This October meeting was extremely well attended and several people came just for the fun and comradeship without bringing a model. The sales table did exceptionally well, for which we must thank a past member - Mervyn Bishop - for his generous donation of his collection to our club. Thanks to Dianne for providing the catering, Pam and Bonnie for helping in the kitchen and others who donated cakes and biscuits.
A video of some of the working models will be added later.
Andrew J displayed his Fairground Octopus Model which was built following instructions by 'Spanner' in a Meccano Magazine - it was described following a National Model Show Exhibition in London where this model was on display.
The instructions did not include details of how it was powered as it was designed to be a shop model in continuous operation so Meccano motors would not have been suitable. Andrew's model was powered by a mains microwave motor. The accompanying figures, which seemed to be about the right scale were some he bought on eBay from China for a few pounds a few years ago.
Philip B brought his model of the first Burgh Island Sea Tractor (a work in progress). Built in the 1930s, it is a chain driven caterpillar tracked platform, with 2 front wheels for steering with Ackermann geometry. It didn't last long as he imagines the salt water took its toll on the metal work. A second one commissioned by the Hotel also suffered the same fate. The third one - which is still in operation - is powered by Hydraulic motors on each large wheel.
Barry W showed an impressive display of what he thinks is probably all of the “accessories” from 1970 - 1976 (unless you know better) including an early tool set and then the later tool set with a different screwdriver, as well as the Meccano Caterpillar track pack, which was then renamed flexible track pack as “Caterpillar” objected to the use of their trade name. The Meccano steam engine is mint in its box and has never been fired. The display also includes two Marklin motors. The EU 1072 and the EU 1071, which were made by Marklin on behalf of Meccano.
Many of these accessories are now becoming extremely hard to find in good condition in their original boxes.
One question Barry would like answered if anybody knows, is why the 3 1/2 v Junior Power Drive motor was produced in blue instead of the normal yellow?
Mark H-S displayed a model of the Meccano King Ghidorah. King Ghidorah is a fictional Japanese three-headed dragon which featured in Japanese monster movies and comics from the 1960’s.
Nikko produced the Meccano Set 0528 of King Ghidorah in March 2006. The set was made in China and marketed only in Japan. It is very difficult to find in the UK but occasionally comes up on eBay.
The model is relatively straightforward to put together from the manual. The set features a number of novel parts, most noticeably the wings but also several specific construction parts.
The model is driven by 2x MO Motors each powered at 6v. One motor for the wings via 2x 19:1 reduction gearboxes giving a 361:1 reduction and one motor for the three necks/heads via a 1x 19:1 reduction gearbox.
Marks says "As is often the case the model design has some flaws. It is in my experience very difficult if not impossible to get the necks/heads of the dragon working smoothly without some modifications. Due to the weight of the heads/necks the plastic gears tend to jump out of engagement despite the design using narrow strips to tie axle rods together within the various gear trains. To prevent jumping I found that further reinforcement was required. I also changed one of the main driving pinions and 57t gears from the plastic to the brass alternative and added an additional brass pinion and brass 57t gear to the same drive which gave additional torque which further prevented jumping.
The weight of the larger middle neck/head is a particular problem, the gear train having barely enough power to retract this. Dave Denner of Australia also encountered this issue but suggested a solution by adding Tension Springs as a counterbalance. I adopted this modification which worked well.
I would refer anyone interested in this model to consult the article by Dave Denner in Constructor Quarterly No.77 September 2007. Dave gives an in-depth review of the model and its construction including suggestions for improvement. Also included are a number of high quality close up photos adding a wealth of further detail."
Neil B showed Two Landrovers (Series 1, as seen before) - one a work in progress. Both built to a scale of 12.5 to 1. The idea is that some niggles in the first one will be ironed out in the second one and then retrofitted to the first. The completed model has four wheel drive, but the steering is slow to operate as it is driven by a worm gear.
He also showed his Two-man canoe - roughly mocked-up for now, and part of a bigger 'diorama' model which he has had on the back burner for ages. He says "The model (if I ever finish it) will depict a scene from 'Operation Frankton' when in December 1942 a team of Commandos used canoes to attack German shipping in Bordeaux harbour (as brought to life in the 1955 movie 'The Cockleshell Heroes')."
David N showed a Model T Ford. This is a scale model, as far as Meccano half-inch spacing will allow. It was built with a motor under the bonnet (now extracted for use elsewhere), and transmission to the rear wheels featuring a two speed and reverse gearbox and differential.
Rob C brought along a model of an ‘Off-Road’ Racer built from the ‘25 in 1’ set no.17204 which was available a few years ago and now thought to be out of production. The set was obtained still sealed and unwrapped as something of an unknown quantity and on opening proved to contain mostly plastic mouldings with a smattering of metal parts.
Rather bizarrely, given the name of the set, there is nothing resembling a steering wheel! The set contained a 4.5 electric motor and an accompanying battery box. The set manual contains instructions for only 3 models; instructions for building another 22 are still available as a download from the Spinmaster website.
Rob commented "One model was chosen and construction commenced following the instructions. It soon became evident that a lack of rigidity of the plastic mouldings was creating problems in making the mechanism work reliably and some of the details of construction left a lot to be desired in terms of adherence to sound engineering principles.
Eventually I made a metal Meccano chassis and body support frame which overcame all the problems previously experienced. The chassis came out at 3 inches in width, not a common dimension in Meccano construction but some three inch by half inch double angle strips – with a centre hole – helped enormously. (I have been told at various times that these are ‘Primus’ parts and at other times that the source is probably ‘Erector'). I also added various radiator grille details together with dummy lights and a cabin roof together with that all important steering wheel! - all from parts beyond the contents of the set.
The finished model does run at a sensible speed on a hard wood surface. It also has steerable front wheels but no steering mechanism as such; the wheels have to be set by hand to the required angle."
Chris B's superb Alvis Stalwart was on display and able to be viewed inverted courtesy of a very well built pivoting frame. This vehicle was designed to deliver munitions and fuel. The model has six speeds, and a differential only on the centre pair of wheels. The other four wheels are steered but scrub when cornering. There is a swim board at the front for ploughing through water.
The vehicle did not have any doors for entering. The personnel entered through two circular hatches on the top of the cab.
The model was designed by John Ozyer-Keys, and the instructions published in the Sheffield Meccano Club's magazine.
Mark B brought a work in progress model of an Arnfield Mantel Clock designed by Dr Michael Adler. This is a joint build with Pete who now has the task of doing the next bit.
John D says that this is the last time he will display his marble bouncer. It doesn't always function reliably but it seemed to be working fine at this meeting. He also showed a number 2 clock under construction. Apparently, the plastic sprocket wheel being used does not provide a constant speed, so some rework might be required. Lastly, he showed an Impulse Clock designed by Dave Harvey.
This is Hugh B's version of the Meccano Jumbo Mobile Crane model no 8.7 which featured on an old Meccano leaflet from the 1950's.
The original model contains a fixed jib that only moves up and down and the model is not motorised. Numerous modifications have been made to allow the model to be motorised with four motors. The jib will rotate, but a counterbalance was needed on the rear of the cab (comprising approximately 50 2p pieces). It also moves up and down. A separate motor operates the crane hook and another motor moves the whole lorry.
Colin showed his Krazy Klock and his Triple Expansion Steam Engine.
The first of Ian's models is the start of a Dragline Supermodel. He is incorporating some improvements, e.g. using gears instead of a chain drive. He is dubious about the original design of the bucket control as it relies on the hoist action deliberately slipping. He is considering using a limited slip differential instead.
Ian's Helical Escalator is a representation of an escalator design tried by the London Underground at Holloway tube station. The real one did not work but some of the remains of it still reside at the bottom of the elevator shaft. Some modern versions, which do work, are now being introduced in the USA and Japan. Ian's model required him to machine a number of shouldered bolts to have a more precise fit in Meccano holes.
Ian's last model was a Tracked Crane from a 1990's plan, which needed some redesign. The turntable is not a particularly good design and may also need rework. He has added a speed controller on each track allowing it to steer.
Steve has not had much time for Meccano activities since the last meeting but has managed to include a walking man stepping in time with the treads of his 'perpetual spiral staircase'. Getting the motion of the legs and arms in such a small figure was challenging, as was providing the drive to the man at the right speed to correspond with the stair motion.
Richard S displayed his Barber Greene Road Paver. Unfortunately, this had suffered a mishap as it was dropped onto the floor. These are the things we dread when transporting a model.
Richard G showed another collection of Non-Meccano construction kit models from around the world. It is amazing how many 'Meccano-esque' systems there were in the world.
Brian's model is based on the winning entry from a 1971 competition. The winner was 14 year old Mark Knowles, and was an American style steam loco. Brian has put his own stamp on it with a few changes, for instance the train wheels comprise a Meccano spoked wheel with four Meccano curved strips superglued to the inside face to provide the flange.
Bob P displayed two 'perpetual motion' machines. The eight lobe machine was built in a day, and its six lobe little brother was built in a single morning. Both were fascinating to watch in motion.
His yellow bulldozer is a non-Meccano kit, but the parts are sized the same as Meccano. The main difference is that the bolts are M4 thread. Notably, the stiffnuts are shallower than the Meccano equivalent and can therefore be used on shorter bolts.
Bob's green clock was from a Canadian plan. As usual, some modifications were needed, e.g. to the gearing. His red clock uses Meccano electromagnets as the driving force. This design was seen in the Sheffield Club Magazine.
Kevin brought a nice looking Tug Boat. He clad it using strips rather than plates which gives it a more robust appearance. He also brought a small crane from the 1950's which he constructed as one of his "Sunday builds".
Pete displayed a bus built from 1920's nickel parts. It is operated by a gear lever on the driver's side. The bus is fitted with a 6v motor which allows for forward and reverse motion. The model shows the limitations to the parts available in the 1920's period but still makes a pleasing result.
The factory display windmill has belonged to a few club members, and is now owned by Pete.
Pete's robot is based on a design by Fabian Kaufmann. This particular build was not able to walk on the day, but a similar walking one by Richard S will be used to aid troubleshooting.
This nice looking vintage bus was built by the late Tony Knowles using Erector (the American form of Meccano). There are some bespoke parts used in the model, and the design of the narrow braced strips look very pleasing.
Eric saw an old advert depicting a truck cab and decided to build it. The cab incorporates a clockwork motor which is not powerful enough to move it!
His main project at the moment is a giant block setter crane by Ransomes and Rapier (a contemporary of Stothert and Pitt). He is working from photos found on the internet. The original was steam driven but Eric's model utilises an electric motor driving a faux steam engine. The counterweight is lead sitting in no. 52's.
He has painted each component in grey primer which gives it a very industrial and imposing visual appearance. This will be a superb example when completed.
The Malcolm Hanson Trophy was voted on by the members present for the best completed model on show. It was won by Chris for his magnificent 6 wheel drive Alvis Stalwart. See 2023 Malcolm Hanson Trophy page.
