This was one of our informal quarterly meetings where our members showed off their latest Meccano creations. Later in the meeting Alan Wenbourne gave a talk entitled My Meccano Years, a chronological account of the more significant models he has built since 1946.

From a 1970s № 3 set.

In my original model of this fairground ride, eight free-tilting carriages on eight rotating arms gave an exhilarating experience of being spun at extreme levels for short intervals periods reaching immense speed. My main tallish structure was a type of…

Model 1.113 from a № 1 set manual, with minor modifications.

From my model of Derek the Dragon.

Model 2.16 from a 1970s № 2 set.

Work in progress. Inspired by Santiago Plicio’s Metal Micky wearable robot head and the 1974 film Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla.

This type of telescope can be seen in an observatory. I have also included a Meccano figure sitting on a chair.

A motor car with detailed seating and Meccano figures, also showing the drive shaft, exhaust and engine with cooling fan.

A 1930s three wheel tractor powered by a 10hp engine for three tons and turns in own length. Fitted with Scammel coupling for various trailers and very popular for many companies. The Meccano model is powered by a French 6V battery motor driving through…

This is model 7.16 from a № 7 set, built for a Secretary’s Challenge some time ago that Keith never managed to attend the appropriate meeting for. His model features several departures from the original concept, including the use of hub discs, large and…

This proved to be an appropriate choice of model — there was a partial eclipse that peaked about an hour before our meeting started. Guessing that most members would build a telescope or an orrery I decided to try something different, so let me introduce…

A fireless locomotive is used where open flames would be forbidden. It is charged with steam off site then could run for 3–4 hours!

I built this model to go with my footbridge, platforms and 4–4–0 locomotive at our 2024 Meccano Show. There was room under the footbridge for two tracks, so putting the locomotive on one and the carriage on the other gave the impression of two trains…

The model is packed with working features: Opening doors, an adjustable chute, Ackerman steering on both front axles, clutch, two speed and reverse gearbox, two differentials, and the rotating mixer powered by a Meccano motor. The model is also packed…

The nine heavenly bodies are represented by circular parts such as washers and discs.

Model 4.1 of the 1965 № 4 set manual with stand, presented in white/mint green.

From the 1978 № 4 set.

Model 5.44 from the 1930s № 5 set.

Model 5.4 from a 1978 № 5 set.

Similar to model 4.4 in the 1940s № 4 set manual, but in a red/green/yellow colour scheme.

Constructed with pre-war dark red/green parts.

From the Space 2501 set.

Made from a № 5 set with a 6V motor. It has left-hand drive.

With remote control steering, doors and 3-speed automatic gearbox.

Model 10.6 from Leaflet № 6, slightly modified with an extra 3:1 reduction in the transmission and gear driven winding drum for lifting the bucket.

When I built The Medusa (with its dome-shaped structure) I was pleased with the rather unusual finished shape and due to a short time to built it I decided to make this model medium sized, not very elaborate, and big and heavy. After it was displayed at…

From a № 7 set manual.

This model is from a 1970s № 5 set, with a few extra parts. (I bought the set a few years ago — it was in near mint condition and in its box, so it only gets used occasionally.) It has been scaled up from my green H W M racing car Dinky Toy. The model…

A 1950s style sports car designed by Bernard Périer and featured in his Serial Constructor book.

As the year 2024 was winding down to a finish and with too much spare time on my hands, I thought about creating a model based on a radical idea I had had for a long time. Having suddenly committed myself to the idea, I started constructing in the…

The Foden trucks became the must-have post-war Dinky Toys, probably because they were the first to be branded ‘Supertoys’. They must have been popular; all five versions were later reissued with the smiley-face grille replacing the sad-faced one. An…

Having enjoyed building the flat-bed version I had to build one of the others, the tanker number 504. My stocks of part 187 road wheels and part 215 formed slotted strips are now much depleted.

A dairy van, because the milkman delivered cream, butter and cheese — and much else — as well as milk. Am I the only member of the club to have built two milk floats? This one is based on Dinky toy № 30V. I sold my Dinky version in about 1960 for…

Based on Dinky toy № 563. I must have been given this Dinky model at a very early age. I can remember it only when the tracks had disappeared (perhaps my parents thought I might try to eat them), the chimney was broken off, most of the paint had gone and…

Based on Dinky toy № 320. Yet another model I used to own, but no longer. I wish I could go back and tell my younger self to take care of my Dinky Toys, to keep them in their boxes and not to take them out in the garden when my friends came to play. And…

Model 5.25 from a № 5 set manual.

This model is from the 1940s № set 4 instructions, with a few embellishments, such as the twin exhaust, as a nod to my Talbot Lago Dinky toy. The model has neither power nor steering.

Based on Dinky toy № 521.

From the 1970 № 1 set manual.

Based on Dinky toy № 781. Filling up is Cathy Claydon’s model of Dinky toy № 181, the Volkswagen Beetle car.

From the 1930–1934 № 4 set manual.

From the 1954–1960 № 5 manual. The Meccano model is based on an early 1950s Dinky Toys AEC Tanker № 991, itself based on an AEC Monarch cab/chassis with a Thompson tank. The Dinky Toy was produced 1952–1958.

This is a model of a 5 ton Bedford Pallet-Jekta delivery van from 1960–1964. The prototype was operated by Meccano limited probably in the late nineteen fifties and early sixties. The Dinky Supertoys model of the vehicle was first advertised in the…

Based on Dinky toy № 27g with working tipper and steering.

A working lathe powerful enough to turn small pieces of plastic, soft metal or wood.

An air-launched torpedo on its loading trolley, built for my Fairey Swordfish aeroplane model.

Model 6.38 from a № 6 set.

1930s Super Model № 28 with a redesigned gearbox, added geared plate, and middle hoist on moveable trolley.

A khaki jeep from the Army Set, with additional debris-clearing front bumper.

Based on Dinky toy № 14a. My model incorporates a Magic Motor drive.

From the Crane Construction Set, with a 3V motor for raising and lowering the hook. The jib is hand-operated.

I am modelling the US military Oshkosh M1070 HETS tractor and semi-trailer (M1000). The trailer features 40 wheels on 10 bogies each of which allow wheel rotation, steering, oscillation, suspension and jacking to allow lowering of the deck for ease of…

Based on Dinky toy № 562.

Based on Dinky toy № 514.

A small ‘Watt’ type beam engine with parallel motion designed by Brian Rowe.

A № 4 set model from the February 1956 issue of Meccano Magazine.

Based on Dinky toy № 25f. Built from pre-war blue/gold parts and complete with wooden play bricks in four colours to simulate market produce. Bought from a jumble sale for £1!