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The Theory of Meccano Gears: Part 3 — Bevel Gears

Written by Alan Wenbourne in June 2021

Alan Wenbourne presents and shares his experience and understanding of Meccano gears in this series of articles. In this part he applies gear theory and practice to the Meccano bevel gears, parts 30, 30a and 30c.

The Theory of Meccano Gears: Part 2 — Helical Gears

Written by Alan Wenbourne in June 2021

Alan Wenbourne presents and shares his experience and understanding of Meccano gears in this series of articles. In this part he applies gear theory and practice to the Meccano helical gears, parts 211a and 211b, and also discusses the design of Exacto helical gears.

The Theory of Meccano Gears: Part 1 — Spur Gears

Written by Alan Wenbourne in June 2021

Alan Wenbourne presents and shares his experience and understanding of Meccano gears in this series of articles, starting with the basics in applying gear theory and practice to the Meccano range of spur gears.

M4 High-Speed Tractor

Written by Alan Wenbourne in May 2021

A 1:15 scale model of an Allis-Chalmers M4 HST (High Speed Tractor) double differential steered tracked vehicle built by Alan Wenbourne.

Twenty Years of the Secretary’s Challenge

Written by Chris Warrell in May 2021

Chris Warrell celebrates the first 20 years of the Secretary’s Challenge with a look at some of the ideas that have been tried out to fulfil our Challenges.

Nile Barrage Lifting Bridge at Assuit

Written by Alan Wenbourne in April 2021

Alan Wenbourne builds a 1:40 scale working model of the lifting bridge at Assuit in Egypt, which forms part of the Nile barrage system.

The Story of My Hummer

Written by Alan Wenbourne in March 2021

Alan Wenbourne describes the process of developing his 1:6 scale model Hummer vehicle, including his invention of an improved alternative design for a Torsen-type differential.

Digital Command Control for Meccano

Written by Les Chatfield in March 2021

Les Chatfield explains how this model railway system can be adapted to control Meccano models such as cranes — using just a single wire to control multiple motors!

Mini-Version London Eye

Written by Alan Wenbourne in February 2021

Alan Wenbourne describes the construction of his dual-scale working model of the iconic London landmark.

Cletrac Controlled Differential Steering System

Written by Alan Wenbourne in February 2021

Alan Wenbourne builds a model demonstrating the Cletrac Controlled Differential Steering System, or ‘a crawler with a steering wheel’.