Meccano set is an ingenious construction system comprising miniature components made of metal or plastic, designed for building mechanical models. This educational toy was the brainchild of Frank Hornby, an Englishman who invented it in 1898. The name “Meccano” is believed to be a clever fusion of the words “make” and “know”.
A typical Meccano set can contain upwards of 400 versatile, interchangeable pieces. These allow enthusiasts to construct a wide array of models, ranging from sleek race cars and advanced robots to futuristic spaceships and medieval catapults.
The versatility of Meccano/Erector Set extends beyond mere play. In a striking example of its scalability, a 21-foot footbridge was constructed in Bolton, Manchester, using oversized Meccano-style parts. This demonstrates the system’s potential for real-world engineering applications.
Moreover, Meccano has found its way into educational programs. The “Mentoring Using Meccano” initiative employs these construction sets as tools for volunteers to assist primary school students in enhancing their social and communication abilities.
