "Face 50 A30a/c Machined Bevel Gears, [pair] 2.14 BLACK RUBBER A142b3"MotorTyre 67 SOUTH AFRICAN PARTS 132 Flywheel; red, blue, or black 203 Headlamp; black AUSTRALIAN WRI PARTS .3.50 are sorry fault!), we hope shortly. recent shortages (our e fully-stocked passing, Part 101, Heald Loom, will not after made. POWER SUPPLIES We are sorry that we have been unable to units for the supply suitable 15-volt E15R Motor, due production ages. We are now making arrangements to stock Hammant products 12.95 the purpose instead. BOOKS MECCANO MAGAZINE you require a direct subscription with remit- Meccano e publishers, your tance must be sent to: Magazine, Reading Road, Henley-on- Thames, Oxon., RG9 1AG, England. If however, you would like to have the new magazine through our existing magazine account' service, your instruc- tions should address below. sent our usual IMPORTANT that direct scriptions are sent any other material for the (MW Models), nor should any orders or correspondence tended Magazine offices. sent via the Meccano LISTS AND NEWSLETTERS No news is good news! Due to unforseen delay changing over our supplies Meccano new 'Skin Pack Carded' presentation, our Autumn Newsletter and Lists had be cancelled. However, our loss was your gain, because, with few exceptions, we have continued trade prices published Lists. our 'Spring/Summer' 1976 For Winter Lists & Newsletter, U K: Send stamped, addressed 9"X4" envelope. Overseas: Send three reply coupons. wish you best Meccano cquired remaining publ- Modelling sh Full range of Sets MOTORS 'Magic' Clockwork Motor Clockwork Motor. . 'Crane' Motor 4,5volt Motor Motor-with-Gearbox . . . E15R Electric Motor . . Meccano Steam Engine. STANDARD PARTS 1 Parts available. Meccan o Cons true tors' G uide Frank Hornby who made $ 1m 1.25 1.20 you this New Year, and thank many Christmas Cards we received from all over the world. PACK PARTS « ■ 2.18 5.35 1.55 3.45 8.20 13.30 10.85 also have remaining stocks view of th troduct new Meccano 1969-series Manuals, Carded' packs, we have with MAP Meccano Magazine back numbers drawn our special concessions Pack Meccano Magazine Q'ty back numbers Parts' ord When changeover Meccano Engineer back numbers. NEW CAVENDISH BOOKS intend pub- complete, new arrangement need 235g ishing series books concerning UK Meccano Ltd's many products over must stress that our main business supply Meccano Extra Parts; we years, we will of course stock these. tota NOW POST FREE more are also stock, from time to time, other are very conscious of the shortcomings in books collectors from this source MECCANO AND^ MOTORS our service duction shortages recent years, due pro- and have at present: LL POST FREE the Factory. The The Art of the situation is now much improved, and we hope to give much better service future. 'SKIN PACK CARDED' EXTRA PARTS land Uniform with: Toy, by David Press- h ■■>■••■»* I V i w Li Century of Model Trains by Allen Levy .'""... 16.50 About Mecca hundred Extra Now available hard-back edition: The bee cted Great Toys of Georges Carette . . .9.00 er ordi standardized Post Orders up to £1 £1.01 to £2 £2.01 to £3 £3.01 to £4.99 OVERSEAS und we have Packing charges: please add 15p please add 25p please add 35p please add 45p for a new scheme for self -select ion by the from OXFORD PUBLISHING Sorry Post services reta policy concerned customer. ever, Meccano's Along Hornby Lines, a pictorial review of overseas customers not a items are supply us most of the parts the famous '0'-gauge railway system, with sent free of U K Value Added Tax, which old-style wrapping the time being (at the new prices!) much fresh information on history of the Meccano Factory . early .3.60 saves you approximately iterature. which is not taxed Pt 4 t 2 EVERYTHING MECCANO (MW Models) The Meccano Sp 165 Reading Road, HENLEY-ON-THAMES, Oxon, RG9 1DP, ENGLAND Telephone: Henley-on-Thames (STD code 049 12) 2436) « ISSN 0309-1 376 1977 JANUARY ON THE COVER: A whiff of nostalgia; the original 1932 Meccano Motor Car Constructor (lower left) and the very rare Non-Constructional Meccano Car (right). In the background is the box for the latter, which is supporting a Hornby Poster Board complete with Car Constructor Poster, a Nut & Bolt box from a No 2 Car Constructor Outfit, and the legendary 'K'-Type cano Oilcan. The items were kindly supplied by Roy Ha I Is worth, and the photograph specially taken for Meccano Magazine rge Bushell & M Son, was by Henley -o n-Thames. EDITOR MIKE NICHOLLS ASSISTANT EDITOR . . . PAUL SMITH PRODUCTION DIRECTOR LIAISON DIRECTOR . . . LIZ PHELAN DAVE TATE Dear Reader, You Meccano pages you in your hand the new Within these things familiar and new. If you have been a reader of Meccano Magazine Engineer, or Meccano man's Journal, or you are an entirely new reader, our message is the same: WELCOME! We are pleased to contribute to the life story of the magazine that has become an international tution, and we are only sorry that, due to many PHOTOGRAPH ABOVE: A Meccano Orrery designed and built by Bert Love. The inspi- ration for this neat model came from Alan Partridge's design published as Modelplan 59. Bert was determined to simplify the published design without detracting from the accuracy. CONTENTS OF THIS EDITION PAGE ITEM a complete change m- of we have had much less eluding offices time than we would have liked to prepare this issue. However, we that we have made a impression despite the Meccano Magazine 18 Reading Henley-on-Thames Oxon RG9 1 AG Whilst no decision has yet England is the address to which all correspondence and material should be sent. Subscriptions should be been taken, the revertion to month- on the Mean- clearly m arked 'Sub script ions cards while, ion is we the near future shall all other material marked Tor the on a quarterly basis. NEW ADDRESS A that has emerged from Department', should be attention of the Editor THANKS May I take this opportunity to thank all those who have written to their 4 6 9 12 14 16 20 22 27 28 30 32 36 38 MECCANO NEWS OCEAN-GOING DIESEL TUGBOAT POSTBAG DARLINGTON REVIEW THE TAYLOR TOUCH AMONG THE MODEL-BUILDERS DESIGN FOR JOY Part 2 THE MECCANO MOTOR CAR VINTAGE VELOCITY CLUB NOTES SOUTH-SEEKING CHARIOT LET YOUR MODELS LIVE Part 5 9-SPEED & REVERSE GEARBOX NVIEW 41 2 (OR MORE) FOR THE PRICE OF 1 STOP PRESS r ec en t corr esp o nd en c e , and one which Meccano matter, Delta Graphics ood wishes to the new crew', I am sorry that I have 41 43 44 45 NORTH-WEST FRONTIER EXHIBITION ANNOUNCEMENTS CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS clarification, is that been unable personally to reply to azine, (and, for that all the letters, but was: no connexion whatsoever has with the or individual replies! Our thanks must also be ex- MW Models of Henley-on-Thames, tended to Chris Jelley and his team We can not accept letters or orders at Liverpool for keeping the Maga- for that firm enclosed with ma- terial mailed to us; likewise, can not be expected to t to us MM pass enclosed in their mail. Items incorrectly di- are bound to be delayed. The address of the new MM offices is as follows: zine going these past few years, be- cause without them, we would not be here now. But enough of this editorial chit- chat — on with the Magazine that, given your continuing support, will to strength in grow from the months ahead. MECCANO MAGAZINE is published quarterly, In January, April, July, and September, by Meccano Magazine, 18 Reading Road, Henley- on-Thames, Oxon, RG9 1 AG, England. The MM is designed by Mike Nicholls & Paul Smith, and is produced by Delta Graphics at the above address. The black-and-white pages of this magazine were printed in Reading, England by Sandersons Design & Print Ltd. The colour material was produced by Sackville S meets Ltd, London, and printed by Sackville Press Ltd, Molesey, England. Copyright exists on all editorial material in this magazine, and no part may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the prior permission of the publishers. SUBSCRIPTIONS are available from the MM offices at the above address; the current rates are as follows: Surface mail throughout UK and world £2. Air mail: to Europe £2; Australasia, Canada, South Africa, USA, Argentina £4. Back numbers are available from MW Models — see advertisement pages. 3 • BY THE EDITOR As this is written, toy manufac- turers everywhere are planning a Birmingham , convergence on England, where the first Toy Fair of 1977 is to be opened on January 22nd. As regular readers of MM and Meccano Engineer Fair Brighton, England) is the launch pad for Meccano Ltd's new intro- ductions for the coming year. (previously held at Lack of time complete review of the precludes a j, any s innovations, (this is being written on January 8th!), but I will cover the important points here, leavin the detail to our next edition. MECCANO NEW PACKAGING FOR Meccano the ive new have a new look in for the range of standard Sets from EU1071 Motor, with ■ a to as well as the 3M and 4M Motorized Sets. reversing switch, is the smaller of the two, while the EU1072 Motor full-colour photographic is the larger, this coming complete Using illustrations, the new packaging has with a separate reversing sw specially designed for maxi- Both are mum impact by showing boys and iving high metal-built units power -outputs, ideal girls 'having fun' with Meccano; for driving Meccano models (see and let's face it, however seriously photograph). we take our cherished hobby ) Meccano is a 'fun' product one that provides enjoyment, The Motors are made by Gebr le, and Marklin Cie GMBH for Meccano Limited, for sale only in UK and modern world, it appeals to countries outside Europe. well as boys. The new In addition to new shoots the message home the existing 1.5—4.5 volt DC Motor at a glance. NEW MOTORS The big news, as far as the enthusi- ast is concerned, is that two power- ful new Electric Motors have been introduced to the system. Available as separate-sale access- 7 introduced last year in the Multikit Crane-Building Set, is now available for separate sale, identified as N9 11053 Junior Power Drive Motor Mk2. With a remarkably high power-to-size ratio, the Motor has already proved itself for ones both year. Bright, attract- motors, operatin units are have been produced AC, or 14 from volts universal driving smaller models, and the 16 volts separate-sale demand for it from DC. The modellers has been considerable. 1977 JANUARY i ABOVE: The new look for Plastic Mec- cano. Note the use of •Prima* Wheels the new Flexible Plates, and the Flanged Disc. LEFT: The new Mec- cano Motors manu- factured by Mark I in. At the far left is the reversing switch that is supplied with the EU1072 Motor which NEW PLASTIC MECCANO Plastic Meccano has been complete- revised for 1977. Following a 'big pieces for little hands* theme the ? com been re- collated into a whole new range of versatile outfits. In addition to all the existing parts, some valuable new have been introduced, Flexible Plate similar material to the of metal Meccano system's Plastic Plates, different-sized Flanged which greatly increase and two of assembled models. (See photograph.) As with metal Meccano, new > Plastic Meccano is a 'progressive* system consisting of three main Outfits, Set N9 Set N9 5 and Set N9 each set progressively larger than the one before it. Two Sets are , and the former converting Set 1 into Set 2, and the latter, Set 2 into Set 3. Outside the progressive system, there is a new Play Pack, designed to introduce boys and girls to the pleasures of Plastic Meccano model- ling, and the two accessory packs of Nuts and Bolts, and the Track Pack for fitting crawler tracks to appro- priate models remain in the system. The new Plastic Meccano Outfits are packed in up-to-date boxes with full -colour photo -illustrations of children with models. Further details of the new Meccano is seen in the centre products, of the picture. To the innovations news of interesting by other toy and right is the Euio7i t hobby manufacturers will appear in which has a buiit-in a review of the Toy Fair in the next edition of Meccano Magazine, reversing switch. 5 THERE IS NO MISTAKING the BERT MODEL rugged outlines of the Oceangoing Tugboat in Figs.l&2. This model was designed to comp- lement the N? 10 Set Cargo /Pas- [Special Leaflet] , and it. cales quite nicely » Construction is straightforward and should be evident from the photographs. HULL Start by building an identical pair of sides from Flexible Plates and Perforated Strips as seen in Figs.l &2« Working from the tug's stem (pointed end), a 5V4"X 2V4"Flexible Plate is bolted to a 5Vi"X ^"Flex- ible Plate, the reduction in depth being tapered by a 2 1 / 2 "X IY2" Tri- angular Flexible Plate as shown in Fig.l. At waterline level, a 12 1 /i"Strip is overlaid three holes on to the 5H"X 2Vi"Plate » extends to the rear as part of the stern (blunt end). A second 12% "Strip is similarly at- tached to the tug's side at deck level but, where this is placed three holes forward on the bow platin is also overlaid with a SMi "Strip in a curve has shaping the curvature the bow plate. This Strip is stood off by a Washer at its point, and by an Obtuse Angle Bracket at the stem where the bow plates join. As such, it forms a rubbing strake when the tug is engaged in the pushing ahead mode. second 5WStrip, also gently curved, runs round from the top of the Triangular Plate to the peak of 6 1977 . the stem at a risin secured Bracket an > is of the funnel, are used to secure it another Obtuse Angle to the Flanged Plate in the position one hole from the shown. peak by Fishplates, The remaining gap in the stern side plating is filled A heavy-duty towing hook is by a third 5%* 'Strip and a 2W 9 X 1V4" made Double by ecunn An the Bracket 1"XV4" to the Flexible Plate. Final rounding of Flanged Plate, just abaft (to the the stern section is left decking and superstructure the are completed. DECK AND SUPERSTRUCTURE Start by setting two 3 4"Bolts on the rear end of the each sid e 5VS"X 2V6"Flan Plate ed holes in. secured by one Nut each. > on top Bolts are rear of) the funnel, using one Nut and Bolt. Attach the large Loaded Hook, using a l"Axle Rod, one Washer and one Spring Clip in the second holes of the Double Bracket. In the finished model, a Hank of Meccano Cord simulates the hemp towing 'spring' used by tugs to take out the 'snatch' in a wire hawser Place a 4VS"X2VS" Flexible Plate when taking up the tow over the end of a Flaneed in Fig.2 The Plate, and pass the %"Bolt previously mentioned through the lapped Plates as shown in all four illustrations, A second Nut should first be put on the Bolt shanks be- fore making this joint, so that the Sector Plate is spaced exactly the depth of the flange below the sur- face of the Flanged Plate. A Nut then secures the assembly. shows the 'sprin 'spring' is made from left-over Cord after the anchor cables have been produced (see below). Forward deck plating is continu- ed on each Angle Strips bolted to the forward end of the Flanged Plate act as vertical supports for the bridge deck, and securing points for next piece of main decking. At this stage, the decking can be joined to the partially-finished hull. Side flanges on the Sector Plate are bolted directly to the ship's side and an internal Flat Trunnion on each side helps to secure the hull Strips together, just at the point half-way along each Sector Plate. The of each Sector Plate is also secured to the side Strips, but a Fishplate is sandwich- ed here by its round hole and tilted a fourth slightly forward to 5Vi"Strip to be bolted to the Tri- angular Flexible Plate as thus continuing the shelter from the bow section. Slight tapering of the tug's stern is formed by the angles of the Plates, and these are set for critical spacing by the towing beam mounted across the stern. Two \ >> Reversed Angle Brackets form the supports, and the beam itself is a 3Vfc"Strip. This carries a second 3V4" Strip at its centre which, in turn, runs forward to be attached to the rear top centre hole of the Flanged Plate. In this position, it provides bracing for the towing beam, and a ridge for the engine room venti- lation hatch. 2 V6" □ Transparent Flexible Plate the ows, and this is curved as shown, and trapped by a pair of 3V4 "Axle Rods secured by Spring Clips under Flanged Plate, and set into Angle Brackets under the towing beam shown clearly in Fig.3. A third Angle Bracket under the centre of the beam holds a 2 V4 "Step- ped Curved Strip lodged between the ends of the Sector Plate flanges to act as an end filling for the engine room hatch (see Fig.3) ■ Stern 2V4 >f IS m a Semi-Circular Plate at each a 2 1 /2"DFIex- side, secured by Angle Brackets to ible Plate, using its slotted holes to the tug's side, and Formed Slotted are bolted under the 12W* of the hull to outline the ive an inwards taper, and this can be clearly seen in the underneath view of Fig.4. A pair of Double stern plating. This is completed by Make the funnel next m one 2Vi"D Flexible Plate, one Curved 2 1 / 2 "D Shaped , and one UJ '- Flexible Plate. Construc- tion is clear from Figs,l&2. A modern-style cowling to the diesel funnel is provided by a pair of 2 1 /6"DBlue Plastic Plates, curved in- side the funnel and set up at the shown. It is important to use for firm construction and appearance. One Angle Bracket inside the funnel at the rear, and a second at the front, but with its long lug slid forward under the base 7 lapping a pair of 2V2 "X 1 Va "Blue 2% ?? Flat Plate forming bridge Multi-Purpose Gear Wheels Plastic Plates over the existing 2VS" deck as shown in Figs.l & 5. A third ed on a 2 "Axle Rod passed through X 1 ^"Flexible Plates bolted to the 2y 2 "Strip traps a 2 1 / 2 "Xl 1 / 2 "Trans- another Right-Angle Rod and Strip side Strips. The central stern gap is filled by the bridge windbreak parent Plastic Plate in place to form Connector, which is in turn bolted to one lug of a W y X ^"Double a Bush Wheel as shown in Fig.3, The mast is made from a 4 "Axle Bracket fixed three holes back from but the construction seen in the Rod extended via a Rod Connector the front end of the 4 1 / 2 "Flat Plate, underneath view of Fie.4 shows the by a "Axle Rod. A V^'X y 2 "Double Washers are placed on the 2"Axle alternative use of the small Flanged Bracket is Plate for this purpose. Stern Decking is com over the of Rod to ensure free movement of by the mast and rests on the Rod Con- the Multi-Purpose Gears nector, where it is locked in place About 500mm of Meccano Cord folding a W y lip at right-angles on a by the Bolt shank holding a Right- is plaited-up to simulate the anchor 2WD Flexible Plate, This can easily Angle Rod and by first trapping the Plate tightly pressed against the 2"Rod. be between a pair of Girders or Strips by means of Nuts and Bolts. Secure Connector cables, and secured as shown in the underneath view of Fig .4. The fro nt Bolt a Bush Wheel under the remainder of the Cord is made-up end of the Flanged Plate into a hank use as the towing two this Plate to the upper pair of carrying the funnel, Formed Slotted Strips, and overlay holes farther forward with a 2V2"Strip. Bolt the third- bridge decking centrally to the two by a W'Angle Bracket in the centre spring* previously mentioned, is fitted in the bow holes-in from the bend in the Plate vertical 1%"X ^"Double to the fourth holes of the Semi- Angle of the 2 1 / 2 "Curved Strip at that previously mounted on the position. The staff is a l x / 2 "Rod fit- Circular Plates, at the same time front end of the Flanged Plate, and ted with a Cord Anchoring Spring, L / 2 "Angle as then pass the mast shown in Fig.3 for the purpose of the bridge and secure it in the Bush nector. through and a normal Rod and Strip Con holding the Axle Rods which the engine room hatch in place. V^'Bolt, and two 3 4"Washers sand- Wheel below. If the small Flanged Additional details can be added Plate has been used for the stern by lashing the 1 "Flexible Rings on ating, a second Bush Wheel is the stem of the tug, to act as wiching the V& "Plastic Pulley make available for bolting to the mast fenders the rear capstan . > and the just the bridge decking for laced to the ship's can for FO'C'S'LE DECKING Continue the forward deck plating as shown in the general views, with reference to Fig.4. Note that 2V 2 "X lV 2 "Double Angle Strips additional stability. Meccano Cord ditional fenders, although this would reduce the ocean-going scale somewhat. Alternative- 1 "Pulleys and Tyres could are used as bracing for the fo'c's'le decking at four points underneath. stays for the yard-arm, which is a 3V 2 "Axle Rod fixed in the Right- Angle Rod Connector. be employed below, with a few ad- Fig,5 shows the cable winches on ditional parts, to make it a push- the fo'c's'le, and these are two along model. 4 1 / 2 "X2 1 / 2 "Flat Plate runs centrally to and at its the bow plates, end it is fitted 2 1 / 2 "Stepped Curved Strip Nuts and Bolts carryin 2 ^"Strips at either side, running inside the bow plates and close to them. Fig. 2 shows their position and that of the other pair of Triangular Flexible Plates in the N9 5 Meccano Set, bolted to the outside corners of the two 2y 2 "D Flexible Plates, and trapped by the forward pair of 2V 2 "Double Angle Strips as clearly illustrated in Fig,4. is The 2 1 / 2 "Strip fo'c's'le decking is completed by a pair of 2 ^"Strips bolted in the gap between the Triangular the 4V 2 "Flat Plate. A 3 / 8 "Bolt holds in place, but also secures a 1" loose Pulley on the deck on each side of the fo'c's'le to act as accommo- dation hatches. Some patience and a firm grip is required to marry-up the curvature of the bow plating and the fo'c's'le decking, but the two forward 2y 2 "Double Angle to the middle hole of the bow plates and the central holes of the 4y 2 "Flat Plate will assist this part of the assembly. BRIDGE AND DECK FITTINGS Two 2y 2 "Strips and two 2V 2 "Double Angle Strips form the bridge screen, and these are bolted to the 4WX 1977 JANUARY ^ ■V>j ■i 'S m* --*., Meccano Magazine 18 Reading Road Henley-on-Thames Oxfordshire RG9 1AG f England NEW PARTS, TRUE PARTS, AND PARTS FROM FOREIGN PARTS From Or Kolth Cameron Dear Mike and Paul: I have just received the first newsletter of the Southern California Meccano Club, of which I am proud to be a member - al- though I am not much nearer them than Henley-on-Thames! Here again is an ex- ample of the value to the Meccano en- thusiast of communication. People speak (with some truth) of the 1930s as the 'halcyon years' of Meccano . But I do not remember then such a wealth of infor- mation available so widely, read so avidly, a] b] c] They are cheap to produce, yet goo d -loo kin g r not cheap -loo kin g . are quiet. They have quite accurate involute design. I must respect this opinion, but he is welcome to keep it* Not all the world is fortunate enough to live in England where one can run down to the corner store and buy genuine Liverpool Meccano parts j or write and have them delivered within a few days; or know a nearby Mec- cano enthusiast who has the parts and will be willing to lend them until the shop receives a delivery. I live in the Los Angeles basin, and the nearest shop carrying Meccano parts is in Palo Alto near San Francisco - a day's drive each way. I could order from England and receive the parts two years later (which has happened in this area), or I could make do with the Meccano that I have on hand when is Meccano not Meccano 4 'When Meccano is not made in Liverpool". Therefore, I maintain that Mr Hal lid ay is welcome to his opinion, but it cannot be one to which 1 subscribe, as it is much too narrow to fit facts. His purism is commendable and as such should be encouraged, but it is a luxury that not all model builders are able to follow. Clyde Suttle 6062 Cerulean Avenue Garden Grove California 92645 USA The im-purist can modify them and end U P with a sun-and -planet like easily. (They positively throw temp- tation at you in this respect, and all Watt's steam engine, or I could use any part that was handy, such as Erector sorts of interesting possibilities have Marklin, Stokys, Trix, American Model occurred to me, but I restrain my- self for obvious reasons!) Builder, or Structo that would fit the need. Meccano 'purism' of the Halliday e] They offer insulation to the l YP Q is a luxury practiceable only for a electrical builder. One disadvantage: Fixture of the P82 to a Bush Wheel leaves a rim higher than the few in this country, Mr Halliday's statement ".^Marklin is a descendant of Meccano but it's not prepared with such erudition, illustrated valleys between the teeth, thus causing Meccano now ."" brings up two questions so fully, written so concisely, and bring* ing information to so many, I speak particularly of the Meccano Engineer, but the personal letters and newsletters also ensure an ever heightening interest that would inevitably lag in my isolation. I was amused to read one of Adrian Ash ford's Parts suggestions 49 of some problems, especially if sliding side- ways is to be allowed. This can be over- come by using a specially -lathed Bush Wheel of 32mm diameter, or an Elektrikit [1"] Bush Wheel (in which case, the holes are non-standard spacing and are very near the centre hole). I would suggest therefore, a new set in my mind: i] 2] When is Meccano Meccano? When is Meccano not Meccano? I have a complete 1914 Meccano Set N°4 and I made a comparison with the current Meccano system and the current Marklin system. The 1914 set is the one that the Marklin Brothers bought out in Germany. ME12], ie, the Skiameter Hub Disc. of Gears, based on the Plastic ones now Both s y stem s have retained certain parts Dare I (Oh! f dare I) draw attention to the despised Marklin #10395 which is 95mm in diameter, and (except for the groove) makes an excellent 'Hub Disc 1 , If Marklin parts #10914 (Multi -Purpose Gear), and #11787 (Cam) became 're- spectable' Meccano parts without any fanfare, fuss, flummery or folderol, why cannot part #10395 be introduced available, with facilities for fitting them to standard parts such as Bush Wheels, and with slightly different sizing to make them adaptable to Meccano spacing when meshing, and with the addition of a ring, to be slipped over the Hub Disc. (Of course, I originally got the idea of my plastic ring from the Marklin #10992 (Zahnkranz), but I wouldn't mention and have deviated in other parts. Both are mature construction systems with many excellent features, even though both have diverged from each other in other features. Even identical twins separate and diverge as they mature, Marklin is not Liverpool Meccano I agree with Mr Halliday on that, but that it is not Mec- cano is a different matter. We have Meccano on the market made officially into the system, 'as is', com- thatl By the way - the Meccano plastic plete with 16 holes in the outer circum rings that I have made for the Hub Disc H? different countries under license by ference, and let Meccano drill 16 holes (as suggested by Adrian) in Part 146a to match, and thus allow fixing of sixteen spokes? Amen, So be it. I have spoken. May I be forgiven, Oh Spirit of Frank in appearance. Hornby ! are far and away superior to the Marklin system of Gear Rings (#11)918 - 10992) retaining the involute design, accurate positive mesh, quiet, strong, and realistic firms with a name other than Meccano. These parts and sets seem to be perfectly acceptable as Meccano, so the name of the firm does not seem to be a criterion. In my collection of metal construction Regarding large gears again in I have many more ideas (for ex- sets, I have a set identical with the Mec- reference to Adrian's seminal suggestions - I have the following reservations: a) Gear wheels larger than ZW would . have too limited a sale to be profit- able to Meccano Ltd, and would thus come under the same ban as the ill-fated 167. Gear wheels larger than ZVz* with standard teeth would have to be made with more precision (eg, no ample, what about Rack Strips in various tooth meshes?) but must get back to my [1973 July], with one exception doctoring. As ever Keith, MJ the name of the set, - and I am enclosing a accompanies b] Homeplace Clinic Ary Kentucky USA From Or Clyde Suttle Dear Mike When my copy of ME J 2 arrived, I auto set to let you note this exception. These sets were not too common, but at least they prove that Meccano can be Meccano even when it is not Meccano! I am quite sure however, that Mr Halliday r s answer to my first question - when is Meccano Meccano - would be, From J A Fuller Dear Sirs Further to Adrian Ashford's letter and your comments thereon in ME 12. 1 agree that a smaller-diameter Circular Girder would be useful, and that the Nar- row Strip range could be extended, but a more pressing need seems to be a properly-proportioned Road Wheel — cheaper than private venture low-profile tyres. Perhaps a moulded plastic outer wheel to be bolted to, say, a Bush Wheel would be an answer. On a more personal note, I find it al- most impossible to construct a true roller bearing (for the top of a crane tower). The best I could manage was a 168a [Ball Race Flanged Disc] as an inner race, and for the outer race, a 143 [Circular Girder] with fourteen % "Flanged Wheels as rol- ling elements spaced by 114 "St rips as cage members* The bearing axis of course was vertical, and the rollers ran on the lips of their flanges. The whole was a bit sloppy, but could be improved by sticking some self-adhesive tape inside the Circular Gird* er flange to reduce clearance. Another way is with packs of 4"dia Circular Plates and Circular Strips as races with Cone Pulleys as rolling elements, but the narrow contact area is not ideal. Introducing a plain roller of similar diameter would solve the problem. It could be made of plastic, with boss, and about 9.5mm across the face. This would fill a noticeable gap, as there is no true roller between the Adaptor for Screwed Rod and the Wheel Flange. In some situations, flanges and sharp rims are embarrassing, and if we do get a smaller-diameter Circular Girder, perhaps someone would keep in mind this roller bearing point and make the inner dia- meter capable of running with, say f a Face Plate as inner race and & "Pulleys as rollers, I am not sure about filling in the gaps at the upper ends of Strip and Angle Girder ranges, as I feel that it would accent icity whatsoever) than is at matically turned to the 'Opinion' section M When Meccano is made in Liverpool", reduce the sales of shorter lengths with present the Liverpool standard c] Larger gear wheels therefore might (as Adrian suggested) benefit from sharing mesh design with the Large -Tooth Quadrant and thus be additions to a new system of gearing. They would however, be relative* ly heavy and clumsy. d] Large gear wheels of excellent design are already available in 3 sizes in Plastic Meccano. The range is limited and their use is made space-con- suming by the shoulder^and-coUet nut but I have modified Plastic Gears to adapt them to sweet*running and powerful drive mechanisms, with the con- struction also of a gear ring to slip over a Hub Disc. I would suggest that here lies one solution. If Meccano France has modified the Plastic Road Wheel, surely Meccano could modify their Plastic Gear Wheels by selling them without the shoulder. They should (or could) still retain their 9,5mm centre hole in which a boss of a Wheel Disc could be inserted, another Wheel Disc (boss out) being fitted on the other side of the Gear. Special holes would have to be provided for fixing the Gear to the Wheel Disc, The larger Gear [P80] could be provided with a different centre con- struction with some open space to allow its use as a differential and for other purposes. To the despisers of plastic, I would say that these Gears offer several advan- tages: and read H J (Bert) Halliday 's opinion. and his answer to the second question out increasing the overall sales. (TRADE MARK REG. U S- PAT. OFF.) MANUAL OF INSTRUCTIONS FOR No. 1 OUTFIT This outfit wtti build scores of other fine models in addition to those illustrated* There is no limit! M1351 mted in U.SA- ■■ ■* *- «*.*•■.■* !■■ Is Meccano not Meccano even when it is Meccano?. . See the letter from Dr Clyde Suttle, above 9 NO! a 12-tooth Bevel to mate with the existing 48 -tooth Bevel is fundamen- tally unsound since mating cone angles, numbers of teeth , and diametral pitch are interrelated. It would be more practicable to introduce a 60 -tooth Contrate. This would be drilled, for maximum versatility, with 1 2 holes ! This leads on to the obvious thought of how alternative or extra drillings could improve existing parts. May I suggest a Plate (say, 3V4 M X1!0 drilled with holes at W* pitch for the more complex gear- moment, and doggedly use the lot! Almost as soon as I unpacked my first Meccano set (a N?8), I accidentally stum- bled on my most useful 'extra' tool. Somehow my 36b got itself magnetized, and I now use it No doubt one could go on for ever, that an infinite is a but one has to variety of diction in terms, and can never be achieved, even if it was really desirable! To conclude, I must unfortunately censure Meccano Ltd for reducing the versatility of Threaded Pins by these current under-Rod-sized diameters. No longer will Rod and Strip Connectors, Clips, etc, function properly; and why can't we have Angle Girders at true The (specially labelled to distinguish it from other, non- magnetized p Screwdrivers) to retrieve those annoyingly elusive Nuts f Bolts, and Washers which fall down into inaccessible places. I also use it to hold Grub Screws, and guide them into gearboxes to se- cure Wheels and Pinions. So far I haven't read about anyone using this device, but it surely must be widely known. The only tool with which I cannot get on, and I'm prepared to believe that it's my ignorance or awkwardness, is the 34b Box Spanner. However 1 hold it, the Nut falls out causing more frustration than fiddling about with my fingers, Perhaps someone would care to instruct me? 1 Having said all this, I should add that much the criticism levelled at the traditional tools as made today is by no means unjustified, but, in my judgement, right-angles any more? The ones a ll that it needs is Meccano Ltd to spend produced for some years now are bent at a little more care {and expense) making about 92 which is an infernal nuisance! Primus Clockwork Motor. See the letter from R Watson. I do not know if these comments will be of value, but at least I have got them clean out of my system. the tools more snug-fitting and durable, bracing when an ordinary 3 "'Strip will Yours faithfully J A Fuller r 27 Allesley Hall Drive Coventry England. From D J Faux Thoughts on Strips: Meccano Strips have several distinct uses, the main ones being, as I see them, working pieces, strengthened, packers, and decorative pieces. Meccano Ltd have supplied us with a good variety of Strip sizes. I am not one of those who would advocate the pro* duct ion of such potentially small -runners IS 4", 5", or even 6W or 1014" let someone make out a case for the large- scale use of these items if he can! Nor do I see the necessity - although I appreci- ate the curiosity value - of the lSVa" and 24V£ M bendy monsters turned out occ- asionally by our good friends in Argen- tina, Only the way out fanatic or non- building collector is going to stock them! Nevertheless, the usually undemanding, easy-going model builder like myself has wants. One his occasional wishes thing that hurts me most painfully is the sight of the mutilated 2 "Strip, which for years now has appeared gored through the middle. This little bit of surgery, which was a fine idea to meet the in- frequent need for a midpoint journal hole, has unalterably disfigured the piece in my eyes, and it languishes in fair numbers in one corner of my storage box, from where I seldom summon it forth. Not only are its strengthening properties sadly lessened by the extra hole, but as a decor* ative piece it fails miserably, liable to stick out like a sore thumb on any model! 1 was fascinated, though a little saddened, by the new -look 214 "Strips il- lustrated in the October 1976 MMQ, It is a pity that well loved shapes have to change to satisfy production needs, but I applaud any cost saving to the Company. The problem is, for a good while they will look different from ^ our other Strips, subtly altering the decorative qualities about which I was talking. Nevertheless, we might gain on the swings, because when Meccano Ltd eventually tool-up for new-style 2 "Strips, they may listen to my plea for a 4 -hole instead of the 5 -hole variety, to restore the Strip range to its former pristine beauty. Meanwhile, does anyone feel like making some old-fashioned 2 "Strips to please me? Thoughts on tools : All sorts of experienced model-makers have contributed to the columns of the various magazines hitherto available for the Meccano enthusiast, and the subject of tools has often been aired. From what I read, very few of the hardy 'profession- als 1 pick up a standard Meccano Spanner or wield a 36 or even a 36a or b! Most of them wouldn't be seen dead with the Super Tool Set cluttering up their tool box, but I'm still a dumb purist at the rather than churning out thousands of easily mangled units, * 39 Fairmeadow D J Faux Winslow Buckingham MK18 3JB 1 The Box Spanner's usefulness can be ex- tended by lengthening Its slot right out to the end — rather In the manner of the Super Tool Set Nut Holder —and slightly bending in the two parts of the 'fork* so formed. This en- ables a Nut to be gripped and carried Into place on the Bolt, after which the Spanner can be withdrawn. This idea was shown to me by Niels Gottlob during a recent visit, 2 To give Meccano Ltd their due, they are primarily In business to sell the Meccano system as a toy — If they did not take this attitude, they would perish — and, whilst re- specting the feelings of adult enthusiasts (as few, If any, other 'hobby manufacturers' care to do) they must be aware that engineering- standard tools are available from other sources for those who find the 'toy tools* unacceptable, Ed not quite fit. Now for some suggestions of my own : 1] A transverse Rod sized hole in the Threaded Boss [Part 64], This would enable this part to be used as a substitute for parts 136 and 136a [Handrail Sup- port and Coupling] as well as for some uses of the Threaded Coupling, 2] A Right -Angle Rod and Strip Con- - rather like Part 213a, but nector with its two arms rotated to form a T, These two arms in line would be short - formed on the ened and the opposite side from those on the long arm. This would enable one Rod to pass to the rear of another to form a cross. The part would be useful for many purposes in a small outfit, and a handy substitute for couplings, etc in a medium-sized one. A limited system using 9.5mm diam* eter Rods. These would be the same size as an ordinary boss and therefore com- patible with a number of existing parts. Each large Rod would be drilled, say, for From r watson W* at each end to take a standard Rod I have just received the very interesting and tapped to take a Grub Screw, The ME J 2 and would like to make a few shortest could be drilled right through, comments, Mr Love's article on Part 167 seems to explain the curious design of Part 168 its horizontal chain drive and 73 teeth. 1 It was apparently intended to mesh as a gear with a T'Sprocket. Un- fortunately, when there is a real load to shift, the poor tooth shape causes trouble. One must congratulate Mr Love for getting Meccano Ltd to make the tools for the more useful Large-Tooth Quad- rant when they could have had a supply of the old 167 stamped out. Suggestions for new parts are always interesting, but I doubt if extra Strips and Flexible Plates are of great value. Only rarely will compound parts be really un satisfactory. Fussy people can always get to work with a hacksaw and file, 6 IP and 614 "Strips have already an ephemeral existence so could well be sold. The suggestion for a 12-tooth Wheel to mesh with the existing 48 -tooth Wheel would no doubt work well enough for most purposes but is shocking engineering! and should not occur in a system intended to be of educational value (the shafts would be at 85*). A smaller Hub Disc well be Four Rods would probably suffice, together with a Washer, a Collar, a Bush Wheel, and a 'Bearing Plate 1 . The latter would be a IVTstrip of 16SWG steel, with a lateral bulge in the middle to ac* commodate the 9.5mm diameter hole. Such a part would have other uses, eg, as a cage for a Ball [Part 168d], These heavy-huty Rods would solve many of the problems encountered with large models. 2 I particularly endorse Mr Ashford's suggestion for a 2"Narrow Strip (which must appear soon) and the longer Pivot Bolts (I use a Long Threaded Pin rather than a Bolt as substitute at present). Finally, on a different subject, I en- close a photograph of a Primus Clock- Work Motor which I acquired recently (in pieces), Two bits are missing, but I hope to get substitutes and get it going again. The spring fits in the [red] circular box, and the gearing is between the nickeled sideplates, which are closer together than those of Meccano Motors. A feature of considerable interest is that the holes appear to be made to suit 5 / 3 2 " diameter -not8swo, A check on other 111mm in diameter to form as 'Ring Frame' when using Hub Discs as races. Part 168a [Ball Race Flanged Disc] (per- haps doubled) serves most of the uses of a 3V& "diameter part. A Circular Strip of this size would, I am sure, have many interesting uses. Extra holes in the large circular parts would be valuable. I would put them at 15° intervals rather than 22!4 C . 32 holes round the circumference of Part 167b would be particularly useful, not for the people wanting to use 32 rollers in Part 167, but to enable one to bolt the relatively common 5Vi "X2V& "Flexible Plates around the outside, instead of the rarer 4J4"X214". A centre-holed 3" Strip is now available - part 215a from Argen* tina, and very useful it is. It is a little longer than 3" and so can be used for Primus parts showed that they had slight- ly larger holes, but rather smaller than Meccano holes of the same vintage. The presence of the appropriate size of drill suggested that the bosses of my Primus Wheels have been drilled out to Meccano Size, I would like to hear the comments of more serious collectors on this point- 3 Yours sincerely R Watson 24 South Drive Manchester M21 2DY England i This wis not Implied In Bert Love's article, nor does it necessarily follow. 2 See ME 7 1978 pi 22. 3 I have seen many Primus Flanged Wheels with oversized boss holes that have been fit- ted with a rather crude sleeve to reduce the dia- meter of the bore. This could have been a modi- fication as you suggest, but they have come from too many sources to have all been the work of a single 'mutilator*. Ed From Mike Pashley . Dear Mike, In answer to your request to hear from readers on their views re new Meccano parts [ME 12] as mentioned by Adrian Ash ford, Adrian mentioned a large Gear Wheel of about 6" diameter, I would say 4 l /£ ,f and SW, as in this day of super models of cranes and excavators, the 3% "Gear severely limits the scale of the model with regard to machinery layout. The Narrow Fishplate and Angle Bracket would definitely be useful. My own modification suggestion concerns the 20-tooth Plastic Sprocket, The Nut and collet means of fastening to a Coupling is far too bulky when used on metal Meccano models, so could not the part be made alternatively without the boss? Six or eight holes in the web would then enable the ensuing part to be bolted to a Bush Wheel or Gear. Thanking you M Pashley 10 Nether Avenue Killamarsh Sheffield England PRESERVING THE CONTINUITY From Alan Dlmmock Dear Mike, I was very pleased to see from the October MMQ that you are taking on the job of producing the official MM. The merger of all three magazines into one is not unex- pected and I look forward very much to seeing the January issue in due course. In order to preserve continuity p I hope you will carry on with the Meccano Maga- zine numbering, ie, Vol 62 N° 1 for the January 1977 edition, {I think the long- evity of the journal is something of which to be proud); 1 I'm also pleased to note that 'Dinky Toys News' will continue to be included; 1 new Mogul and other Mec- cano products should also be mentioned I feel - the MMQ didn't always have space to include every new item (Sovereign Figures, for instance). From the col- lector's point of view, the MM has been of enormous benefit in helping to date products (as I am sure you know), but in recent years the coverage has not been complete. 3 May I wish you every success, and hope that the eventual aim of a return to monthly publication will not take too long to accomplish . Yours sincerely, Alan Dimmock 'Ravello' 1 a Oak View Neath West Glamorgan, SA10 8LO England The new team agree wholeheartedly! Dinky Toys News does not appear In this edition, due to the lack of news! There will however, be at least a page In the April edition, 3 We hope to provide complete coverage of ALL meccano products, as was our pol- icy in Meccano Engineer Ed 1 2 MECCANO LOCOMOTIVE CLUB? From J N Broadley Sir, Ver much I am liking to read your maga- zine and verpleased concerning new editorial board and improved content, » 10 1977 JANUARY - How much good is Mr R Ford's beauti fulBeyer-Garratt, 1 and both the French and British editions of Meccano Magazine. He also collected I am so content that willingly will be- the publications and photocopies of the come nucleus of speziale Meccano Club Meccanornan's Club, and in 1972, he was for locomotive builders using standard one of the first Frenchmen to make the Meccano parts. Once in York MPD have I 'pilgrimage' to MW Models in Henley -on seeing this engine and know quite well Thames, England. Mr Ford's intense skill gerepresented here. Please all you builders of railway en- gines in Meccano to correspond to me He was interested in the adaptation to A CHALLENGE From Colin Noire Dear Mike & Paul t I would like to give some support to your Maltese correspondent Mr John Dimech 1 and his suggestion that a group of photo- graphs of a selected model be published the Meccano system of motors electrical accessories from other and con- MORE ON THE GRB From All HIndmirift Dear Viewpoint, After reading the article 'Birth of a Turn- table* in ME 12, 1 feel that there are some points worth mentioning. The first time the Geared Roller Bear- in the Magazine, with a view to giving ing was introduced to Meccano Magazine other constructors, particularly the over- readers was in the issue for June 1928 on with at least a photograph of your model structional systems, and he communi- large enough to show the scale which Mr cated his findings and suggestions to his Ford does understand verwell clearly many friends. seas members of this fraternity, an op- portunity to have a try at recreating the model themselves. Mind you, the 4 to 8 Sets that he advocates is a bit N!lO optimum, Compared with the Baltic tank of as the contacts Adrian Ashford what awful travelsty is his Raymond will long be remembered, excessive in my opinion - in point of fact, my major criticism of Modelplan58 friends are amongst maintained. Automatic Elevator' is the excessive Schools (?) Class engine from Nummer 10 Paul Belgodere Instruction Book* Best Wishes to Meccano Magazine from 56 Rue Monge number of Elektrikit parts, many of 75005 Paris which, the average constructor would France J N Broadley Kalmoesstraat 181 Zeivenhuizen Apeldoorn Neder lands i MMQ 13?e October pi 12 POSSIBLE PUBLICATIONS From Brian Williams Dear Editors: On the heels of your success with 'The Life Story of Meccano', and amid rumours of reprints of the SMls, I'd like to sug- gest a publishing venture that occurred to me some years ago: the reprinting of just the Meccano items in the old MMs, This could be done on a chronological basis, I think that this would be a great success especially among overseas en- thusiasts with very limited access to genuine literature. Even people with a complete collection of MMs would probably like to have a 'working copy 1 of the Meccano items, Offset lithography of many copies be a lot cheaper and of higher quality than the photocopies and I shouldn't have and now, to mention the advantage re the price de- manded for original MMs today ! Might I suggest a chronological basis, 20 or so pages at a time, every 2-3 months, with people 'subscribing 1 to the reprints. Perhaps it would be worth mentioning the idea in the Meccano Magazine to gauge the response. Yours sincerely Brian Williams 80 Kennedy Street West Aurora Ontario Canada L4G2L5 RAYMOND FRANCEUSE On p45 of last Septembers edition of Meccano Engineer, we had the sad task of reporting the death of the French enthusiast Raymond Franceusc. Our rather tiurredly-produced obituary contained little Information regarding Raymond's Meccano activities, and no photo- graph. To set the record straight* we arc In- debted to PAUL BELGODERE for the fol- lowing letter and accompanying photograph. I have translated Paul's letter myself, and I apologize for any slight Inaccuracies due to my rather limited French, Ed THE ALL-INONE From Claire Voyant Dear Mike & Paul. ANSWER? 1976 October 3 never use again in the quantities required to build this model. To return to the original theme how- ever, I would even like to suggest a title for such a model, ie, one described in photographs exclusively (unless a wiring page 522 in the accessory parts list. The other 'new* parts 168 [Ball Thrust Race] and 169 [Digger Bucket] were also listed. I wonder what visions the en- thusiasts of the day conjured up whilst waiting to see the illustrations! The first production Geared Roller Bearings were different to the later ones, as the Flanged Wheels had larger rims ( '3 2") j anc ^ ^ e roller races had deeper dishing ur plated teeth. on the outside). Early were grey with nickel- Geoff Wright inherited GMM's Meccano* diagram is essential), to wit: man's Journal; with some misgivings I should imagine. Then MJ41 appeared (I haven't seen an MJ42) 1 , which showed a MECCANO CHALLENGE Personally, I don't think a list of parts would be necessary, although I would t tremendous advance in the standard of appreciate being advised if a large number presentation and general quality over pre- of less -frequently -used parts is essential vious issues. for the completion of the model. There are certainly plenty of good models, the construction of which I would like to attempt. In the July MMQ r for example, there were at least three Now you are producing the ME t and every issue is an improvement on its pre- decessor in nearly every respect: size, quality of paper, print, photos, copy, lay- out, editing of material sent in for, say, models that caught my eye which were 'Viewpoint 9 (I refer to 'How to Make a on display at the Ciitheroe show, that Maltese Cross' June -September 1976), could be reproduced if sufficient photo* use of small sketches, vignettes, etc, to head the various items humourously graphs were available. No matter what you decide with and aptly, width of coverage, overseas respect to this subject, keep up your news high efforts, believe me, they are appreciated by Meccano enthusiasts throughout the world . Best wishes, Your's sincerely Colin G D Hoare 108 Devon Road Beaconsfield P Q H9W 4K8 Canada standard of journalism and writing, correct English usage, minimal occurrence of errors, then only small ones. I find it hard to speak too gloriously in praise of ME and its progress from Septembers 1973, and this brings me to my main point. There is now no need for prolonging the life of the JWJ. Its scope is more and more being covered by the ME and the later issues of MMQ. Here is an opportun- ity to unlumber your editorial staff of Large, but still simple Picture of 1929 Erector No, 12 Set model 1 a. ■ m. m. ■ How about tackling Erie Tiylor's shown elsewhere In this edition? 1 ME 12 1976 September p50 Tri ctor Ed On 21st October 1940, the day that purchase tax came into operation, I see that the 167 had increased in price to 22/6 (27/6 with PT). On January 1941 it was further increased to 24/- (30/- with PT) t and on the last list I have, it had increased to 30/9 (37/6 with P T). Illustrations of the Giant Block-Set- ting Crane appeared on the front cover of the 1928 'Book of New Models' showing the original Roller , this was also illustrated in the Meccano Magazine during 1928, namely, on pl72 of the February edition; p258 of the March edition; p348 of the April edition; and on p438 of the May. In the 'Meccano Book of Engineering', there is an illustration of the Giant Block - Setter showing the original GRB on pi 6, as well as p20 f but on pl7 f the Block- Setter appears in a similar pose but show- ing the production GRB! The Giant Dragline is illustrated on pi 3, also show- ing a production GRB fitted. Yours sincerely, Alf Hindmarsh . 2 Archer Street off Portland Street Lincoln England a spread burden, to disengage your selves from what could almost be dupli- cation or repetition. It would not surprise me if the ME became the definitive, officially-recog- nized journal of the Meccano scene, and Binns Road were to hand your magazine the accolade of being the 'house journal'. I can only guess that your readership is world-wide, and that this is reflected in the number of copies printed. Congratulations & good wishes! Ian Newton 74 Grove Hill Road Tunbridge Wells Kent TNI ISP, England 1 You ar*n*t the only one* —Ed SUPER SUPERMODELS From Or Keith Cameron Dear Mike: I could not help thinking of John Z Dimech 's dilemma over the dearth of large models 1 when I studied the instruc- tion manual foi a N? 12 Erector 01 1929 vintage (loaned me by Dr Clyde Suttle). I enclose a copy of the Giant Double- Cy Under Engine in case you are not familiar with these rather gross models. The idea seems to have been simply to make a larger edition of one of the smal- ler models in the system without the added realism and detail that are often incorporated into Meccano models of large size, This is one of the major chal- lenges of models the accurate, Raymond Franceuse died on the 7th of knowledgeable super -detailing (not over- April 1976, aged 51 p weakened by an ill ness which made him excessively corpu- lent. Raymond was the founder, compiler fussy) that maJces the perfect large super model. Well, at least the young man in 'knickerbockers' seems thrilled, but that and publisher of the amateur magazine was years ago - now Erector is sadly re Fanzines, of which he produced 96 ed- duced, and our young friend sits with his itions between April 1966 and March eyes glued to the 'telly 1 . 1974. Principally , Raymond was interest ed in collecting and maintaining mod el - building information and obsolete litera- ture, but in recent years he also came to understand and love the Meccano system* He was a reader of Meccano Engineer, Warmest greetings, Keith Homeplace Clinic Ary Kentucky 41712 USA 1 ME 12 1976 September pSI Giant Double Cylinder Engine 11 A PICTORIAL REPORT OF THE NORTH EASTERN MECCANO SOCIETY'S RECENT EXHIBITION OF MODELS IN DARLINGTON. LACK OF SPACE HAS RESTRICTED THE NUMBER OF At last it's all over! What a splendid PICTURES IN THE REPORT; Geoff Coles (see also below) showed a Fair- Show it Was tOO, many of the exhibitors HOWEVER, TWO MORE PHOTO- ground Roundabout in red/green, which looked vast distances to support the GRAPHS APPEAR IN THE 'CLUB NEMS in our first effort in the public exhibition world. There were no less than 55 models! ranging from tiny minia- tures to massive mind-stretching struc- tures containing thousands of skilfully blended into a wide variety fine models. There would have been many more models had the North West Meccano Guild not had eleventh hour transport problems, as an exas Michael er apologetically told me over the 'phone the morning after. The show served to put Meccano on the map in a hitherto untouched area of the British Isles, as no Mec- cano exhibition has been staged in the North East in 75 years, to my knowl- edge. We certainly achieved the aim to a degree, of letting the man in the street (or exhibition) know that Meccano is alive and kicking (or ticking) in this day and age. Frank Beadle (NEMS Sec) Bryan Reay presented a Bubble-Blowing ma- chine! The liquid was picked up by six arms which rotated very slowly and passed through the bath, then before a fan composed of Pro- peller Blades which blew the bubbles over the spectators. Brian also showed his French- Knitting Machine of freelance design, a very complicated mechanism the movements of which were in strict sequence around a Large- Toothed Quadrant ring. The completed knit- ting was dispensed below the model. Under the table was Brian's Racing Car Circuit, in which the car became a blur as it travelled at 36km/h on a control line on its wooden base. Still not satisfied, he completed his display with a neat Farm Tractor, incorporating 3-speed •H'-type gearbox, clutch, rear brakes and differential. Frank Beadle displayed a 1.5m«long SR 71 'Blackbird' (Mach 3) American Aeroplane, raked at an impressive 45° angle in a power climb. The three wheels retracted, and it included seventy-two 2V2"aFlexible Plates. Geoff Coles displayed a well-proportioned Showman's Engine of the Foster LR Class twin type, complete with 2 -speed gearbox, working valves, and a host of NOTES' ION, very impressive in operation. It included eight horses and eight cars rotated by a planetary PP 29/30. motion, in unison with two other movements ► * fine detail. 12 1977 JANUARY ■ «-■ ■ - *■ ]h m A - »*««., lt\KFtU\ ■* I • » *■ r sow S< Ki |(i\ ■ . - Chris Barron showed a beautiful Burref Show- man's Engine of the compound type, complete with all decorative lighting and the pulsating movement associated with these machines. Joe Etheridge had, as his main exhibit, a Tower Crane which almost touched the ceiling as it hovered above spectators. This part-freelance model was remote-controlled as Joe sat nearby. Michael Allen Filled quite a space with his Steam-Driven Derrick Crane in current colours. The boom was 1.2m long, and the model was powered by a Meccano Steam Engine. Michael also fascinated people ail day with his radio- controlled, battery-powered Fork Lift Truck. i Julian Col model of a 'Scorpion' beautifully portioned model wit showed a n American Car. A electrical gate and — pro- red /green h working equipment, change gearbox, differential. 13 A COMMEMORATIVE ARTICLE DEDICATED TO THE LATE ERIC TAYLOR ■ BY BERT LOVE At a time when the fortunes of Meccano Ltd were going through a sticky patch some ten years ago, a few adult enthusiasts exchanged letters with a view to injecting some new interest in the hobby. After a nervous start, when many an adult was wondering if he might be considered either childish or senile but sturdy portafs for getting out his long-cherished ELOW: An underside view of the late Eric Taylor's Giant Level-Luffing Crane. Elegant PPO ABOVE: A general view of Eric Taylor's Heavy Duty Crawler Tractor, in which ail four r-drjven floating bogies. All move the Crane on four gears were reversible, the tracks were spring-loaded for tension, and the track Meccano Meccano Outfit, Guild the Midlands was formed at ments from the four independent motors were frames were compensated for chassis tilt remotely controlled via a trailing 12-core cable. by an ingenious equalizing beam mechanism. Stratford -On-Avon, in 1968. One of founder members of this Guild was Eric Taylor of Nuneaton in Warwickshire 9 and will never forget his breezy reply my invitation to attend the in- augural meeting: ". . . be delighted to attend, quite handy with a broom, putting up tables etc . . . VII bring a model along, but it's nothing very special . » Eric's 'nothing very special' model turned out to be the focus of the meeting, giving us all a lesson in how to build a model along engineering lines. It was, of course, his well-known world wide) Giant Level Crane, Its general outlines were taken from a thumbnail picture appearing on the cover of an old French magazine, but its construction was all Eric Taylor. Before seeing the crane erected and operating, one enthusiast was foolish enough to remark in Eric's hearing that good supermodels could no longer be built because all the best parts were obsolete. When Eric put his crane through its paces he soundly disproved such fallacies with his own model, making the case for obsolete parts so ridiculous that the unfortunate enthusiast concerned still has a red ear to this day! Even a gentle wigging for the use of the occasional non-standard part brought a ready reply from Eric, who would sketch an alternative section of the model using only standard parts, and anyone with the patience to test this, soon found that he knew what he wassayin^ As a trained engineer, Eric could * 14 . * 1977 JANUARY there, and what is more, those who thought that knew a thing or two had to look to their laurels. had been entrenched in the notion that the pre-war Supermodels were the acme of perfection . had to revise their smartly. At the ~v«xw W4 mxv, other Guild members showed their mettle by very underlined opinions same pretty models 5 system in so doing. versatility of the illusions that men were playing with childrens' toys were soon disoersed as the Guild in- broad- ened its range of modelling topics. creased Any enthusiast with a real eye for the possibilities of the Meccano cope maker's specimen off the lath system can see how far we have come just by a brief visit to Henley- on-Thames at Meccano Exhibition time, or to the country-wide exhi- bitions where the new traditions of superb Meccano modelling anything from a model above: a side view of Eric Taylors Heavy clearly in evidence. * mm » L _ r*\ iditi J^ um.Ajl au ™P u *m ml m u m. U .■*. a A m £ u m M m I I j^ ^. _ _ mm- "_ .1, ml. V are to Duty Crawler Tractor showing rollers, sprockets and tension ram in the track frame. Some the Control Of a Complete heavy engine details can be seen, and the position of earth-mOVing plant, SO When he the 9eai \ ? teerin 9' and reverse levers. Note up with the equally well known Heavy Duty Crawler Tractor too the swinging tow-bar pin and quadrant. at the next Guild meeting was soundly designed on engineer- g prmcipl His models his person BELOW: A partial rear section of Eric Taylor's Giant Lorry Mounted Crane. Main and auxiliary gear boxes were fitted to the chassis. The machinery cab had self-erecting 'A'-frames, philosophy Of Usefulness and captive ball race, and anti-fouling luffing ropes! purpose, ruggedness and reliability was not a man who he fools gladly It was a privilege for me to visit Eric's home, as I did quite frequent- Additional features included tandem brakes on all four wheels, twin rear differentials, on-beam coupled axles, and outrigger stabilizers picture is worth a I am told , so I will continue my tribute to Eric Taylor by asking readers to take a look at the four illustrations ac- companying this article. Eric's death is a sad loss to the Meccano Fraternity, but the re- creation of his Crane, Tractor, and Giant Lorry -Mounted Crane at Mec- cano Meetings around the world is a great tribute to his example with my camera g work every challenge of mine as to to put his record stage by stage; and h had used mechanism a particular method of construe was met with a precise and logical answer. As each model was stripped before the camera, a life- time was revealed in Eric approach to his desig struction The experience con- was something like sitting at the feet of Plato . Building for these first two models were drawn up by Eric and printed by the author in response to a wide demand, follow- ing the publishing of mere glimpses Tractor in the of the Crane Meccano and literally hundreds of copies of the original photographs were sent to Meccano enthusiasts in all globe. of the the The impact of Eric's models on was almost Meccano scene electric. Model-building standards at subsequent meetings rose rapidly to a very high level. Some members stood back in awe, almost thunder- struck by the precision of this new- but the in- em Meccano spiration for the fainthearted was 15 MJ Xovxmm him at the above address. If the DRAWING ATTENTION In 'Among The Model Builders' for this 'new look' MM, we have items possible to produce the ranging from a design for a simple drawings as a book. Anyone interested? Gears are used. A and B represent demand is sufficient, it may be the frame to hold the mechanism This may take any form the con- set of sliding drive mechanism, to an elec- tronic speed control for motors. First on the list this quarter, Niels SPUR GEAR DIFFERENTIAL Gottlob of Langs Hegnet 18, The differential is a popular and Kgs, Lyngby, Denmark, has written useful subject for Meccano mechan- enclosing samples of his vast set of ism constructors, and has received a detailed, dimensioned, full-size good deal of attention in these columns in the past. John Mercer of Reading, England, has drawings of Meccano parts, Niels tells us that he has, over the past nine years or so, made over in a design for a heavy- 400 drawings, and that a few are duty spur differential. He writes: «4-M1 A« U" "-J~ J X_ J.T- _ .*» -J. <<AJ~J"11 1 £ 1 J.T- _i still to be made, due to the fact Modellers may have found that that he has not yet handled the the differentials normally used with original parts. The old Disc Weights Meccano models either involve the and Dynometers, Collecting Shoe use of Gears or Contrate [Part 149], Shafting Standards, Gears. Experience has taught me and several Lighting and Mechan- that Contrate Gears are apt to slip ised parts are among and become distorted very easily; they tend to wear the Pinions * drawings yet to come. All the newer Clock Kit, Elektri- rather quickly. In real engineering; kit and Multikit parts are included, the practice of using Contrate Gears but Niels does not plan to draw * s never seen, and for this reason Motor Car Constructor, Aeroplane, we often use Bevel Gears in dif- > Kemex, ferentials. However, I find except after I have built most of the model Elektron, Dinky or Plastic Meccano insofar as they are used in con- and I come to build a differential junction with ordinary Meccano have no Bevel Gears left. To buy parts. Thus, parts such as the more is, as we are all aware, quite Aeroplane Collar and Pivot Bolt, expensive, so I have designed a dif- Motor Car Constructor Collar (with ferential usin > cone), plastic parts from Multikits etc, have been included The drawings are very fine in- only Gears. it This has the advantage that can be built with more common Meccano deed, and I am reproducing one more that can be made than can the here (reduced in size — the originals Contrate-style differential. It can are 140X 200mm), and Neils asks also handle heavier loads without read ers they would to distortion of the frame, which is acquire a complete set of (very what always seems to happen to good-quality) photocopies of his mechanism N? 20 from the Mec- drawings. Those interested should contact cano Mechanisms Set. a The diagram shows how the : One of Niels Gottlob 's drawings of Meccano parts first item above. The Spur Differential BELOW: Gear described on this page 27a tfMCo ::,.: Mf ■: ■;■ ■ ■ ■ structor wishes ? and can be as strong as necessary, as it does not rotate as do the main -frames other differentials. of a Once the frame has been con- Collar and a structed, put one Washer onto a 3V6"Rod, pass this throu the frame and on three Washers, followed by a Gear Wheel [27a, 27b, or 27c— depend- ing on the speed of rotation requir- ed for the rear axle] . This Gear is free on the Rod. After this, put U" Pinion on another Washer and a the Rod. " Repeat this procedure at the other side of the frame, but using an 8-Hole Bush Wheel instead of the large Gear. Once this has been set up, take two 3 "Rods, each hold- ing three Collars, four Washers, a V2 "Pinion, and a l"Gear Wheel, as shown in the diagram. This should turn freely. Repeat the procedure in the other direction with the other Rod . "The Rods are mounted in op- posite holes of the Gear and Bush Wheel . "AH Gears are fixed on the Rods. except 27a or and the Bush Wheel. The drive is taken to the Gear just mentioned via a Worm or The differential is now Pinion, useable. "If you find that the system is not rigid enough, it is easy to double the Bush Wheel and the large Gear so that the 3 "Rods have more positive support, but will leave it to the modeller to adapt the idea as necessary." SLIDING DRIVE MECHANISM Mike Coterill of Skegness, has writ- ten briefly with details of a mech- anism that he has designed to trans- fer a drive to a sliding shaft in line '«■■*■ ::• ;vv-.v% vwA»i» »«i*. ■-'.'-■_-. 16b - U. 16b ■ a a .a a a a J^H HI 26 I aaat^"" '■ E a *■.!■* . J* ^ IF*** 1 _1 ■^t ■ ■, a a » a a ^H '■^ia^flTa^L H t& Jb " ^^1 i m . ■* . ; ■ ' m ^M _■■_ ■ 3 J ■ a II ■_JL*^^_" _■ ^H a ^*A^ft4.pVk^^^^^L ■ ^H 'B* ^^^VTV'^^IV^ a ^H ill Mutrm i ■ * ■ * I ?~ 1 26 [ a?vw .— m ■ r % 16 - 1977 JANUARY with the driving shaft. He says: "This is often done with on two ordinary Bush will be needed "to deal with the two Wheels. This gives problems if any shafts are bent. the pins are not exactly par allel. 'It is conceded that the drive be slightly cyclic, and a 'jocky' affirm that is a good match for either Bush Wheel does not run true, under which circum- stances, the sliding shaft is often unable to slide fully. "One disadvantage of the alterna- tive design shown in the diagram is that some slack is however, shafts have precisely/ 1 only important this is, the reverse frequently or SIDERIAL TIME MECHANISM Think of Meccano cks, and the chances are that the name of Pat Brigg of Wollaton, England will to mind. Always a cornu- copia their of Meccano clock mechanisms Pat can and be relied upon at all times to come up with something new. of a Mechanism. Pat has sent us the details Siderial (St Time) which contains the means of build- ing up sprocket wheels to your own specification. He writes: A simple means of obtaining or star) time is achieved peeding up mean solar time by th ratio 3 6 6 3 6 5, this will accurate to within 57 second year. "3 6 6 per /)65 will factorize to give the simple gear train 6 » / 7 3 X * o / and 50-tooth, 60-tooth, and 73- tooth are all available in the system (the latter will be recognized as the of the Ball Thrust Toothed Race [Part 168]. But how d get 61 teeth? we This problem can solved varying Chain slack . » BATTERY BOX VOLTAGES some yellow parts, but slightly too light for others, due to the vari- ations of hue between paint runs at the Factory. For more information on paints Mrs (Granny) Bakker of Holland, . . u . ,, ,- has written concerning the internal ,?5 Jf^^Pi M ^ cc ^° P^s, see: connexions of the (original 12/4.5v) Meccano Battery Box. She writes: Happy circumstances mad me the owner a voltmeter, and at that moment I remember some JME5 1974 September, and ME9 1975 September. ELECTRONIC MOTOR CONTROL Ary Keith W Camero of thing that had been 'Rounded-Up' he has just built USA, writes to say that in JMEb of December 1974 regarding the possibilities of the Battery Box contained in the out- fit of many a one. my surprise, the Battery tro _. model gadget simple elec to most «c To possibly not so well-known to Meccanomen, to whom it may be of use. The de- vice is a motor speed control with gave 4,5v reverse in th itio t and not in th where got no current po pos built starting, coasting braking effects, all automat and and a 'stop position*. Playing with my voltmeter concluded that the scheme of the Box could be : three ily built from two transistors resistors, a potentiometer I and a capacitor The device uses a resistance— A B capacitor applied to time the delay which is base of a general-purpose transistor, coupled to an output power transistor in cascade. Those who use this unit to con- trol trains and the like will have no Then the other two (left under and right up) roblem fiddling the control nob on hills either up or down Switches: 12v 9v 4.5v reverse no current. and* on the ine off the 'throttle me to a y gradual halt, for all the world as it were 'free-wheeling'. The basic ircuit can be Using the upper so Switches: -* -+ lece OmmX 25mm on a small perforated circuit board th heat sink for «- -<- 12v 9v 4.5v reverse no current the power transistor can be mount ed on one flang Flanged Plat with a 8%"X2V4" the control Using the lower sockets: mounted in a small piece of formica on the other flange. The circuit diagram is as shown. Switches •*- 12v 9v 4.5v reverse no current. The power transisto must be mounted on heat sink. Keith COMPONENTS REQ CI C2 yf 25v electrolytic U* It's true: with Meccano, everything di-»D4 silicon rectifiers is possible! " K * ri " **«««** YELLOW PAINT Michael Edwards can be full Of Watford F Ql bridge rectifier. Vi-amp p-n-p Transistor, small signal, 2N137D England, has written to tell us of Q paint suitable for retouchin part Mec- The building up a wheel-plate on which cano yellow-painted are bolted six 3 4 "Sprocket Wheels. pa ^ 1S Hl ™brol MC2 - Yellow A loop of Chain with 61 link used to correct distance ition to ensure the Chain. is Fairings, and should be available the Sprockets at the fro ™ any good model shop radial pos- smooth mesh with The paint is a matt finish, and as Rl R2 R3 R4 SI S2 or equivalent, p-n-p power equivalent. 1000ft 1W 33K Resistor. 100ft Resistoi IK Resistor. On /off Switch SPST (Single 200, or Linear potentiometer such , varnish ill need a subsequent coat of S3 /release single throw) press D At intermediate positio tween th Threaded Pins or Michael enclosed Sprockets are positioned Bolts, so that paint with h letter sample of the X and I can PDT (Double pole - double throw) reversing switch. Insert a high-current automobile bulb here, and you have a short-circuit-oroof overload protection device l/," re- the made-up unit has a near-circular form. The Chain loop is then moved, leaving us with an effective 61-tooth sprocket, "In this way, wheels can be built up with tooth numbers over a wide range* S2 < 4 — 01, D2, D3. 04, RIGHT: Dr Cameron's Keith W electronic motor-control circuit. Output 17 mounted two one n-p and the Brian ends his letter by corn- other p-n-p, insulated from the sink, menting on Clock Kit Pendulum but with heat sink compound ad- Rods [Part 252] : ded. In this way, he has two circuits, 'These are very expensive to buy, and the ability to use them back-to- but they have some good construct- back for easy reversing Closing S2 defeats the free ional points in their favour. They are extremely light, and are in wheel* effect and has the effect of variably true and straight. They also an emergency brake. The circuit polish-up well, and look good in will not give accurate 'spot control' bracing and cross-ties. for cranes and similar models, but for o other triguing We look forward to hearing the perating Meccano locos and results of Brian's labours moving vehicles, it has in- 23 A CURE FOR BENT RODS, STEERING WHEEL WH 8c SHOWMAN'S ENGINE DYNAMO Next this Brian Rowe of 38. 38. 37 Newton Abbot, England, has writ- ten on several Meccano subjects. He writes : managed to get round some of the problems of bent Axles (only those over 3V2" in length). The necessary requirements are a 38, 38, 38. 37a 5*4"X 2 1 / 2 " Flanged small hammer. Plate and a ROLLER BEARINGS AND CAMS tc Now, For the shorter lengths, place Pierre Couroble a number of items from of the Axles in the 2V2" width of the upturned Flanged Plate and rotate France . Tourcoing, First, a design for a roller bearing with the fingers. You will soon that utilizes Hub Discs and V2 "Tyres. notice where the bows bends The Hub Discs act as the roller are, and a few light taps with the ra ces; no Bolts should be passed hammer will straighten them. Use through the flanges or the circum- the hammer on the 'high' parts, and ference. do it carefully. *<o;«»m 1-. be Similarly, the longer Rods can The roller ring is built up from in the 5*4" 2 flanges and treated in the same way. Where the ends of the Axles are contorted, it is a better idea to place each offending Rod on a flat four 89a], Curved Strips [Part Narrow Strips, and a compound strip made up of one IV2", and two 2"Strips. Eight W Angle Brackets, bolted alternately by their round and elongated holes, piece of metal, rotate, and gently hold the Pivot Bolts on which the tap the ends of the Rod." On Steering Wheels [Parts 185 & 185a] : By bending up the tabs on the rollers are mounted. These rollers are W loose Pulleys fitted with W 9 Tyres [Part 452 or equivalent] . coverplates and removing the covers, Pierre you have the means 8-spoked front wheel sent designs for a for large cranes, and small f or various built-up cams. All are an hollow Engine. Use two wheels reproduced here. butted together with the spokes offset. This is a good scale for the use of Spoked Wheels rear wheels (again, 19a] as butted to- gether with spokes offset). "A rubber tread enhances the effect, and is easily fitted over the TOP CENTRE: Pierre Couroble *s Roller Bearing design. (69*1 twin rims. The Wheel gives a 6-spoke layout as above, but rear wheels are difficult to fit to 1 this scale j) Curved Strips are about the nearest for rear wheels). I am in the process of designing 's Engine dynamo, built TOP RIGHT: Pierre's Hollow Spindle for large crane models. a around the new Meccano 4.5v Crane Motor (as suggested on of ME 12), and it is hoped that this will provide the power for the engine (with Hub Disc rear wheels) as a whole. The 2 "Strip with centre hole will be most respect, as I intend 147c (Obiolcte) 24 or 24 ■ m use Boiler Ends as a basic scale. More details will follow later." RIGHT: Pierre's Cams. 4 1 : ROTATING SUPERSTRUCTURE 2:SPINDLE 111a 20 MECCANO CAMS 147c 147c 24 or 24i 2 3 147c 37 With X561 Below: *t ibovt bt(wt*n 2X20 gim inoihtr variation. 5 6 18 • - 1977 <t Construction is shown in the tion-Change Mechanism In the accompanying diagram. a A loose Contrate has Piece Right -Angle meantime the Meccano Advertise- when the railway runs bell is rung loudly by Strip Con- ment to the left _ two hammers nectors. The inner ends of the Bolts and even the Nuts which join Piece Connectors to a Andreas is the contributor of the article 'Design for Joy' in this issue. A PRACTICAL WEAVING LOOM central Collar. This Collar has a Richard Callagh of Cheshire 7 /« 4 "Grub Screw and any shoulders to the tapped holes must be filed down. t 'The side Strips are doubled to seen from the England, has sent us some (colour) photographs of his loom. He uses the (hand) loom to weave scarves and other useful items, as assist oil retention. One Double Meccano parts be Although rdle in Angle Strip has a Wheel Disc or this model, Richard has also mad Strip bolted to it for the same pur use non-Meccano pose. "The side are not in con- items tact with the bosses of the Con- trates. They may need bending out slightly, or Washers out under their s according to the sizes of the Double Angle Strips and the bosses of the Contrates, a The in shafts LOW-FRICTION DIFFERENTIAL This, the second differential design this quarter, comes from Alan carry Pinions (not Bevels or Con- trates) so there is no lengthwise tooth pressure on them. Their pos- Partridge of Sutton Coldfield, itions, and that of the cage, need to be stabilized by Washers, which are differential mechanism as made", writes Alan, * can e a source of a considerable power loss. As used in an automobile, there is not much of a problem, be- cause most of the time the two half -shafts rotate together, and even not shown. "Each Contrate rotates on pivots which are as far a as possible. The loose Contrate has the Large Fork Piece to extend its support. The other Contrate is fast on the transverse shaft which is pivoted when the vehicle is going round a the two sides of the cage. gentle curve, the movement of the Bevels in the cage is much less than "Tooth is all taken at a sin point, between the movement of the cage itself. Fork Piece and the Large Collar "However, when the differential which is fast on the transverse shaft, 7 is used in combining or adjusting ar- with Washers between. The trans- in the cage. Pres- at rangements, with the Bevels moving verse shaft is continually power loss can be sure is automatically serious. Tooth pressure forces all all four points of contact between out the the two and the two Pin- causing increased friction at If, as is common in Meccano, ions. The central Collar, or the fast can be set at exactly the ood > the mechanism is made of two Con- position needed to produce trates and two Pinions, tooth pres- tooth contact and free running. sure still we here make a plea for readers to send black-and-white photographs for reproduction in the magazine. Our a number of colour pages being severely to force the Con- MECCANO RAILWAY ADVERT limited at this point due to the sheer ex- From Andreas Konkoly of Buda- pense of the process, we have no choice Moreover, if the Pinions are on pest, Hungary, here is a picture of but to print photographs in black-and- Meccano Advertising Railway white. Colour originals are very difficult trates apart. the half -shafts and the Contrates on Pivot Bolts in the cage, the teeth (Special Model N° 12). to reproduce well in monochrome (and the area of The model runs says impossible any minor error in construction of "from left to right and vice-versa, colour, unless the Contrates or the cage may controlled by an Automatic Direc- professional quality a tendency for a Contrate ,pro uce well in the highest friction. a A further problem is that may be difficult to get the Bevels or Contrates fullv meshed but not binding. cano standard ones may be needed. As the writer is making an a advanced Orrery (for which Model- plan 59 was merely a design exer- cise!) containing about 20 differ- entials, an early move was to design a layout RIGHT: Andreas in Which power losses are Konkoly 's advertising reduced as far as possible. railway modef. 19 CONTINUED FROM MECCANO ENGINEER 'Super Universal Design Maker* was developed from the first Meccanograph to break with traditl on Two patterns illustrating the work of the S U D M STORY OF KONKOLY'S DESIGNING MACHINES AND MOST AMAZING PATTERNS The model is truly a family toy, create The Meccano 1965 featured OF THEM PART 2 for Super and with the sudm you can enchanting designs that also have Universal Design Maker model, and "Magnificent UNIVERSAL AND SUPER UNI- adult appeal for the technical ex- pert and engineer. VERSAL The DESIGN The mechanisms of the 'Spanner' called Meccanograph" a UDM MAKERS mark a turning By simplifying the design of the a revo- sudm and using fewer Meccanograph to break lution in the history of Meccano- create a > we can with the traditional 'long arms' and * trembled' circular patterns system was the simple Universal Design Maker. The machine elliptical patterns, - sided samples as well. Later graph th parts It is true that the of that can draw traditional' samples and enchantin_ modern designs, as well as longitud- shafts in the holes of Meccano inal patterns. The simplified machine th possibilities is called : in mplicating the model by building more gears to increase th 4 ed this model and re-named variations of the patterns, but on it the Super Universal Design Maker, the other hand, the wobbling tends being the most creative drawing to render the patterns more beauti- Meccano construction. Millions of ful and interestin THE ALL KNOWS DESIGNING MACHINE different designs can be The made with the greatest ease on this makes not machine. It appeals to a wide age- Sup Universal machine circular, but also 2. which makes circular 12, and 16 - way drawings, and as a relaxation, I made an excursion in- to the world of traditional Meccano- graphs, simplified and developed _ 3, 4, . range, and both boys and girls can patterns 6, 7, 8, 10, and 14 -sided the principle » the: create original designs. which exceptional beauty L-FORM MECCANOGRAPH can not believe are The model is a representative mem- ber of the populous Meccanograph The model provides a sense of ac- made from one single line. Towards complishment, and there is food in the insides and outsides of patterns, family. It makes circular 15, 20 30 plenty for the little artist! Although the line becomes unprecedented ly 60, 120, 180, and 240 - way very it is simple to operate, the drawings complex, and in each drawing, the variegated traditional Meccanograph that it Droduces are very intricate, single line can ne 30 to 40 metres samples and longitudinal designs. are ideal for colouring. long! The machine, which really is 'L'- 20 * i • * 1977 AkL,KN0YV5 MECCANO ABOVE: patterns drawn by the 'L'-Form Meccanograph, a simpliffed and developed Meccanograph of the traditional pattern shaped, has new mechanisms which are Visible during Operation. It Works RIGHT: Patterns from the 'All-Knows' machine with incredible accuracy and pro- duces many enchanting forms. The Mr Oveges, the most famous pro- working ph was shown fessor of physics in ary, has stand at th Meccano Fair at Budapest in 1970, and at delivered more than two hundred Girls' Exhibition sics lectures (with young persons, and to I was very Londo 1967. En Mail Boys' and at Olympia in during January mine the Invention Exhibition in Brussels 1971, where it won a gold medal glad when I was asked to partici- Although M Ltd pate eight times. During the pro- informed me officially, some friends grammes, I introduced the Univer- of mine wrote to me to say that in sal Design Maker, the Carpetdesign recent years in Maker, Maltese Cross shown some designing m black Ltd have coloured. The Minigraph toy is currently tracer in the world, simple structure, it very nice ease multi- the and can produce circular patterns with in lour or The Weather Prophet, A Lunar Craft mine at toy fairs in Milan of Vehicle, The Walking freelance Meccano models that [all and at Nuremburg in Germany Italy » have designed], together with MINIGRAPH TOY It is suitable for the composition of illustrations for picture books, toy cards, patterns for the furniture in the room, for covers Meccano Magazines, At the same time, I demonstrated some It was an old dream of mine to in- a small, but high-capacity curtains, for dress materials, handkerchiefs American sical designing machine having a very belts, > billfolds beach dresses, > purses, a that included Moire patterns and' simple mechanism. Finally wonderful Perpetuum Mobile veloped the Minigraph * de- spun seemingly with four gears! The model was sandals, balls, inflatable rubber toys animal figures, ribbons laces in one or many colours. energy whilst I talked for fifteen buildable Meccano parts, so minutes. It was the from driven by had a plastic prototype made which lights! was at the International In the next part of this series, I shall introduce to you: The MECCANO VARIOGRAPH, The SUPER VARIOGRAPH, and the PINE-NEEDLE VARIO TOY DESIGNING MACHINE. SPIRALOGRAPH "More fascinatin a to to > Meccanograph, and even more perate, the Meccano Spiralograph' produces complex order. You can a var- iety of different desig 4 Spanner' in the Meccano Magazine for January 1967. Spiralograph is very similar to a Meccanograph, except that, instead egular patterns which of end at their starting point, it draws pattern that gradually spirals into the centre, This is a complete de from the normal run of 5 in some very things, and result interesting and al desig Any number of different designs can be produced, although it tak__ a bit of practice to obtain the best combinations. The author (right) with Professor Josef Oveges in the Budapest television studios in T965 21 SQRmmm High po wer Drive. Ackermann Steering Gear. Internal- Expand ing Brakes. Solid Die -cast Wheels fitted with rubber ty res . Chromium- plated lamps, radiator & bumper. t 4 AN EXPERIENCE Fig. 1. A striking example of a light sports two-seater built with the Meccano Motor Car Constructor. The bodywork, wings, wheels and seat arc finished in brilliant coloured enamel, while the radiator, lamps, bumper, brake lever, and other parts arc chromium-plated. The emphasis on the singular in the title of this article is intentional, is to distinguish the original Mec- cano Motor Car Constructor Outfit introduced to the market in 1932, page 149 of Meccano Magazine for a van of different- There were no alternative Car Con- February 1934 as part N9 A1100, style cars could be built. To provide structor Sets in the Meccano range price 6d in year these came later. An The illustration at the top of 776 and 777 of the Meccano Maga- scope for variations, two types of article on pages radiator shell, two tail sections of V mr » _ _ ■* form, and page 23 shows an original 1932 zine for October 1932 (from which both the cycle type car. together with the first Instruc- the motor car pictures in this article running-board variety, were includ" tion Leaflet for it on the left, and are reproduced) makes the first ed. The instruction sheet for the set the advertisement page inside-back- announcement of these newly- illustrated only four basic models, cover of the Meccano Magazine of marketed outfits under the title: these were October 1932, on the right. The 'Building Your Own Motor Cars! Ml Model N9 only incongruous feature in The New Meccano Constructional N9 M 2 Sports Tourer (Fig.2), Model picture is the driver. He did not Outfit'. Light Speed Light belong to this car > no provision This outfit, which came packed Machine, Model Sports Two-Seater (Fig.l), Model being made for him, as he was not in the usual exciting Meccano box N9M 4 — Grand Prix Special (Fig.3). introduced until more than a year in this case blue — contained 176 later y when he was described on Special features claimed in the items from 61 separate listed parts, advertisement page for the Meccano 22 1977 JANUARY and to go back to sleep. No orders were more futile. no more deaf wasted no time in getting to grips with the blue string, and very soon had the parts out of the box, on to the eiderdown, and under assembly. This operation absorbed completely in silent concen- 'father Christmas until > Motor Car Constructor Models in- half the eluded High-Power Drive, givin made another appearance at around half past eight to announce that it was time to get up. By then I was proudly able to show him one car almost complete. Later day, the model was shown admired by, grandparents other relatives in the usual way of these things. As a young boy, I was particular- fortunate with everything to do ,5m run on one winding; Acker- a mann Steerin Gear size of the standard Nut and Bolt, but only with Meccano and Hornby products, of the handling volume. My grandfather was a * Internal-ex- This means that they are four times ary of Frank Hornby. The one had panding Rear Wheel Brakes; Solid more fiddling than the Nut his in Die-cast Wheels fitted Manchester, the Tyres; and Chromium-plated Lamps, very familiar Meccano Sets, Bolt supplied with the ordinary and other in Liverpool. Grandfather had contact with Manchester and Liver Radiator and Bumper. Colour Another choice was limited to Red, Blue, or the form Green Cream for the for body difference is pool stores where Frank Hornby These are was trying the pressings, very complete units with holes only Made mudguards, where they are intended to be the beginning his 'Mechanics at He Meccano century Vermillion or Blue for the wheel bolted to the adjoining components, also had four sons, my father being discs; and the price for all this was The main body shapes are pressed 25/- youngest, and was on sets Only these first-year from 0.432mm steel -much thinner the lookout for things to keep his than Meccano Strips and Plates, boys occupied and out of mischief. five die-cast wheels Their strength is derived from the Meccano and rubber tyres, the fifth wheel carefully designed shapes. there was was an early solution, and and tyre was replaced a little more than a year later plenty a -cover steel imitation N9 A 1060 nounced on page 149 of price It will be seen from the open box Edwardian household in all four set at the top of page 22, that the sons laid components seem to be few in shilling in 1914. aside for the number, and arranged in a manner That war cano Magazine for February 1934. construction. In suggesting one of the models for married. When All outfits marketed this item two radiators su were designated *N9 2 Motor Car fitted to the bonnet , and my father appeared later, one of the he found an excuse for re-awaken- is actually ing his interest in Meccano. His section, choice Constructor'. wife was also fortunate These Car Constructor Outfits sion which I got when I opened my This was the picture and impres- for me, because this union provided me with an uncle who were markedly different from any- present also m the early hours of thing that Meccano had offered Christmas morning 1932, and first before including the bolt-to- [ continued on page 26 set eyes on a Meccano Motor Car gether Hornby engines and wagons Constructor Outfit, The very fine of the 1920s. One of the main sight must have quite a differences was the size and type of lot of noise, for it brought 'father nut and bolt employed. These were Christmas' from an adjoining room 6BA, and the nuts were hexagonal, with orders to stop waking the For the non-technical, 6BA is about household at five in the morning. CENTRE-PAGE SPREAD OVERLEAF: Examples of Meccano Motor Car* from Eric Morgan's remarkable collection, showing some of the permutations of colours and body styles that were possible using Outfits 1 and 2. Note the box lid designed for the Italian market, the original wooden display stand for the No 2 Car, the optional lighting set, the •K'-Type Oilcan by the Instrument Board, the rare No 3 Car sitting on its original box, with the price ticket still In place, and the very purposeful-looking, short- chassis Sports Car, built from a No 2 set and using the non-standard yellow body panels. (A few of the Cars shown here have been repainted). PHOTO by TIN ROB INGLIS from 'THE ART OF TOY* — published NEW CAVENDISH BOOKS —see review on page 39. ^^™ Collection, Eric Morgan Photo, Rob Inglis Taken from TH T OF THE TIN TOY published by New Cavendish Books SS£SmSSM The most attractive toy produced A splendid model of a road racing car. The m full lighting equipment; mudguards, and spare tyre, these are usually fitted to an actual road racer* del as The Meccano casting around of Directors new lines to add to their range would be happened to be a keen Meccano of page 23, and in colour on the bound to notice the many other enthusiast from Edwardian times, cover of this magazine, sporting a motor car construction sets already lent for the on the market in the UK and and was then an engineer. Between windscreen kindly the two of them I enjoyed the photographs by fellow enthusiast abroad. Not a few of these had benefits of getting Meccano and Jim Gamble of hot off the pres- England Nottingham, been in existence for some years. ses as soon as they were announced One was the Structo Auto- er. Somehow though, I always had esting Re-assembly was the most inter- examples of this were adver- lon Christmas 1932 tised on page 789 of the Meccano the feeling that these new presents all over again, but with a difference. Magazine for December 1926. were commg to me 'second-hand'; No longer the nine-years-old boy These were: N9 12 De Luxe Motor and that the real reason for buying tackling the job with the glee of Car, N9 8 Racing Car, and N9 14 them was to satisfy the long-stand- Christmas, but the long-time engin- Giant Tip Lorry, but they were not ing old 'Meccano Boy's' enthusiasm, eer scrutinizing every component cheap. Priced at 52/6 for N9s 12 and some of the magic of and past days. Perhaps this is why I got wondering operation critically, and what had my Meccano Car Constructor. prompted and 14, and 28/6 for N98. An even more sophisticated car Another war > a precision en em eer in career travel in placement and business, have all duction of a motor car constructor Frank Hornby and his Board of constructor was produced in 1929 Directors, sometime in 1930 (or by the Citroen Car Company of maybe 1929) to decide upon pro- France. This — 'Les Jouets Citroen Chassis C6 Demontable' served to separate me from most of outfit; what persuaded Meccano early Meccano and Hornby, Ltd to abandon, in this case, the a box reminiscent of the my but not from the appreciation, which -Le came complete and strung down in later interest and nut and bolt that had been standard Meccano Car have Constructors. grown with the years, as has my collection, years! hout for the previous thirty product probably played a Two or three years ago, another With experience of original 1932 Meccano Car Con- development, co product ? structor came my way, this time marketing to draw tooling, and part than any other in showing the possibilities. The Citroen C6 Chassis builds upon; what up into a car almost a third larger ready -assembled, but in need of decision would I have reached sit- at 413mm overall than the Meccano some slight restoration. It was the ting at that boardroom table Car's 330mm. An interesting point e I had handled one of listening to the points of discussion in the Citroen is that the nuts and these cars in more than thirty-six on this project all those years ago? bolts are of hexagon form, but not years and approached the task this went through my mind as so neat as the special 6BA chosen with great care and boundless en- re-assembly of the car progressed, by Meccano thusiasm. This car is red and cream, my early one was blue and cream. fine precision-engineered meant for young Each nut and bolt was removed boys to assemble? One thing is sure, Although Frank Hornby did not give his car all the fiddly details available on the Citroen, he with something akin to a scientific I certainly made a quicker job of it managed a lot of the essential investigation. Every part the first time than was examined for condition, identified, now, but now I was analyzing every in order of decree of restoration needed. All the parts step. features and embodied them in a of greater refinement and flexibility than the French, and were there save two It may be that the answers to all all important — offered it at a price the wind- these many questions lay elsewhere well below his screen, and the split-pin from the Frank Hornby was a man always ors Ackermann steering gear will leave aside the details of enabled more s He to keenly looking out for new ideas enjoy his products, and at a level of and products. It did not necessarily quality that would last for years the restoration, as they would fill matter that a particular idea was and years. Such was the genius of a whole article in In spite of its forty -four years, themselves, not new, his way of interpreting the car was in astonishingly ood condition, and very little Frank Hornby. Many men and boys new, and endowed with today have very good reason to be quality of all his products, thankful for it. way, his Meccano products to bring it back to a pristine glow, would be different to and The result can be seen at the top than any competitor. hope to continue the fascinating story of the Meccano Motor Car in a future edition. * ■ . 26 1977 * * % • LOVE Catella of Buenos _ Meccano Engineer 12 (1976 June September) showed Jorge's 1905 Rolls Royce, we have the pleasure of seeing here his Fiat F - 2 Sports Car. This model is an excel- lent interpretation of the 97kW (130 HP) monster which was made especially for the Grand Prix de France . Alongside engine parts by Jorge, bein 1:8. fully-detailed in Meccano whole m to a scale of approximately The transmission and gearbox are included in the reproduction with a standard -type rear differential feed- ing second-stage half-shafts fitted with sprocket and chain drive to the rear wheels. of Meccano use Electrical often-neglected Parts has footbrake enabled Jorge to put in some detail work on the engine and bonnet. on the transmission shaft, and a handbrake on the rear wheels. The original car is in the Torino Museum in Italy. 27 . £3&a&SHKB THE CHILEAN MECCANO CLUB In our Chilean Meccano Club, we number 9 members, four in their late forties like myself, and five in their mid -teens. I was appointed president, a mostly honorary title as, because of my work, I have to make frequent trips out of town. Our secretary is George Zalazar, who has a remarkable collection of old Meccanos. What should be especially re- marked is the fact that, while 8 of us are in Santiago, our member Carmelo Nizza lives in Conception, some 650km to the south. He has been twice to visit us; otherwise, he still manages to participate actively through the mail. We have generally managed to meet once a week at one of the members* homes. We have pooled our Meccanos as we are short of some parts. We particularly lack some parts that appeared after the yellow/silver period began, and we have to use Marklin motors, as we are unable to get Meccano ones. We have not made public dis- plays, but have managed to invite quite a number of good friends and neighbours have been our work: all impressed. Un fortunately, none could get Mec- canos as it is not on the market. We use sets brought by persons returned from abroad or bought before the war, I am the only one with new parts (silver, yellow, blue) which I bought when I returned to Chile in early 1975. Next year we expect to mount perhaps a couple of shows, if not more, at the schools of our younger memb ers . Because of our inexperience in obscure science of photo- graphy, we have not yet been able to get a photo of the club members that would allow you to recognize them properly as members of the human race, but we keep trying. Soon we hope to come up with a truly decent photo, then you shall see our faces. We are not beautiful, but we do not scare people! Raul Gatica the PO Box 549 Santiago, Chile. MECCANO IN IOWA, USA Enthusiasts interested in getting to- gether with other Meccano folk, with a view to holding meetings and/or exhibitions in the central Iowa area, Bowley, 3916 50322 contact Bob 78th Street, Iowa, USA THE HOLY TRINITY MECCANO CLUB The 18th meeting of the Club opened at 12.30pm on 13th of November 1976 at Hildenborough. A good display of models was soon set up, and after a tour of the models, the AGM commenced at 3pm. The agenda and statement of accounts were distributed to mem- bers present. The secretary gave his report; briefly, the number of mem- bers remained the same, and the financial situation remained sound. The officers were re-elected en bloc, President Tony Homden, Chairman Michael Martin, Secretary /Treasurer Frank Palin. With the AGM out of the way, tea was served at 4.30pm, and the following models were demon- strated : 1] Phil Bradley's model of a 250- tonne Hammerhead Crane used in Hamburg shipyards pre-1914. This model gave a massive but true picture of the original, with six Motors remotely controlled, 2] Michael Martin brought along a l:24-scale model of the 70- tonne Royal Tiger German Tank built from one Army and one Com- bat Multikit. Internally, standard parts were used, while many black Pulleys, Gears, and Electrical Parts were used externally for realism. The Motor-with -Gearbox, sup- plied from four nickel-cadmium cells, drove the tracks through a spur differential, so through that steering turret was also could was possible. The motorized, and the gun elevate by remote control. 3] Tony Homden brought along his model of the massive German 800mm 'Gustaf* — the largest gun ever built. Tony has progressively improved this model, and now has a semi-automatic sequence of oper- ations triggered by limit switches arranged to operate the seven Motors used in the model. Using some 4 000 Nuts and Bolts, 46m of wiring, and weighing 42kg, this model was up to Tony's usual *big model* standard. Bob Ford showed his 1:12- 4] scale LMS Beyer-Garratt 2-6-0+0-6-2 Locomotive. This model is an amazing piece of work and illustrates the versatility of the Meccano system. 5] LBSCR Adrian Ash ford produced an Tank Loco. One feature was that the screw reverse operated the valve gear and, at the right moment, leversed the Motor. The regulator handle in the cab controlled the speed of the Motor. Working brakes were also fitted. The fittings were neatly modelled altogether a beautiful model. The other models exhibited included: Adrian Ash ford Geoff Davison 'Ding Ding 1 Tram car Clockwork Traction Knitirie m . ■ " (from the October 1949 MM) Jim Dowswcll Giant Ferris Wheel, Contra- Rotating Roundabout. Fairground Octopus (Pimnv-in-thtT'Slol operated) «,»™i. R K'-Typc Bus & Austin 7 Demonstration Relay & Computer memory -2T Express 'D'nauec Loco » * * «•» ^ *_ & Rubber-Powered Dragster Peter & BlU Roberta Motor Chassis, Trench Digger Tracked Chassis. Collar-Cutting M/c Enc SchooUr 2 Half-Track Vehicles Michael Stocks Fork Lift Truck Dividing Head for marking out clockwheel spokes 1891 Portsmouth Tram car Compact Strip Bend in k M/c Michael Edwards Stuart Fkld Bert Halliday 4—6 Noel TaTJois Chris War ml! Geoff Wricht The Stuart Wilson cup was won by Adrian Ash ford for his Baltic Tank Loco, The next meeting will be at Hildenborough on the 30th of April 1977. Frank Palin 22 Highfield Close, Pembury, Tun- bridge Wells, Kent, TN2 4HQ. MIDLANDS MECCANO GUILD The 19th meeting of the MMG was held at the Greig Hall, Alcester, Warwicks, on Saturday 25th of September 1976 at 2,00pm. The doors were opened at 10.00 am by David Goodman and Ernest Chandler, and members from far and wide were soon arriving and setting up their models, meeting old friends, and really having a grand *chin wag' about their mutual sub- ject. The meeting started at 2.00pm, after the usual first brew and biscuits, with the President welcom- ing all present and introducing four new members. Some 37 members were present with 43 models, 8 members having sent apologies. There followed a tour of the models with each member giving a brief description of his own masterpiece. This took 2 hours, and then tea break was called. The AGM followed at 5.15pm. The Chairman asked all to stand in silence in memory of two members who had passed away since the last meeting. Geoff Wright was asked to present Alan Partridge with his prize — Alan had won the N° 10 Set competition at the Henley Exhi- bition with his model of the Jodrell Bank Radio Telescope. The four new members were voted into the Guild, they were: Michael Edwards, Edgar Whalley, Chris Lester, and Robin Schoolar, Brian Rowe had asked to join earlier, and was accepted as a postal member. The format of future meetings was discussed at great length, and the agreed agenda to be used at the March meeting. The Treasurer's re- port was very encouraging, with a sufficient bank balance to keep us solvent. Members the attending meeting reaped the benefit of a re- duced meeting fee, namely 5 Op this time. The balance sheet was ac- cepted, and a sincere vote of thanks was passed to our worthy treasurer. The question of insurance was raised again, and the Treasurer was asked to make further enquiries re the financial outlay required. The subscriptions remain the same as at present, £2 for adults, £1 for juniors under 18 years, and £2.50 for overseas members. Hon. Secretary's Report; During the previous 12 months, the committee had issued two meeting reports, two newsheets, and an extra newsheet with the meeting notice, stands at 55 . The membership Members attendee! exhibitions at Stratford-on-Avon, Clitheroe, Stoneleigh, and Henley. All these shows were well-received by the public. Two models built by Guild mem- bers had been accepted by Meccano Ltd for display models under their N° 10 Set Model scheme, these were Alan Partridge's Jodrell Bank Radio Telescope and Roger Wallis* Leyland Service Bus. Thanks were expressed to the organizers of the model section of the Stoneleigh Town & Country Festival, and to the organizers of the Henley Exhibition and the Clitheroe exhibition. These three events put Meccano on the map countrywide. A letter of thanks to the Hall Committee for allowing us the use of the hall and its facili- ties at a low rent was requested by all members. The Guild proposes to meet again on March 26th and Sep- tember 24th, 1977, at the same venue. Ernest Chandler 86 Clopton Rd, Stratford-on-Avon, Warwicks, CV37 6SN, England. NORTHEASTERN MECCANO SOCIETY Meetings during the autumn were very well attended, full of interest, with an encouraging growth in adult membership. The question of a Junior Section has been discussed, with the result that is is inevitable that something will have to be started in this direction very soon, as well as larger premises in which to meet, due to increased member- ship. A welcome was extended to Fred Foster from Carlisle who, with Brian Reay, travels 129km [80 miles] to meetings. Barry Wilkinson and John Lythgoe, both from Northallerton were also welcomed to the meetings. The September, October, and November meetings dealt with finalizing the December exhibition arrangements. The exhibition should be just a pleasant memory by the time this is read [see report elsewhere in this edition], leaving the Society in a settled financial state to launch a further and more ambitious show this year. Models brought to meetings are always the main feature, with the autumn meetings being no excep- tion to this. Brian Reay demon- strated an intricate French-Knitting Machine of freelance design, which was fascinating to watch, Barry Wilkinson brought along a fine Showman's Traction Engine, whilst Chris Barron exhibited another Showman's Engine of fine pro- portion at the following meeting. Fred Foster demonstrated the tractor unit of an Articulated Car Transporter, and Joe Etheridge filled the room with an immense Fairground Roundabout over 1.2m in diameter. Many models were on display during the year in various window displays, and some requests had to be declined, as we quite often found ourselves with no Meccano at home. There were times when one could not build for weeks on end because material was sitting in win- dow displays. There is always a welcome ex- change of views at meetings, in- dividual discussion of problems en- countered, exchange of parts from one colour to another, coupled with the endless items of historic interest which meetings. appear at most Frank Beadle 'Greytyles', Yoredale Avenue, Darlington, DL3 9AN, England. NORTH WEST MECCANO GUILD Between Meccano exhibitions in Clitheroe, the North West Meccano Guild makes every attempt to sup- port other Meccano functions during the year, and this season has been no exception, with NWMG representatives at every organized Meccano exhibition, display, and fjrivate meeting north of the Mid- ands! Norman Mason made an out- standing contribution to Guild pub- licity with a huge display at the local school in Stand ish; all the more remarkable as, on the day, Norman was unaided by any other member. A gratifying response was Norman's reward for his efforts! * 28 ■ V * Barry Wilkinson presented a 2.5m WALKING DRAGLINE NEMS Darlington at the exhibition Ernest Keighly proudly showed two of his excellent looms at the Melior Festival in June, assisted by the secretary with an American Car model, Hal Hussey deserves special mention as the NWMG's chief Meccanograph designer; his latest examples nated were on view to a fasci- ience at the Yeadon Scouts' Hobbies Exhibition in Sep- tember, The NWMG's own October 9th meeting on was attended by all the following Meceanomen with their models, the extra attractions included an unusual Steam Engine driven by Overtype a Motor- with-Gearbox, built by Frank Swin- dells, The Chairman, Sidney White- side, again proved his mastery of the fairground with a Power Swing- boats and a Roundabout. Both large and corn- efficiency was models were very plex, and their roved by the fact that either could e run off the highest resistance- setting of the transformer, David Cowgill proudly displayed a wide variety of vehicles, one of which was a High-Speed Dragster, all set to 'burn up' any track! Mike Pashley's Trench Digger on a mobile base supermodel class, was again m the sides the being omitted to reveal the fabulously- complex interior. Graham Brown performed near-miracles by getting so many action features into his 'Super 700 Motor Grader' at only 395mm long. The driver's cab in this model fairly bristled with levers to operate the many devices such as urader blade angle and tilt. John B ad er 's angle Grandmother Clock boasted a motor-driven rewind for the clock weight. To save the Motor switched when required to power, itself on only do so bv the so by weight reaching the bottom of the casing. These, and other models, assisted at the correct time by the usual refreshments, made yet another success of the NWMG's AGM for 1976. We can look back with pride on a thoroughly satisfactory 75th year in the Meccano world, the only certainty of the future is that things will definitely get even better! Michael J Walker 31 Carus Avenue, Hoddlesden, Darwen, Lancashire, England, PENNINE MECCANO GUILD The Guild has been extremely ac- tive in the autumn months, having been envolved in two large model exhibitions in addition to its usual meeting. The latter, the PMG's 5th meeting, was held in Huddersfield on the 30th of October. Just about every member was present, and the clubroom quickly filled with advanced models of every kind. Excavator enthusiasts were well catered for, John Hornsby's RB61 Crawler Crane base was display ed next to Mike Pashley's RB150 Face models were to be seen in completed form later in the year at Bradford Model Railway Show. A. third Crawler Crane of smaller scale was shown by Stephen Pashley. A Walking many model enthusiasts of familiar to as the of the cover 1950s many series manuals, was the exhibit of John Russel. With the finishing touches still to be applied, the model was very impressive in mint een. Another Crane with manual connexions was Tim Kim- berley's N* 10 Set Railway Break- down Crane, smart in modern for Two American-style cars our admiration: Walker's convertible, now for remote-control vied Michael rigged and running. Julian Cole's sleek red/green model with a silk-smooth gearbox equip- ped with a very positive gate change. Geoff Cole brought his Fair- schedule for the coming year was set up for the following dates: January 8, March 26, June 25, and September 24. Keith LaBar will the January meeting, Clyde Easterly the March meeting, and Clyde Suttle the September meet- ing. The Club Secretary will mail out notices of the meeting time and place to members in the Los AngelesHDrange County area, and to those indicating a desire to at- tend. Dr Keith Cameron of Ary, Ken- tucky was admitted as a new mem- ber. A draft copy of the first issue of the Club Newsletter was circular- ized and discussed. Clyde Suttle displayed the 1929 Erector Zeppelin model on its mooring mast[see ME 11 p3-5]. He also displayed Meccano sets and parts available in the United States in 1911, 1914, 1916, 1924, 1927, 1928, 1930, 1961, 1965, and 1969, and current sets, along with electric Motors available from 1919 through 1930. Conspicuously ab- ground Roundabout complete with sent were s« ts erf the period 1931 a gaily-striped cloth canopy. A neat small-scale Showman's Road Loco- through 1960. motive accompanied Anton Calleia displayed a '/jo- the ride. scale model Walker Francine Cole had built the nicely- proportioned MMQ Jumbo Crane. Chairman of the PMG, Norman Chapman, demonstrated a rotary version of Newton's Cradle, Mec- cano Balls in a circular race of Large Flanged Rings, rotated by a mains motor, A very early version of the famous Meccanograph pro- vided simple but effective patterns, built (I think) by David Fairbanks. Norman Mason's SML Horizontal Steam Engine and John Bader's Self -Winding Clock completed the display. Most of the models already mentioned were also to be seen at the Airedale Scout Group's annual Model Exhibition at Yeadon on September 18th. In addition, a mini exhibition was mounted by HH Taylor of Huddersfield. Mr Taylor's name will be familiar to Meccano Magazine readers of the 1950s, he is looms, and light Tank with dual engines and a re- mote-control device. Also of note was the method devised to remove the turret and superstructure for access to the motor section. Ed Marzola displayed a very neat Steam Locomotive. Some time was spent in discussing how to improve the operation and realism of the model. The stars of the models shown were those of John Edwards. His three exhibitions were a major 1.5m 'Ferris Wheel', a fairground Tilt-A-Whirl and a Truck -Mounted Crane. The Ferris Wheel was excel- lent with twin seats, flashing lights, and entrance stand. Another auth- entic feature was the model's capability of sembled and an ex on had brought a fascinating and faultless Ribbon Loom. As if that were not being readily as- disassembled with the sections folding up for trans- portation in the same manner and units used by the carnival shows. John's Tilt -A -Whirl was an auth- also enough, Giant Block-Setting had brought a Crane and reproduction with entrance stand, side railings, and movements. The seats would serve to numerous smaller models utilizing metal, Plastic, and Prima Meccano. The Guild's third outing was at the Bradford Model Railway Show on November 13th and 14th, where a small display was mounted. John Hornsby's RB61 towered over the stand, over 3.5m high from tracks to fly-jib. Mike Pashley's RB15Q, now finished-out in Ruston's colours of red and yellow, was a joy to watch. Alan Grimshaw built the SML Horizontal Steam Engine and a Double Big- Wheel fairground ride. Norman Chapman's Baltic Tank Loco, Tim Kimberley's Railway Breakdown Crane, and David Wilkinson's Ex- cavator were also on the stand. The whole of Geoff and Julian back and forth on the plates as they circled the up and down track. It is an outstanding example of Meccano modelling. His Truck -Mounted Crane with clam shell bucket is a masterpiece. All details and movements were faithfully reproduced with some very ingenious mechanisms to pro- vide very realistic action. Five Motors were used with a cable remote-control system. ClydeT Suttle, 6062 Cerulean Ave, Garden Grove, California, 92645, United of America. STEVENAGE MECCANO CLUB Like most Clubs, we regard Henley Meccano Exhibition the as an Cole's display was seen Bradford , along walking Robot. again at realistic with a motivated by a event not to be missed, and on 4th September 1976, 45 of our mem- bers descended on that now-famous Hand Generator, and presided over by the charming ladies of the Cole In ■ family. Stevenage Meccano Club's 100th A fabulous weekend, and one member, BARRY INGARFILL that the Guild will look back upon with pleasure for a long time to ______ Bill Charleson WF ^■_____HB___fe k ~_B 5 Kirkstone Drive, Gomersal, Cleck- heaton, West Yorks, BD19 4QG A SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA MECCANO CLUB The Fall meeting of the Club was held at the residence of Clyde Suttle in Garden Grove, California. iturday By 00 and 6 consensus, the meeting 1977 JANUARY Town Hall with, as usual, more models than the organizers could accommodate. Roger Le Rolland was in his best form again, and his Celebration Cake lent a festive touch to our dis- play. This four-tier creation was baked (sorry, built) as a wedding cake, but it was also an appropriate item on the menu of any Meccano occasion in view of the recent jubilee celebrations. Other models tabled by the SMC ranged from the simple to the ad- vanced, and the Secretary (Dennis Higginson) thanks all members, in- cluding our outside members, for showing the range of expertise that can bring enjoyment from Meccano building. The day was certainly a red-letter one for 6-years-old Mark Warder, youngest member, whose Plastic/Prima Locomotive model won him a N* 2 Meccano Set. Mark was not able to collect his prize at Henley, but our his headmistress arranged a quite splendid presen- tation at his school, and Mark has shown his true appreciation of this new possession by using it practical- ly every minute of his spare time ever since. Our Secretary was delighted to be able to chat to the leaders of the new Bristol and Solent Meccano Clubs, and we send them our best wishes from the SMC. At the Dunstable School for Handicapped Children on 15th of October 1976, Luton member Geoff Pratt again put on a film show to the delight of the children and their parents. The Club has been asked to put on a display of Meccano models at the school on 18th of June 1977, any Meccano enthusiast who would like to help in this rewarding undertaking may contact our Secretary at the address below. Don't be surprised if, as a result of helping with this display, you are given life-long outside of the Stevenage Mec- cano Club. For those too impatient to write, Dennis can be telephoned on Stevenage (STD 0438) 53392. An Arts and Crafts Exhibition at Roe Croft School, Stotfold, Herts was held on 16th of October last, and included 27 models from the Stevenage Club. During a very interesting afternoon and evening, club members were able to answer a myriad questions about the Mec- cano hobby and the models on . Special thanks go to A Webb, his boys Mark and David, and to Stephen Kuc, AOgden and Mark Wadeson for their help at this display. We have been asked to mount another in 1977. Our outside members have been busy, especially Jack Farrington of Newport, Gwent, who exhibited his models at the Third South Wales Model Show at Bridgend, Mid Glam, on the 11th and 12th of September 1976. On October 30th, Dick Barton (our special agent) took some '00'- gauge railway material to an exhi- bition organized by the Battle of Britain Locomotive Society at Letchworth. The main batch of SMC members couldn't get along there, but Terry Pope and his young squadron from Welling- borough flew the flag. Well done lads — never has so much . . . etc. Our 100th member has been en- rolled, and for being in that lucky position, 8-y ears-old Barry Ingarfill has been presented with a Pocket Meccano Set. Others to join recent- ly, with ceremony but equal enthusiasm, were Darren Fenn (8), Kevin Kebble (12). from and Stevenage and Letchworth respect- ively. Finally, Dennis reddens our countenances by thanking the group leaders for their 'efforts' in 1976. I'm sure I speak for us all when I say that it has been a real pleasure. SMC, 7 Bernard Dunkley. Buckthorne Avenue, Stevenage, Herts, SGI ITT, England 29 1 WELLINGBOROUGH & DISTRICT MECCANO CLUB Since our last club report, we have been to several exhibitions. The Meccano Exhibition at Henley-on-Thames » which all members thoroughly enjoyed, was the Club's first visit, and incidental' The exhibited ly, our first outing together following members models: Richard Fisher, a Dragster; Michael Lawrence, a Motor Bike and an Army Jeep; Paul Dickin, a Dockyard Crane; Stephen Burgess, a Strongman with Dumbells. October, we were in- vited to display our models at Irchester Model Railway Exhibition This, our first local event, proved very successful and created much interest. My father and I had built m the 1928 SML, a most fascinating model to Our club chairman, Ivor the Ship Coaler operate. Dickin. electro-magnet, watched replaced the grab with an and little trips were spellbound as hoisted eyes Meccano aloft, then into the truck, which in turn despatched them through the hopper. A Tower Crane with auto- matic *■■■•—■■■ by Paul Gautry was also on show, as was a Drop Hammer and Grinding Wheel by Matthew Traxton. Later in October, we responded to an invitation from the '92 in Squadron* to join bit ion at Letch worth. played my own models, the Beyer- exhi- Here I dis- Garratt Locomotive, and the Double Decker Bus with complete working chassis. Various small models from our younger members made up the display. One new member has been en- rolled, and we welcome David Lack of Wollaston, Terry Pope 16, Princess Way, Wellingborough, NN8 2HJ, England. MECCANO IN TASMANIA An enthusiast in Tasmania has writ- ten to us in the hope of contacting Meccano enthusiasts in his part of the world. He writes: "I would like a * to join a Meccano Club in A usiralia, hut I do not know of the where- about s. I am anxious to get in touch with other enthusiasts, as Meccano is nowhere near as big a hobby here as in England, with parts hard to get* and no exhi- bitions held". Meccano enthusiasts able to contact our correspondent are urged to do so; his name and ad- dress are as follows: G E Duncan 42 Lavender Grove, Launceston, JOHN LYTHGOE demonstrated his freelance Meccanograph at the NEWS Darlington exhibition Tasmania, Australia, 7250 * POSSIBLE NEW MECCANO CLUB P Tonges of Emmastraat 3, Trom- menie, in the Netherlands would like to hear from any of his countrymen interested in forming a Meccano Club. All Meccano Clubs are invited to submit reports (and photographs if possible) for these pages. Re- ports should be approximately 350 words long, and should reach us by the end of the second month before publication. Ed • orris MANY ENCYCLOPAED I AS at BUILDING the discovery of the mag- compass to the Ancient THE FRAMEWORK Chinese, but there is a of The INSTRUCTIONS Bolts also carrying VA"X V4" Double is commenced by Angle Strip 6 separated from each corner Bracket by a Washer. 3 l / 2 "X V6"Double Angle Strip is thought which says that the navi- building two rectangular sections, fixed as shown, and carries a Rod gational aid used by the Chinese each constructed by bolting two Socket containing a 2 "Rod which Socket containin was not magnetic, but mechanical! lV&"Strips 1 to two V6"X VS"Double forms the stand. The South-Seeking Chariot is Brackets 2. Two of the sides of the interesting because contains a Nuts used should be parallel to the differential gear, the same concept edges of the lWStrips to give the as that found in the back axles of maximum space between them. The motor vehicles, but used in a rather two rectangular segments are joined different way so as to direct a by two further lVfc"Strips 3, the THE WHEELS The Spoked Wheels are mounted with Grub Screws on lVfc"Axle Rods journalled in the l 1 ^ "Strips 1. These Rods are held in place by %" pointer to the true South point of Bolts also securing 1 "Corner Brack- the compass irrespective of the way ets in * only one of which can be the chariot is seen in the photographs. The centre Pinions. One Pinion, 7, has its boss outwards, and the other, 8, inwards. Each Pinion is prevented from ex- I baulk at the difficulty of explain- holes of each of these latter 1V&" ing how it works. Build it and find Strips carries a 3V& "Strip 5 on a 3 /g " cessive lateral movement by a out! Bolt. The 3*4" The model is to Strips from the lVi"Strips by three Wash build, but care must be taken at ers. The 3 V6 "Strips are also bolted Washer on the Rods. Sufficient room at the inside ends of the 1V&" Rods should be allowed for another Rod to pass between them. each stage to ensure that bolt holes by 3 / 8 if Bolts the remaining THE DIFFERENTIAL are in so all Axle Rods holes in revolve smoothly. to Corner by three Washers At this » the point, the differential should be built. Bush Wheel and 30 - • • a lV4"Contrate Wheel 9 are joined by two lVi"X*4 Angle Strips which are each separated from the Contrate Wheel Collar. A 3 /4"Contrate, 10, is on a 2 "Rod mounted in Contrate Wheel 9. The Contrate Wheels are separated by a Washer. further %"Contrate 11 is mounted on a lV4"Rod journalled in the Bush Wheel, and is separated from it by a Washer. A further 1W Rod carries two V2 "Pinions and a Collar. Pinions mesh with Contrates 10 and 11. One Pinion is fixed on the Rod, the other is loose, but held in place by the Collar. Three Washers are now placed on the 2 "Rod which is inserted into the centre hole of Double Angle 6. The Washers rest on the in- ner Strips 1, and raise the Contrate Wheel above them slightly. This Rod also carries a 3 >4"Contrate 12, which meshes with Pinion 7. The Contrate Wheel 9 meshes with Pinion 8. The other end of the tial mechanism is journalled in a 2 1 / 2 "Xi/ 2 " Double Angle Strip 13, bolted to the top ends of Strip 5, and separated from them by four Washers. lV6"Rod carries a Z A >> Pinion 14, which meshes with a I W "Gear Wheel 15, mounted loose on a Threaded Pin attached to raised Double Angle Strip 13, from it by two Washers. COMPLETION AND OPERATION The Spoked Wheels should now be so that they are exactly centre apart a the same distance from of the and distance exactly diameter. equal to their All that now remains is to attach of 'Plasticine > a or Wheel rectly same whether the chariot is moved for- or Meccano)^ to Gear When the model is cor- he will point in the direction regardless of wards, backwards circles. > or round in Dashed clever these Chinese! PARTS LIST 2 of No 3 6 of No 6a 4 of No 11 2 of No 17 4 of No 18a 2 of No 19a 3 of No 25 2 of No 26 1 of No 27 1 of No 28 3 of No 29 15 of No 37b 24 of No 37c 35 of No 38 3 of No 48 1 of No 48a 1 of No 48b 2 of No 111a 6 of No 111c 1 of No 115 2 of No 133a 1 of No 179 ABOVE RIGHT: The completed m • • el of the South-Seeking Chariot, complete with 'Plasticine' Chinaman on top! R IGHT: A close-up of the mechanism of the Chariot, showing the construction of 1977 JANUARY the differential and the axle unit. 31 jBasiaaaM8 ■ VwdS y button nor filming at starts the camera frames per second. single-frame' setting enables The us to expose only one frame at a time. It is som et by rotating a control knob and then operating the normal camera release button, or there may be a special socket on the side of the camera into which a cable release must be fitted, For animation work the The author in action animating a Meccano tank in a "table-top" setting single-frame facility is a must, and fortunately most cameras have it built-in. The second requirement is GOING THROUGH An € THE MOTIONS ANIMATION feature of films is that This is, in essence, a cine camera there must be movement — hence technique borrowed from cartoon hours to patience. The piece of film that lasts a few seconds on the screen may, in some cases, take several the term *movies > A without films (see also ME 10 1975 Decern It is a slow process, movement is dead, motion gives life. ber) The animation of cartoon In MMQ 1976 April, we saw how movement drawings to produce any imaginable is by various camera movements greatly when a three-dimensional simplified and cannot be hurried. The model must be set to a new position for each exposure, which means setting model ect, such as a used. If you have watched any of this point at the outset, so that you even an inanimate model building or bridge, could be BBC TV's filmed in movement. 18 times for is each second of screen time. I make Roundabout or But a way as to im most Meccano Taddington Bear' series, you will know how effective the animation are under no illusions about it. You models are working models, and of solid objects can be. Whether the g means movement. Indiscriminate, or too camera movement can be disturb- animation is of drawings or models, the basic principle remains the same need patience, but then is patience not an essential ingredient in building Meccano models? mg most the creation of the audience. It is better for artificial movement of Thirdly, you will need a really your camera. A should move. that the subject itself This is where If you ood tripod is usually sufficient, but it must be rock steady. Particu- working model is ideal. Advanced model builders are in a strip of cine lar care is needed w filming, so a moving object, you can that you do not inadvertantly kick their here. e Block- see that it consists of a series of still pictures. The object is seen in each picture to have progressed throu Setting Crane, a fully-detailed Fork its motion stage by stage, each sue Lift Truck, an Automated Ship- cessive picture depicting the object Coaling Plant, are all models that in a more advanced have a great scope for building-in action. In projecting th plenty of movements. Furthermore, still picture is shown one after the depending on the degree of exper- other tise of the modeller, the movements or fully in pid succession may well be remote-controlled controlled. pictures a second 24 on or even und film, 18 pictures a second io most typ of domestic » one of the tripod legs. knock in the middle of scene, will cause a jump finished film. Good, solid tripods are not cheap, but an effective substitute that is not likely to be tripped over is a 'or camera clamp. This , a cramp for fixing to as a etc, mini- is, in effect cine cameras This kind of model is the film, as the operator's hands retain, for a brief time, an image of some convenient bench-top, chair back, fence and has a ball-and-socket head, on which the camera is mounted, to need not appear in the picture at all. But many Meccanoists have neither the resources nor the skill necessary to construct such a model. The human eye has the ability to thus enabling it to be pointed in the required direction. You could manufacture a stand from Meccano. Fixing the camera flashed before it Thi f vision' smooths the m from one projected pic- to the stand is no great problem, as ture to the next so that the in- In MMQ 1976 April, we saw how dividual pictures are blended to non-remote-controlled model gether to give the illusion of move the base of most cameras have a ! 4" a could Whitworth bush incorpor- filmed without hands ment ated, so the use of a V4 "Whitworth appearing in the picture — by 'stop motion'. Now we can advance a step farther, and put movement WHAT DO I NEED? As bolt under as such a %"diameter washer head solves the problem, a bolt can b e passed non-motorized models, or into models where not all the move- ments are motorized. This is the process known as animation. gra in animation, we must photo- through the centre holes of a pair of the action of 4"Circular Plates. The Circular each stage individually, the first requirement is a camera with single -frame ex- can then form posure. The release trigger point from which the tartin g camera or mount is developed 32 1977 JANUARY * r In conjunction with the tripod or stand, it is important to use a cable release to operate the camera. This little device in Bowden cable principle a is very useful, as it the camera to be triggered without accidentally moving it. short cable release is > get a long one that will allow hand movement without jerking the camera. About 250 to 300mm is quite suitable. GETTING ORGANIZED Because compara w long The scene as viewed by the camera in the table-top' set-up wise to see that, as far as you are undisturbed. The intrusion stoop repeatedly. (This latter of a younger member of the family, switch and two 3-pin sockets. A photoflood is plugged into or even the family in the ? can is perhaps not so important younger readers, but for some of us socket, and the unit is plugged of an ani- *t is quite a problem!) into the mains. mation session. The ideal situation LIGHTING FOR ANIMATION The switch is is one in which you have a separate room where a model can be set up The big animation with work out-of-doors is and left undisturbed; then if you lighting. Our British weather is are interrupted, or find that you notoriously changeable. During a 2- the centre 'off position. cannot complete a shot in one or session, you can everything weather can 3-hour filming session, to the lamps in series, quarter series position j quite dramati- may change, or the this allows them being connected come on at a normal power; to warm up » set up, and resume filming at some other time. Many of us cannot sun may disappear behind clouds, achieve this ideal, so a compromise or the light can fade so slowly as to must be made. We must select a be unnoticed. Unless the exposure time to fit in best with domestic settin before switching to 'parallel', where both lamps will be connected routine a time when we can the is expect to be disturbed the least. fading is com seen directly to the mains, and therefore (see this wiring full brightness By am Fig.2) finished Comfort n mation is most important ing m ani- noticeable change. as a very rapid and For convenience personal comfort, I mean. Working then, it IS better to film indoors means, photofloods can be switch- ed on and off hundreds of times without premature failure. In case of difficulty in series/parallel sw es, write to indoors in the summer for long under artificial lighting (ie, flood- nprinrlc with nhrd-nflnnrlc ic nn irilraf l^Ui n \ T4. Z~ «. J...:"«i~i« ±~ l ~ SRB Film Service, 286 Leagrave periods with photofloods is no joke! Beleive me, the gen t>y lights). It is to have a Luton, > spare set of floodlamp bulbs. photographic lights is quite con- if you are part-way through a film- siderable,so make sure the room is m g session and a lamp 'blows', you ^^ then continue filming with a replacement bulb. As Road, England , further alternative is to buy the Bedfordshire be able to unit marketed well-ventilated. Make sure also that you can move from model to camera Malham Photographic Ltd, with the minimum of bendin out in my article on lighting in MMQ should order be from obtainable to your local friendly » ing over things 1976 July, the life of these lamps is comparatively brief, and get lighting stands, tri- V ery hot. If left on for long periods remember they will over- photographic dealer. ANIMATING THE MODEL In that for every second of screen time even you order to simplify the actual possibly process of animation, we can divide cause damage to the lamp- the actions required into a number # ■* » ■ _ i* . __ «_ J_ _ _* __ " 1 J _ ^T move from camera to holders, so a wise precaution is to of separate simple movements model, set model to its new pos- switch them off between exposures, may have ition, move back to camera, operate m On the o operate camera, and hand, repeated day films, a character switch off floodlights 18 times! en the life of any lamp switching on and off will also short- seldom does two things at once. tiring ) m can be an over-run is all too easy acciden- flood. The espe He will move as a photo- stop, move an arm, head, stop, speak, safeguard is to tally to kick over the camera tripod make up (or have made up for you) head, the move his animation and so on; this or a stand, if they are awk- a series/parallel switchboard (Fig.l). simpler. process much wardly placed. It is best to see that The board shown has two everything is arranged tidily, and if circuits, so that possible have the at photofloods can arate Similarly, if we have, say, a tank four to animate, we can make it first of Each about waist level to avoid having to circuit consists of a series/parallel stop, turn all move over grass or earth, then > move forward, 33 stop, elevate gun approach the subject in this way at least until we have avoid becoming too the early stages. Taking consider the mentioned tank. we must estimate how fast it should hand along a set distance at a speed that 'looks ri_ for its scale, we can time it and find out second one ■ example, distance metres seconds a speed of: traversed model move effectiveness of the animation. 1.5 meters 24 seconds model above example, which equals 62.5mm per second. w, for each second of screen time. screen, movement across can be Remember that at this stage the nine individual move- camera will be fixed, not per second, exposing two be able to pan to follow the model's the camera must have ex- frames per movement. Then the movements. Adjust the focus so 18 frames, so the 62,5mm model must be not 3.5mm, that the model will be in focus Fig 2 but 7mm at a time. For a long- throughout the action. Adjust the distance shot this would be perfect- floodlighting to cover the scene as N* t FLOODUG tTZFLOODLICH TO MAINS SUPPLV adequate and will stiU smooth movement. give ensuring that the entire The proceedure for actually film- area of action is evenly lit. With the model at ing it is as follows: First, arrange position, ad j ust the camera ex- model in its posure setting to the lighting camera with the model m due set up the conditions, or switch on the auto- making matic exposure control. Set the camera to 'single-frame allowance for the DOUBLE *OLC 2 WAY SWITCH WITH CENTRE t>FF" - RATED AT 2*0V,5AMP exposure expose two frames. Move the model forward by the distance intended movement of the model so that it will still be in sight at the calculated (7mm in the example end of its movement. If necessary, try positional above) and end A the ensure viewfinder. as will be at frames. expose two more the model forward of its movement and and expose two more frames; and looks right in the so on until the entire travel distance has been covered. Remember when 34 1977 JANUARY P- = \ -l^a i * I * * « _ moving the tank forward to wheel it along as if it were actually bein driven, in this way the tank tracks and wheels will be properly ani- mated . The finished result on the screen a good of a forward motion. If the model moves towards the camera either or at an angle, rather than across the field of vision - the smoothness of the action wi be even better. When filming the subject in close- up, or in cases where the movement is relatively fast, the amount that the model moves at each stage becomes too great for the eye to accept, and the movement is « unsympathetic', ie jerky. In normal , the images in each frame are blurred by the movement, this helps to ABOVE series/parallel switch- board for the control filming lights. BELOW LEFT: The circuit diagram for ANIMATION DOPE SHEET the control box. film sttano PAGE NO. %\ CENTRE: A compari- son of live action film- arid animation. The film on the left shows a plastic aero- plane falling TIME FRAME NO. SOtTND TRACK DETAIIS C*x» vj<Ut> REMARKS *»*v the floor by animation model Is sharp in each the speed re, despite supposed high \Z bO VZol V2.t>1 *fefe motion VUS comparison, the lady wa past the live action film on the right blurred ttfc? ,«>»■* «&^c&** vjvs ^\y*S Na« tM «Mvk RIGHT: An animation *dope sheet", for the animation firing of the gun the I «■■■■■■! IW» ' %»+***. Q'tsA Meccano Tank smooth over the action; but we are now photographing tank backwards slightly series each frame static poses of our model, so there effect. For the will ment. alternative but no blurring due this instance there expose move- no film remove one frame at a time, and move the much model frame. the recoil few frames, cotton wool and then proceed with whatever action is planned . your animation can be done half every same basic d ividing Our model now reached the action into individual move- ments and treating each movement end want forward motion and we separately. turn left. When you have gained a little After filming the first part, you will experience, you can try combining have discovered how far the tracks movements, moving two or more each exposure, details at a time. Then you need to really methodical to avoid for- rotate make a left turn, hold the left- hand track to stop it rotating, and getting where you are in the rotate the right-hand track only, overall plan of action. When doing this, allow the tank to f o llo w natural inclination a standard order movements so that you do not swivel to the left by a small amount, inadvertently omit some important Expose two frames. detail. Where a complicated series movements is it is expose until more frames each time turn completed. You beforehand. prepare a dope sheet (Fig.3) This will indicate can now resume the forward which item is to be moved for each motion until you reach the point where the gun is fired. frame, and how far. Animating a model of a warship The tank is now static, and you would be just such a m- can elevate exposing two step by step, volving not only forward movement at a time until but also numerous gun activities, full elevation is reached. how long the movement should take on the screen, and divide the radar aerials, perhaps aircraft, not mention escort ships as well. As is exposed, the cor- total amount of movement into a responding line on the dope sheet is number of equal steps — nine steps ticked off. In the event of having to for each second of screen time, break off in the middle of a session, Move the gun one step for each two it is a simple matter to resume at frames. The swivelling action of the the point where movements off. as pan- ning are zooming, tilting, or tracking turret is treated in the same way. To make the gun fire, we can resort to a little more trickery. With the gun elevated and position- although they can be done if care is ed ready for firing, expose about 18 taken to make a slight movement best avoided m frames without any movement, for each two frames exposure Then add a little puff of camera mount can be made from wool smoke to expose one more muzzle, and Meccano, incorporating a geared Add more pan and tilt head. This will smooth cotton wool and expose another you to make the frame. Repeat this for a total of camera movements are so 5 or frames, meanwhile essential for a good movie. 35 tw@£mim This model published in 1959 April the French Meccano Magazine firstly. They Called in French: 'Boite a 12 Vitesses'. It is incredible THE REVERSING LAYSHAFT Between the upper and being the farther pair lower oWRods. The upper frame is fix- how pass away the times Andreas Konkoiy gear shafts, the V2 "Pinion which ed to the upper 6Vi"Rod by two serves as the reversing idler, runs on Collars, and the lower frame is a 3 / 4 "Bolt. ma HEAVY-DUTY VEHICLES, chine tools, drilling machines, etc all need a wide THE SHIFT LINKAGE to the lower 8 "Rod. ear shift levers (Figs.l & 5) are each composed of two Coup of speeds. It The above-mentioned Gears with lings joined as shown by a 3" and a was with this special need in mind Key Bolts are slid along the IM^'Rod. A pair of Handrail Coup- that this mechanism was designed, way Rods by means of the frames lings form the knobs. The ratios provided are: FORWARD 12: 8:1 3:1 2:1 1:1 4:3 2:3 1:3 1:9 REVERSE 2:1 1:3 3:1 in Fig. 5. The frames are actuated by the gear shift levers seen at the right of that picture. The frames are situated on shafts as shown in Fig.5, the nearer Between both there is shaft Washers Coupling units a specially-co nstruct ed composed locked of Collars and to a 2 "Screwed Rod by Nuts. The exact order of i BUILDING INSTRUCTIONS THE GEAR SHAFTS A 3 ^"Perforated Strip is bent at a right-angle between holes 2 & and is secured by two Bolts to the 5 1 / 2 "X2 1 / 2 "Flanged Plate (Figs.2&4). Refering to Fig.4, place between the two 2VS"DFlat Plates the fol- lowing parts: Above from to right: a Rod-with-Keyway is extended by a 2 "Rod attached to it with a Coupling. The order of the Gears all of which are Bolts with is then: a V4 "Pinion, a 1V6 Gear, and a 3 A "Pinion; these are followed by a Collar without its Grub Screw. The next item on the Rod is the end hole of the right- angled Strip above, Washer, a which is followed 60 -tooth Gear fixed to the Key way Rod by its Grub Screw, a ^"Pinion, a Couplin Pinion, > and Gear, another finally a Washer. Below from left to right: a 3V6"Rod is freely journalled in the bore of a ^"Pulley-with-Boss, which is fixed by its boss section only to of the other Key- way Rod. The order of the parts on the Rod is then: a ^"Sprocket Wheel, two Collars, three two more Collars, another Washer^ the 2V4"DFlat Plate, and a further are followed by a >j Washer. lV4"Gear Wheel, a V2 "Pinion, a VA Gear JVheel, a Washer, a V4"Pulley- a Washer; all four with-Boss bossed parts just mentioned are fix- ed to the Rod by their Grub Screws. passes throu the Strip, after which the parts are fitted : all with Key The right-an followin Bolts Pinion, and a WPinion. These are followed by a Collar, the other 2 1 /2"DFlat a 15-tooth Wheel, a 1 "Gear, Plate Piece. t and finally, a small Fork f 36 1977 JANUARY parts on these is as follows: two levers. The The Collar row on the left: are slid so » Nut, Collar, 2 Nuts, 2 1 / 2 "DFlat Plate, Collar, Nut, Collar Collar lu > Nuts, Washer, of a 5W" that the Couplings on them run linkage into gear. ive Fork before sliding the selected along the Collar rows. If it is required to change gear with one lever only, Double Angle Strip, and finally, a should be made to Fig.6, Nut. will be seen that a 5 "Rod has been The Collar row on the right: fitted with a Large Fork Piece Nut, Plate, 5V2"Double and a final Nut. Nut, 2 1 /2*'D Flat which is in turn fitted to the second COMPLETION AND OPERATION lug of another Collar of the lower gear shaft with Strip, 2 Collars, two Nuts and Bolts. A Coupling is fixed to the Rod as fixed wn, and to this are two Small Pieces by means of The other lugs of the Double Angle 3 /4"Bolts. The single lever is Strips are fixed to shown The required other Flat swung in an arc so that the required PARTS LIST 1 of No 3 2 of No 5 2 Of No 6 2 of No 6a 8 of No 10 2 of No 3d 4 of No 12 2 of No 13a 2 of No 14 1 of No 15 e illustrations. Collar (replacing is set with the 1 of No 17 2 of No 18a 2 of No 23a 1 Of No 25 6 of No 26 1 of No 26c 1 of No 27 3 of No 27a 1 of No 27d 2 of No 31 30 Of No 37b 45 of No 37c 2 of No 48d 1 of No 52 26 of No 59 6 of No 63 2 of No 72 2 of No 81 1 Of No 96a 1 of No 111 2 of No 111a 1 Of No 116 3 of No 116a 2 of No 136a ! NEW FRENCH MECCAKITS The Meccakit contains In ME 7, 1 described the three Mec- more cano France Multikit-type outfits, two 18W many The manual shows a step-by-step Girders, including method of construction, with clear, 12%" Angle reasonably-sized black-and-white Meccakits, which had recent- Girders, and the models are appreci- photographs; and ly been introduced, Now two more ably larger. On the other hand, they of the six models described rather have been added to the range : are less MT200, and MG400. These were there being no motor or gears as in mentioned in ME 8 but now an the Multikit, MT200 Manual and an MG400 the crane Another very noticeable differ- cranes a attractive. The use of the upper of the lorry Cab as the top of Outfit are to hand, so some more ence is in the colour schemes: the details can be given. It should be Multikit parts are noted however, that due to a trad- yellow or, for small virtually all ing agreement and Paris, the products of Meccano SA are not available for retail sale in England. Liverpool the new Meccakit, follow normal Meccano except that the The « MT > are akin to the Multikit Highway series, and the MT200 is a simplified version of the original MT300. It contains slightly fewer parts, and has four Road Wheels instead of the six in the larger Flexible Track is still included. The manual is in the same style as that of the MT300, but contains six models, as twelve, and each of these is a sim- plified version of an MT300 model. cabin appearance, and is about the right size for most of them. Finally, I would like to mention and commend to Meccano Liver- pool, the Bolt-heads used by Mec- cano France. Although they are only slightly smaller in diam than ours, this together with a slight taper gives a much neater appearance which would go well recently -adopted hexag- I * <* s From might be manual, it appears expected that as the onal Nut. The French Bolts also have short- er shanks — about 5.5mm long and this again gives a tidy appear- ance, although for general use it can be too short in some particularly if two Washers have to be used. Illustration reproduced by kind permission of Meccano France SA Ideally » we should have this design and finish of the parts is the same in the two outfits, The <MG' of MG400 for Flanged finished Meccakit Grues (grue = crane), and the 400 indicates that this set is the length available in addition to our 3"Pulleys are present one. same light shade of Whilst on this Fishplates are the brass -plated, the are non-standard, they are considerably Flexible Plates. The Washers in the MG400 largest of the Meccakit range. As its MT300 set. The only non-standard polished ones that are used in the thinner than normal, and are about name suggests, the theme is cranes, and of course the last British Multi- parts are a Cab painted in 'french* red, and com- certainly in diameter. This seems to me to be a step in the right direction, kit to be introduced is a crane set plete with Window unit; and six of the Washer present standard , but there tween the two be unnecessarily thick the 22mm diameter push-on plastic and, although it may be ar whereas Wheels as used in the French Pocket it is that to keep the diameter earlier Meccakits were more or less Meccano, In this case though, these the same as that of bosses, Collars, comparable with Multikits conce > the of the two crane kits is are moulded in grey plastic, and etc, If^t .^F'%, "^wK ^*Vi _rf*^fc_ -^t-rffc j"^fc I '^f ^F have been allocated the very different. number 306. part have a smaller diameter as well. to Tony Knowles 1 * GRUES 40C O .6 MODELS TOS PEAUSTS A OONSIRJRE POP JOER U M I M M MMPP MMKM MM MMM 38 * * * V 1977 JANUARY O-GAUGE PICKFORDS WAGON By tion b TINPLATE DESIGN REVIVALS the metal strap of By DAVID PRESSLAND Published by NEW CAVENDISH BOOKS Price £19.50 11 Boscome Rd, Southend -on -Sea, Essex, sed integral with his van sides/are the prototype, which Hornby pres- The Art of the Tin Toy (uniform with Century Model Trains Among the many pleasures of col- here actually separate pieces of tin- reviewed in ME 11) is a sumptuous lecting tinplate toys, two and plate, presumably soldered on. This production well worth every penny seem to stand out. Firstly,"the ro- might have been an attribute had of its price, and is a collector's item its own right. Bound in very colourful hard practical construction not one been cut crooked and which has preserved many vintage another so ill-formed as to buckle specimens for us today, in spite of the over-enthusiastic handling in the past. Secondly, the naive vigour of covers, and with an additional The wheels are white metal with printed and laminated stiff card very noticeable flaw in the castin outer case the presentation the tinprinting or painting, and the of the flange and, for turned jobs, superb -raphic work which interprets in they are just not good enough. It is Measuring 340X 270mm is Toyland the spirit of the real world true that the and of design and industry. ginal Hornby tin- weighing 2.5kg, the contents of Hornby gauge < 0' Trains, for plate wheels left much to be desired, suc ^ massive proportions can well more than forty years, supplied these two virtues in abundance. but the Hornby cast wheel was very imagined 224 good contain The pling look over 640 illustrations, of which 240 plendid, are in full colour. The photography New tin toys are still to be bought, until you discover that they too are is both excellent in quality and im white metal castings, as is the tail aginative in setting: just what we though not often in the form of _._ trains, and the intelligent collector lamp, in which thehole will keep his eyes open for oppor- that it falls off the peg- small have come to expect from this tunities to spot the 'antiques of the future ' . publisher. The colour printing (by The most extraordinary feature Smeets of the Netherlands is the in which the drip rail the ganization responsible for the If this same collector's eyes were seems to be impressed rather than colour work in this magazine) is to light upon the new offering from embossed. Close inspection of peerless quality. The clarity Tinplate Design Revivals, I am that the roof is made of a double the" colour pictures makes them atraid that he may be disappointed; thickness of tinplate with a slot cut jump from the page, and anyone your reviewer certainly is " * " The <N Private Owner Van Pickfords" meets neither the into the upper layer to suggest the questioning the price drip rail. Not at all a happy feature, should compare this work with standards just described, nor does it ation The colour is a good represent- cheaper books: if you want the seem to make much Pickfords blue ginal con- white roof; though the paint is thin with a very best, it's bound to cost more tribution by way of compensation, and looks it. and The contents themselves treat the specimen As this item is clearly an imitation under review, one door cannot the reader to a mouth-watering of a vintage Hornby Van, a com parison with the 'real thing' is appropriate, in fact, unavoidable. The dimensions and construction closely follow the standard Hornby product. The design of the chassis is similar, but with a curious without ratching cascade of models and toys of the the tinplate era 1825 to 1975 paint. All this, and more besides you can have for £8.35, is part 1895 presented in four part covers 1825 1914 seems to me that here is a and part 95 1918 part 39, In addition •> 'edgy look to the pressing, the worst feature being a weak point where the horizontal bar linking the axle- and that there is a to the examples of tin toy plate idea; for a limited run of new tin- associated models in specimen is N°. 65 in gaug guards meets the brake hang Compared with the smooth flow of ' (this edition of is a pity that Tinplate Design Revivals invites so much labels sheets phemera and ginal i boxes, books, instruction and > m way the Hornby pressmg this both The desig comparison with a product which (John B Cooper) catalogues highly are al a is pleasing of the book to be con- looks and feels unsatisfactory. In deed, the model has sharp bits all over. Tags in ghly finished, and those on the it so much better 40 years ago gratulated for making the layout pportunity has been missed aesthetically pleasing from cover to An to create an entirely new range of cover; it must have been a mam are over -large and tinplate toys of original design. For moth task my money, I'd rather get a Hornby All periods are well covered. It ^™ e ^° f i he body are im Perfectly Van in need of respray, and a sheet may surprise many who study this pressed down — a vulnerable nf < T,atraci»+» ar»H u^ Ta ™*u i*&. Kont fn ^ien™««. fk^+ o^ w,r,«u pressed feature down The vulnerable corners themselves Letraset', and have cash left book to that so much over : seem to have received special atten- straight and I'd get my lettering from the distant past is still around, Aif Reeve and has survived so well as to be i 39 J available to includ ed in work. This is due measure to both the quality of the contain that have been hiding all Part 203 Headlamp these years; and * * for Mr * and to the care, preser- them. Huntingdon for one thank uncovering Part 203 (finished in red) was intro- duced in 1934 in the Meccano vation, and delicate restoration by an enthusiastic body of dedicated collectors. The book's author. David Pres- 'must' for the bookshelf of every Hornby Train enthusiast, and Lighting Set 1 , and was also avail- able in black for fitting to Meccano Meccano Historian. Mike Nicholls Motor Car sland surg by been a student and NEW REPLICA PARTS Part 120a Spring Buffer i veh icles . of The Headlamp was com four separate parts, a rim, a body, a celluloid 'glass* and a 6ba nut. Having been so ebullient in my praise the Spring Buffer, can little is a in- collector of tin toys for many years. The Spring Buffer 1 was introduced One of his life-long ambitions being into the Meccano system in 1922. to own the best 100 tin toys from Apart from its obvious use on rail- the years before the first world wa Y models, Part 120a could be deed anything — to commend the headlamp recently introduced by the Transvaal Meccano Guild. As a war. That he has succeeded so mag- use <i as a sprung electrical contact nificently to bring so much of hi own collection and the The recently-introduced replica amples of other collections into borough and District Meccano Club one volume, is a task the story of * s a beautiful reproduction, exactly which would make another interest- following the lines of the Liverpool Spring Buffer from the Welling- headlamp it is a bit haphazard, but ing book Hallsworth original. It would be facile indeed to compare here the calipered ALONG HORNBY LINES By BERNARD HUNTINGDON Published by OXFORD PUBLISHING Co Price: £3.60 'Along Hornby Lines' is not an at- measurements of the original and replica as, in all cases t one on the sample reviewed, these agree to within 0.01mm. The one case tractive book The dust jacket is somewhat overloaded with colour shots, presumably because there are no colour pages inside the book, and this is therefore the only place to show the Hornby items in their full glory . where this is not so is the thread length on the buffer shaft, where allotment of the original 5mm has been extended to a more generous and useful 7mm as a replica Meccano Headlamp as it has been advertised — it is a complete disaster. The Oxford English Dictionary is quite precise in its definition of replica': a facsimile copy, and by this token, this recent headlamp is not a replica. The body is too shallow, it has wrong curve, and too large a slot for the wire. The threaded at the end of the body is with a nut that is 4,7mm across the flats instead of 6.5, and of piece Inside, after some nice, but The main, central buffer section complemented ica is turned from one steel and, at a small extra finished in by » a ion washer where of no charge, can be immaculate bright nickel-plate; obscure washer should be. The plastic disc that forms the headlamp 'glass' should be 'beaded' obtrusive, reproduction whilst the sleeve section is turned on one side: it is not, neither is it the correct diameter, The front rim adverts on the endpapers, the book begins with a photograph of an from brass rod both sections astonishingly ugly of Mr thereby matching the finish of the is the wrong shape; it Hornby; but it is in the pages that follow that the design of the book becomes very uncomfortable. The narrow columns of text with 1922 part. Supplied as two- should fit the body snugly and con- part items, each replica Spring Buf- tinue the curve therefrom; it does fer requires only the addition of a neither, it just sits there incongru- their ragged right-hand edge Part 120b Compression Spring and Nut from the purchaser's o usly , a When the outfit to make it complete. are fitted to- gether, all the inaccuracies add up constantly jostle for position with Wellingborough and District MC to form m u 8 l V lop-sided affair that the photographs and (mostly irritat " * ' ing) sketches. All through the book, one is aware the layout, reader from the text. untidiness of distracts the This is a itself is because the text spiced with fascinating anecdotes about Binns Road and Mr Hornby himself, and if one can blocks in get past the the grammar and punctuation, the narrative is absorbing. Whether or not the book will be are to be congratulated on the production of a first-class, highly accurate — not to say beautiful — component, to a quality that would have won the approval of Frank Mike Nicholls 1 See The Railway Parts* JME4 1974 June. Provisional Prices: Minimum order of 4 Buffers 45p per Buffer section plated no collector would attach to a Meccano Motor Car; which is a as this was presumably the for which the manufac- market turers were aiming when they Hornby himself. finished the items (rather badly) in black paint. Mike Nicholls 1 See JME4 1974 June (50p each Buffer with centre on which delivery will take longer^ Postage extra on both types. J Burgess. W el- Avail ability : lingb orough Kettering, ONLY from M " D __ " w - & District MC, 66 Park koad. Northants, NN16 9LL, England. Glenada to to collectors, or learn about those Hornby wishing Trains is beleives that enough to be really useful in this is this reviewer exhaustive end, despite the afore- mentioned reservations, this book emerges as a jolly good read, and the author has added several pages to the slowly-accumulating book of Meccano history. For me, the most valuable parts of this work are not the enthusiastic pages of Hornby Train but the nuggets of they information intimate information that Price: 1.50 Rand (South African) per headlamp complete. Availability: P Matthews. The Transvaal Mec- cano Guild, 119 Vorster Avenue, South, Johannesburg, South Africa , 2001, Also: MW Models; see advertisement page 2. BELOW LEFT: Buffers, replica and original. BELOW RIGHT: Headlamps, new and old. - - ' 40 1977 JANUARY * * i more ALAN PARTRIDGE DESCR nee DRIVE-SPLITTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR USE IN CLOCKS If there are two winding holes in the driving force is maintained even the dial, it will be a striking clock while the weight is being raised. • * but if there is only one hole, it maintaining gear also prevents the will be a simple timekeep So said a Being an awkward tendency to drive the escapement to old clocks, m reverse whilst rewinding: this my mental jam or even response was: "Does it have to be damage the escapement. permanently This is no way of getting more than two drives from one falling weight by cords and pulleys alone without an inordinate waste of height. Back guess by:" followed (with —you'll differential gears in mm No, it doesn't!" Examples of maintaining gear are given in a note by Noel Ta'Bois in MM 1952 October p465; in Bert A line to the Meccano Clock ex- Love's Grandfather Clock MMQ pert, Pat Briggs, elicited a lot of 1973 October Supplement p3; and information mation that including CO occ been used gears have drive Briggs' Astronomical Clock, to the epicyclic gear. , in these cases, practically the same as the spur-gear differen- tial , and in Fig.2 the details of the differentials have been left blank it doesn't matter whether you think of them as spur or bevel geared. Fig.2 shows how the drive from one weight Supermodel N9 6. In each between can be as timekeeping split, and first auxil- plitters in case, the winding drum is part of iaries, then between two auxiliaries Meccano clocks. He the cage of an epicyclic gear. should not however, be held re sponsible for any of the details of Before this line is further persued, should be mentioned that a single the following Pat-Pourri or Hotch- falling weight can power two drives Pav+virirrtJ At: 1_" :«~ i :i,* \ u_. ~ Partridg Ther (timekeeping and aux are four reasons why a continuous cord or chain by a shaft in a clock should be wanted to turn to drive movement the fallin timekeepin weight is Fig.l. more cord needs to be wrapped one turn, as in the Clock and yet again to provide which does not need a ratchet, and which can be operated even during the striking and chiming sequences. Fig, 3 shows a design to replace the epicyclic winding drum — it is a spur-gear differential using the Kits, so chain is better. If the aux better than a spring because it drive ert hands through a ratchet wheel, passes same uniform force. In clocks with shaft can be used for winding. Pro- posed out-of-doors, which vided winding is completed drive. largest available gears, the T'Gear [Part 31] , to reduce friction, and a Gear Ring [Part 180] bolted to the cage, driving a ^"Pinion [Part 26] as the beginning of the timekeeping have to drive against wind, ice, and between the hours (or quarters) pigeons, the amount of quired is more than one could gy re- there is no interference with either drive this is then also a *main- vably store in clock springs. ear » If two hour to drive striking gear: at each shafts are wanted for strikin a number of strokes to the hour qual to drive chiming gear: a music- tune is played at every hour before the strike, and possibly in creasing fractions c and chiming, the auxiliary drive w must be split with a differential : there is The penalty for combining the drives is that the single weight has to be as heavy as the sum of the weights, or have a fall as the sum of their separate falls. Anyone who has had to wind an 8 -day long-case clock, or a church clock, will know that trans ferring handle from f th quarter hours tune at REWIND SWITCHING CAMS DRIVE TO AUXILIARIES to rewind any of the above. If is done between the hours (and quarters) there is no interfer- ence with the function of the the striking and chiming g but for the timekeeping movement interrupt • any undesirable. In Mec- cano Clock Kits, the weights can b SENSING LINE raised hand in a few seconds and the interrupt but many Ion is not serious, clocks take one shaft to another provides a welcome breather. An electric motor & rewind however, does not need a tea-break! drive to The real advantage of a combina- timekeeping tion drive is found when the rewind is electrified, for then only a single motor and a single set of contacts are needed. The only remaining question is to VS a minute to wind by a handle, and architectural clocks much longer. In these it is desirable to in- clude a 'maintaining gear', in which tension weight where to put the contacts, these must complete the circuit for the winding motor when the weight is nearly down, and open the circuit TENSION WEIGHT when the weight is striking and up. If the chiming sequences Fig! MAIN WEIGHT lower the weight faster than the rewind raises it, the rewind must start at a point where there is • m f V f » y ft f< V f fi f y 1 MESSAGE FROM GEOFF WRIGHT Although fresh with Journal was made using offset lithography, circulation was small, and new contributions few; so a decision was made to amalgamate with the new Meccano Magazine. IP send in material, which will be passed possible publication r MM, and * readers. . thousands, rather than hundreds, personally to contribute articles. _ i i -■ * myself IRISH Dear Ed. • it Harvest meeting of the Meccano The next meeting Lake County Hotel, Mulllngar, on Saturday March 26th 1977 ..--.. _..._.._ " "».—...". provided they are interested in, or curious about, Mec- cano. have only 7 members yet, so any increase will be very welcome. Terry McCabe. enough drop remaining to run the difference throu the 12-o'clock sequence. Trip levers can be placed where the weight itself will them, but more elegant solutions are possible. If a step-down drive is taken from the winding drum to a shaft which revolves less than one whole turn in a full descent of the weight, this shaft can do the switching. This could be by a Flat Commu- tator [Part 551] and three Wiper Arms, but as the movement is extremely slow, this may not work It is better to use a snap well > as in Noel Ta'Bois mechanism two cams. If a > pened and closed by chain drive as shown in Fig.l is to be fitted with an automatic rewind, modifications are required at two points. Firstly, as there is no winding drum to drive a contact shaft g the sensing either the weight must rewind motor directly, o line can be put on the weight, as Such a line must always be chain, otherwise errors will eventu- ally creep in. Secondly, the drive to auxiliaries merely through a must not be ratchet, but through a differential with the rewind the third shaft as in Fig.2. Since the worm and , . , u .,. , . . " pinion will not back drive, the P^.m .the auxiliary train to aUow pinion shaft is immobilized except when the motor is runnin A NOTE ON SPRING DRIVES rewinding. But NB — before start- b] Be prepared for a tedious mg to dismantle re-wind, reefing in on wires as a Motor, wind it just enough to lift the Motor. Clockwork you go, before it will fit back in the spring off the frame stops (or If you de-function the winding next spindle) and wrap two separ Do the whole thin in shed j wear a motorcycle helmet ratchet of a Meccano Clockwork ate loops of strong wire around it. with the visor down, or with eyes a lot of damage to ornaments, wallpaper, nervous pets Motor, you can use the ordinary If you are thinking of releasing the closed and head turned away timekeeping, and the spring from these wires to clean spring breaking loose can do drive for winding shaft to drive auxiliaries. A and lubricate it ratchet [Part 147 + 148] must be Think again ! Or: * your eyes 42 1977 JANUARY mm are required which can also run for long periods without attention. mm Here, the electric type scores over the clockwork and steam-driven units. In an world, everyone MICHAEL WALKER Secretary of the North West Meccano Guild I neither would install electric motors in their models, and that . the world is be ideal are Meccano motors » All model, have a fundamental require- ment for a source of motive power. electric ones included. No sooner Teal llie or have We installed one than We In this %-vlew of a Meccano model of an we started In with a limited exceptionally Meccano world, we are amount of power is available. for in On occasions, have n Car, the bonnet (hood) Is shown In the raised position to reveal the engine detail. The 4 Motors-wit h -Gearbox can clearly be seen In the forward part of the engine compartment. come across terms of different power sources; models of wheeled vehicles that two or more motors used together Meccano Ltd market a wide range of clockwork, electric, and even steam power units with which we to propel can drive our models. It's simply a flawlessly when mounted to double, triple, or even quadruple have been unable the usual amount of power can be once on floor! Of course matter of extra an effective solution to the problem. The American Car models that I the most gearing could be introduced into frequently construct, demand great suitable motor or engine for the the transmission to increase the power with two other model one wishes to From his earliest days with the Or is it? power, but the resultant decrease in ortant lightness and corn- Meccano hobby, the enthusiast speed may not be It would appear then that acceptable, pactness. m Under these circumstances, the that only a certain limited some cases, the electric motors Mo tor-with -Gearbox used in double amount of power is available available to Meccanomen at the and case of the Motor, one could 'Magic has the long-term answer Clockwork are inadequate for driving" some of to my power, compact size, and any one motor. For example, in the time of writing (1976 September) P*°ve use this for powering light models, as the casing of the unit the considered slender mainspring, amount of energy. In the extra-large wheeled models light-weight requirements. I antici- by many P^-te the questions of those who the norm only a modellers. How do we solve this w ^l ask whether it is good a small problem whilst remaining Meccano by emplo y in of Meccano Meccano-marketed motors? to only to commit two or more motors to a is this mechan- modelling, more powerful motors Multi-motor common ically correct? » combinations, le j [Continued on page 45 * — i WE STOCK MECCANO SPARES MOTORS MECCANO CONVERSION MECCANO SPECIAL MECCANO PLASTIC Nos. 1 -10 FULL RANGE ALL SIZES IX -8X - INC. GEARS AND ELECTRONICS AND CONVERSIONS WE SELL MECCANO ALL OVER THE WORLD. BY ACCESS AND BARCLAYCARD MECCANO BY MAIL ORDER. MECCANO TO SCHOOL AND INDUSTRY. SPECIAL ON NO.9 AND NO.10 OUTFIT (John W eseisll P&P FREE OVER £10 (UK ONLY). SHOP CLOSED DAY WEDNESDAY PUBLIC CAR PARK AT REAR OF SHOP 43 SIXTH ANNUAL NL TOWN HALL 3rd September ON-THAMES Friday is the special enthusiast's day when readers of Meccano Magazine, Club members, Meccano modellers generally and their families, are invited to meet each other and display their work. On Saturday the Exhibition will also open to the general public. COMPETITIONS Open to all - age taken into account. ♦Meccano model, to weigh not more than one kilogram (2.2 lb). Meccano parts of all types may be used. ♦The best and most original non-crane! model built entirely with contents of one Meccano Crane -Building Set. Open only to those aged seven and under; ♦The best model made of Plastic Meccano, Prima Meccano, or a combination of both. SPONSORED BY EVERYTHING MECCANO 1 (MWMODELS) 165 READING ROAD, HENLEY- ON-THAMES, OXON. RG9 1DP. mi Annual OPEN t! AM TO 5 PM ADMISSION TO EXHIBITORS REFRESHMENTS JUNIOR MODELLERS' COMPETITION Due to the huge success of last year's show, larger premises have been booked again for 1977. The North West Meccano Guild extends its usual cordial wel- come to all Meccano enthusiasts to display their latest master- pieces to the public! (Meccano models only, of course!) Further details from the secretary : Michael J Walker 31 Carus Avenue Hoddlesden ,Darwen Lancashire. 44 : . MECCANO SPECIALIST DIRECTORY. : 1977 JANUARY ALL DEALERS APPEARING IN THIS SECTION SPECIALIZE IN SUPPLYING MECCANO EQUIPMENT BARTON 0652-32470 LONDON Tel 01-959-2877 PECKS OF BARTON George St, Barton on Humber CCANO Sets Accesso pare Parts H. A. BLUNT & SONS LTD 1 33 The Broadway Mill Hill, LONDON NW7 4RN CANADA R.S. MODELS Box 30178, Postal Stn.B Calgary, Alberta, T2M 4P1 Complete range of Sets, Accessories & Parts HENLEY (049 1 2) 2436 LONDON 01-734-1846 NEW ZEALAND L M. W. MODELS 'EVER YTHING MECCANO 165 Reading Road HENLEY-ON-THAMES Oxon RG91DP Retail and world wide mail order JEREMY 16 Princes Arcade, Jermyn St, London s w 1 MECCANO specialist fn sets, accessories and Spare parts BUNKERS LTD, POBOX 58 HASTINGS Mall orders from all countries welcomed LIVERPOOL (051-709) 7562 WELWYN 26884 Lucas's HOBBIES Ltd 9 Tarleton St. FULL RANGE OF MECCANO & SPARE PARTS AVAILABLE H. A. BLUNT & SONS LTD. 38FRETHERNE ROAO WELWYN GARDEN CITY, HERTS, Complete range of model aircraft, engines and accessories, boats, cars and railways. Retail and world wide mail order .CLASSIFIED ADVERTIS Rates charged Private: this ion are as follows: WANTED Meccano Aeroplane Con WEST AUSTRALIA JACKSTANBRIDGE'S J Hobbyshop' subway) Weste (Perth) Full range of MECCANO Spare Parts available FOR SALE q per word; Trade: 3p per word, structor and Car constructor Outfits, Manuals, C ano parts Iverlisements. with remittance, to: -%...*_ — .• _ _, ... *«m« n fl| "• repaintable Please send advertisements, with remittance, to: p arts Meccano Magazine, Classified Advertisements, Brian willia Reading Road, Henley-on-Thames, Oxon, Soutnampton, Hants many ex-9a, to be sold as a lot or 7 Thorndike Road, separately. SAE to M F Shutler, 9 Cumberlands, » England. Kenley, Surrey. CR25DX, England. RG9 1AG England (Subject unsold) WANTED Constructor requires Meccano FOR SALE 19 MMs (1929 — 1934) • Man E020 Motor good working order, uals 1912 1924. D Carson, Dumbartonshire, Castlegreen Street, Dumbarton, replicas of 120a [Spring Buffer] and 306 [Ter- Some obsolete parts and rno cai C , ■ * . . * . - « rr » ., «*v^ r^ rvJK bALb Locking, stainless steel surgical G82 1JB, Scotland, minals]. Mr Toon, 24 Park Street, Luton, forceps. straight curved jaws, FOR SALE Two genuine complete Geared Bedfordshire, England. Ave nue, unused. £4 per pair post paid, Cotterifl, 37 Park Skegness, Lincolnshire, England Roller Bearings. Open to offers As-new parts two-thirds list price. Meccano Magazines FOR SALE Comprehensive Meccano col- most years. •Overseas letters awaited. Lashbrooks Road, Uckfield, Sussex, England, lection in excellent condition. Approximately, FOR SALE Unused red— green No, 10 eccano Magazine wishes to apologize for a but not exactly » equivalent to Set 10 plus extra Meccano. All parts still tied in place in original parts. Also obsolete parts. Send SAE for list to: cabinet. Dated about 1955. Full instructions typographical error which occurred the BOOTH, above advertisement in MMQ for October 1976) Merseyside 2 Mere Lane, Herwall, (mint). England. Manchester, Offers to: 11 Stothard Road M32 9 HA, England NORTH WEST FRONTIER Continued from page 43 When trying out these motor combinations for time, make sure that: As so much power is available, a friction clutch installed to the motors Technically, I admit that it isn't as pos All power leads and reversing reduce to a minimum absolutely correct; but the very near will damage slight variations in shaft speed of correct polarity. switches (if any) are set to the caused by a fault in the trans- mission. two, say j Motors-with-Gearbox If using Motors-with-Gearbox, bought at the same time and fed that all gearboxes are set to the trouble If you are willing to go to the of identical voltage, does not warrant same ratio. any concern when meshing power installing this extra in your transformer giving twice particularly of the motor car > or units on to a common drive rod. the usual amperage in the case of lorry type, stand by for an exciting This has been my long-term obser- a 2-up combination, four times in experience! Even in the case of Indeed, as in the ac- have combined four Motors-with-Gear- the case of 4-up, etc. is used. companying illustration , many other types of model a You have thoroughly tested all doubling of power wouldn't do any mechanical and electrical harm at all. It might even give your box with great success in a past functions before committing your heavy Road Locomotive 'sports car model car. motors. 45 i 46 1977 * I i i ■ I I I Tb* AirfiiOftmp Meccano Ltd., Binns , Liverpool LI 3 IDA. 47 The Hornby Companion Series will comprise a unique library of seven books dealing with the product history of the legendary Meccano Company founded by Frank Hornby in 1908, The series will be published over the next few years, each volume conforming to an overall size but varying in page and colour content. In an endeavour to make this series as definitive as possible, each volume will be written and compiled by acknowledged experts. The consultant Editor of the series is Mike Nicholls, currently editor of Meccano Magazine. The publishers have access to the finest archival material on the subject, and all this coupled with the standard of quality that has become synonymous with New Cavendish Books, will ensure that these volumes will offer enormous value and pleasure to the readers. It is hoped that over the years they may become as cherished as the products they illustrate. i Cave The Hornby Companion Series: VOLUME 1 The Products of Binns Road - A General Survey - Peter Randall ISBN 904568 06 7. 224 pp, 102 pages full colour, 209 x 292 mm landscape. To be published Spring 1977, at £1 2.50. This will form the master Volume to tl\e series and outlines virtually all the products issuing from the various Meccano factories. It includes, for the first time ever, full colour reproductions of the extremely rare Meccano Book of Products - 1934/35, together with a similar reproduction of the Hornby Book of Trains for 1938/39. A full colour extract from the 1 939/40 book of trains is also included, dealing with the introduction of Hornby Dublo, In addition to an excellent text, touching on the development of virtually all Meccano's products, the book is profusely illustrated with over 170 black and white reproductions taken mainly from the original Company's literature. The book also includes an invaluable diary of commercial and industrial events. VOL UME 2: The Meccano Super Models - Geoff Wright. ISBN 904568 07 5. Autumn 1977. VOLUME 3: The History of Hornby Dublo 1938-1964 - Michael Foster. VOLUME 4: Dinky Toys and Modelled Miniatures - Mike and Sue Richardson. VOL UME 5: The Hornby Gauge System - Bruce Baxter. VOLUME 6: A Complete Guide to The Meccano System and The VOL UME 7: Special Constructional Sets - Jim Gamble. The Hornby Companion - A Digest of Meccano's Advertising and Literature - Mike Nicholls. This series will he available from most good booksellers. Book 65 Marylebone High Street, London W1M 3AH