Week 21 2024

Meccano

In 1901 Frank Hornby invented and patented a new toy called “Mechanics Made Easy” that was based on the principles of mechanical engineering. It was more than just a toy: it was educational, teaching basic mechanical principles like levers and gearing.

Hornby setup his own factory in Duke Street, Liverpool. As the construction kits gained in popularity they soon became known as Meccano and went on sale across the world. In 1907, Hornby registered the Meccano trade mark, and in 1908, he formed Meccano Ltd. To keep pace with demand, a new Meccano factory was built in Binns Road, Liverpool in 1914, which became Meccano Ltd’s headquarters for the next 60 years.

The first sets under the new Meccano name were numbered 1 to 6. In 1922 the No. 7 Meccano Outfit was introduced, which the largest set of its day, and the most was sought after because of its model building capabilities and prestige.

In 1926, to mark the 25th anniversary of his patent, Hornby introduced “Meccano in Colours” with the familiar red and green coloured Meccano pieces.

The word “Meccano” was thought to have been derived from the phrase “Make and Know”.