Alan Wenbourne

Articles

A Clutch of Differentials

Written by Alan Wenbourne in April 2007

A selection of Torsen differential designs from Alan Wenbourne.

Blaw Knox ‘Super 12’ Motor Grader

Written by Alan Wenbourne in April 2024

This article from the July 1960 issue of Meccano Magazine gives an overview of the features and capabilities of the real-life ‘Super 12’ Grader and explains how Alan Wenbourne meticulously reproduced these features in his 1½ inch to 1 foot scale Meccano model.

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’.

Compact Six Speed and Reverse Gearbox

Written by Alan Wenbourne in September 2012

Alan Wenbourne explains his modifications to a gearbox designed by Tony Bolton.

Computer Controlled DSG Transmission

Written by Alan Wenbourne in October 2006

A demonstration model of a Volkswagen gearbox by Alan Wenbourne.

Fairground Dive Bomber

Written by Alan Wenbourne in January 2008

Alan Wenbourne describes his changes to this GMM Supermodel.

Gandy Dancers Railway Hand Car

Written by Alan Wenbourne in February 2026

Alan Wenbourne describes the creation of his auto-reversing Meccano version of the Bachmann G gauge railway hand car model.

Leonardo Da Vinci’s Self-Powered Cart

Written by Alan Wenbourne in October 2021

Was this the first car? Here is Alan Wenbourne’s interpretation of a fascinating contraption sketched out by Leonardo da Vinci circa 1478.

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.

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.

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.

Oshkosh M1070/M1000 Heavy Equipment Transporter System

Written by Alan Wenbourne in July 2025

Alan Wenbourne describes the development of his model of the Heavy Equipment Transporter System (HETS) tractor (M1070) and semi-trailer (M1000) which is used by the US Army as a tank transporter.

Pegasus Rolling Lift Bascule Bridge

Written by Alan Wenbourne in February 2022

Alan Wenbourne models the Scherzer rolling bridge which spans part of the Caen Canal in Normandy, France.

Ravigneaux Planetary Transmission

Written by Alan Wenbourne in April 2006

Alan Wenbourne describes the evolution of his model H1 Hummer gearbox.

Solution to NZFMM Magazine Puzzle № 2

Written by Alan Wenbourne in June 2020

Alan Wenbourne describes a spur gear train using metal Meccano factory gears that will produce an output of 3.14 turns for an input of one revolution to two decimal places.

The Allwyrm Limited Slip Differential

Written by Alan Wenbourne in May 2022

An improved Torsen T1 differential invented by Alan Wenbourne.

The Heatherwick Rolling Bridge

Written by Alan Wenbourne in September 2008

A unique blend of engineering and sculpture modelled by Alan Wenbourne.

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.

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.

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.