Haynes manual meets Meccano

I was in a big WH Smith yesterday and saw that the Haynes manual publisher has apparently taken up the Meccano banner, even if not in name, by launching a series of meccano type sets to make various models;...a camper van and railway engine etc. The kits look quite well done with stainless meccano type parts and the original meccano ethos is clearly visible on the box illustrations.

I think this is a great idea as the meccano kit gave a uge amount to British ingenuity and the creative talent that is ours. I'm sure that micro computers for every kid is a great idea but a small meccano kit is the practical equivalent and also encourages the mechanical element in design and innovation. In my experience, adults can be easily divided up into those who had a meccano kit as a kid and those who did not!

The Haynes kits are a modest £14.99 and would be ideal for getting a grandson to start making up stuff this Christmas with some guidance and interest.....

That sounds great Bob, the only thing I don[t like about the modern Meccano, and it' clones is that they come in boxes with each one for a particular model, the way imagi got into Meccano was a big box of bits, and a little bit of nation. Favorite model , cranes. Started when I was about 5/6 yrs old.

Ian S C

The meccano magazines make a good read and have some interesting articles

I never had any Meccano magazines, or plans, my set was a hand me down, it had been dads, and probably his brother before that.

Ian S C