This was one of our informal quarterly meetings where our members showed off their latest Meccano creations.

From a 1970s № 9 set manual.

A demonstration of a vertical axis ring pin steered wheel, showing how the wheel moves in the longitudinal direction during the steering motion.

We were supposed to be shopping for something else but somehow ended up in The Entertainer. I was pleasantly surprised to see about a square meter of shelf frontage devoted to Meccano, and obviously I had to reward that with a purchase, specifically…

“Stands the church clock at ten to three And is there honey still for tea?” The clock in question – Grantchester — actually stopped at half past three. Even though that scans and rhymes just as well (although I never felt the first line scanned properly…

Designed by Hubert Van Wyngaarden, utilising cams in one way clutches when matched with a ½” pulley.

Model 2.4 from a № 2 set manual, powered by a clockwork Magic Motor.

A screw-operated scissor lift jack based on two part 52 flanged plates.

This is a model from the 1962–64 manual for sets № 0 and № 1.

The Emperor Dalek appeared in the 1967 Doctor Who serial The Evil of the Daleks, with Patrick Troughton as the Second Doctor. It is over twice the height of regular Daleks and is immobile, being fixed to a space frame on both sides. It is connected by…

A colour-coded demonstration of an on/off circuit for raising the weight in gravity-driven clocks using two limit switches and a 6V relay. Pressing limit switch 1 starts the motor, and pressing limit switch 2 stops it.

Jack is an industrial locomotive of the type that could be found in quarries and factories until the 1960s. It has a trolley for its power pack.

This was Frank Hornby’s favourite model. I showed photos of a model of the Rolling Crane in the north of the Liverpool Waterfront upon which Hornby’s model must have been in outline based.

In my early teens I remember building something like this, inspired by something I had seen somewhere, and was surprised how well it worked. In the five decades (and more) since, I don’t recall seeing anything like it, hence my deciding to try a rebuild.…

Why do I call this an alien Lander? Because it contains no Meccano, being made from alien parts belonging to a system with holes at 1cm spacing and using metric (M4) nuts and bolts. I have never intentionally bought any of these metric systems — they…

Based on instructions shown in the 1954 № 7/8 set manual.

Based on instructions for model 2.37 shown in the 1931 № 2 set manual.

Based on instructions for model 1.215 shown in the 1931 № 1 set manual.

Based on instructions for model 1.225 shown in the 1931 № 1 set manual.

My model has been made for my grandson Vinnie-Ray who has autism, but he did not like the noise! It is based on the model in the June 1972 issue of Meccano Magazine which was designed by Andreas Konkoly.

A № 3 set sports car in dark blue/yellow Meccano with 1½” pulleys and black tyres.

From the 1950s set 3 manual.

Model 2.3 from a № 2 set manual.

From a kit with forks altered and springs fitted.

A racing car with a 3V motor and batteries made from metric kit.

Having two large fairground models which needed a bit of extra work, I decided to build a new model for the South East London Meccano Club’s September 2026 meeting. It was after 9:00am on Sunday 30th August when I started to build it. I thought a…

A three piece band — one player is on an organ, the second player is on a guitar and the third player is playing a drum.

The engine was never completed but this incredible dynamo shows what a staggering model it would have been. Do not forget: This and most of Terry’s models were built after he lost his entire sight during his service in the Royal Navy during the Falklands…

Adapted from a model in a 1950s № 5 set manual.

In barn find condition (ex auction).

From a 1965–69 № 4 set manual, and mounted on a part 52 flanged plate stand!

From a 1965–69 № 4 set manual.

From an early 1930s set 3 manual. Given a little push, it rocks down an incline in a most amusing manner.

Making a model of a church bell was a challenge for a bell-ringing certificate. It actually rings!

As seen in the BBC TV series Blue Planet II. The model won 3rd prize in its class at the Lychett Matravers Flower, Craft and Produce Show.

In our club’s 50th year we take a look back at some photos from our most recent decades from the club archive.

This is Meccasaur in 1970s Meccano, hence Retrosaur. It is not finished and at the moment it is too heavy. I hope to show it at the Henley Gathering on 29th August 2026.