1928-1935

This era is divided into two sub-eras - 1928-30 and 1931-35. Note that there was an overlap between this era and the following lettered outfits era which was introduced in 1934. Click here for an overview of the outfit models and changes during the era. It also shows the relationship between the models of this era and the previous and following eras.

1928-30
In the smaller outfits (00-3) the majority of the models were either completely new or extensively redesigned from the previous era. In the larger outfits (5 -7) there was virtually no change from the previous era, although many were renumbered. During this sub-era the manuals changed every year with new models being added in and some deleted. Many of the new models were also featured in the Books of New Models which were published between 1928 and 1931. A 000 outfit was introduced in 1930. The covers of the 1928 manuals were the virtually the same as the previous era. In 1929 the front cover changed to bright red, although the overall design remained unchanged.

1931-35
In 1931 the manuals had a revision which resulted in most of the non model pages at the beginning and the end being removed. This was presumable to save printing costs. Aditional manuals were introduced, together with for the first time, Accessory outfit manuals. There was very little change to the models in 1931 from 1930 except for extensive renumbering. During the 1931-5 period there was very little change to the manuals, and models and numbering remained unchanged.

Changes to the manuals

• Covers and other general changes
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• 1928
  The 0 and 4-7 manuals were a light grey/green and the 00-3 was a light buff/green. The print codes do not include a prefix signifying the printer.
  The 3/28 No.00 manual had the graphic symbols either side of "MECCANO", like the 1927 manuals. These were omitted from the other manuals (Did the other 1928 No.00 manuals have it?)
• 1929
  The 0, 00-3 and 4-7 manuals changed from a light grey/green or buff/green to red.
• 1930
  In 1930 the print code was amended to include a prefix signifying the particular printer used. For most manuals this was '2'.
• 1933
  There was a change of printer which resulted in noticable changes throuhout the manual.
  The print code changed to '13' for most manuals.
  The font of the print code also changed.
  The font the manual number on the front cover became narrower.
  On the red covered main manuals the boys' hair changed to red.
  The orange highlight to the word "MECCANO" which gave a three dimensional effect on the red covered main manuals was omitted.
  The font of the text used throughout the manuals changed noticably (became smaller) - Especially the heading on the top of each page. The different font often resulted in formatting changes to text in general.
• 1934
  The orange highlight to the word "MECCANO" which gave a three dimensional effect on the red covered main manuals was reinstated.
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• Changes to the Introductory page.
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• 1928 » Early 1930 (1/30)
• Manual 00 (1928) So far only the 3/28 manual examined
  This had an 'Engineering for Boys' section on the rear cover
• Manual 00 (Early 1929 (1/29))
  Not yet examined. The 1/29 manual could be like the 1928 manuals or the 3/29 manual
• Manual 0 (1928 » Early 1929 (3/29)) and 3/29 00 manual
  A Talk with New Meccano Boys - Picture was of the Steam Shovel - Sections are:-
  Meccano Accessory Outfits
  How to Build with Meccano
  Improved Meccano Parts
  The Life of a Meccano Boy
• Manual 00 & 0 (Mid 1929 (6/29) » Early 1930 (1/30))
  As previous except that the section 'Improved Meccano Parts' was deleted - Small differences between 00 & 0 to suit the manual.
• Manuals 00-3 & 4-7
  The page was 'Meccano - the Toy that made Engineering Famous'. These are all the same except for small differences to suit whether it was a 00-3 or 4-7 manual.
• 1930 (from 2/30)
• Manual 00 & 0 (2/30 - 3/30)
  The 00 Manual not yet examined although assumed to be nominally the same as the 0 manual
  A Talk with New Meccano Boys - Picture is of a Traction Engine - Sections are:-
  How to Build with Meccano
  Meccano Accessory Outfits
  The Life of a Meccano Boy
  Meccano Service
• Manual 00 & 0 (4/30 - 12/30)
  As for previous manuals except picture changed to a blocksetter - Small differences between 00 & 0 to suit the manual.
• Manuals 00-3 & 4-7
  The page changed to 'Meccano - Real Engineering in Miniature'. This was modified in 5/30 to include reference to the new 000 outfit. The 00-3 manuals had a picture of a blocksetter in the top right and the 4-7 manual had a excavator in the top left. There were small differences in the text to suit whether it was a 00-3 or 4-7 manual.
• 1931-1935
  The introductory page was different for the various manuals. Often with the same sections but in a different order. There were small differences in the text of the Accessory manuals to suit which outfit it was for.
• Manual 000
  From 1930-33 there was a box entitled 'How to Continue'
  In 1934 this was replaced by 'Keep Adding to Your Outfit'
• Manual 00
  Identical to the 1930 outfit 00 manuals
• Manual 00-0
  The Finest Hobby in the World for Boys
  How to Build up Your Outfit
  The "Meccano Magazine"
  Meccano Service
• Manuals 00-1 » 00-3 (1933 manual 00-1 not yet examined)
  The Finest Hobby in the World for Boys
  The "Meccano Magazine"
  Model Building with Meccano
  How to Build up Your Outfit
• Manuals 00-4 & 5-7 (1931-3)
  The Finest Hobby in the World for Boys
  Model Building with Meccano
  How to Build up Your Outfit
  Meccano Service
• Manual 00-4 (1934)
  The Finest Hobby in the World for Boys
  Electric Lighting of Meccano Models
  Keep Adding to Your Outfit
  Meccano Service
• Manual 4-7 (1935)
  As 1931-3 No.5-7 manual except that text is arranged in two columns
• Manual 00A
  No sub title under "Meccano"
  The "Meccano Magazine"
  How to Progress Further
  Contents of No.0 Outfit
• Manual 0A
  Real Engineering in Miniature
  How to Progress
  The "Meccano Magazine"
  Contents of No.1 Outfit
• Manuals 1A » 3A
  Real Engineering in Miniature
  How to Progress
  The "Meccano Magazine"
  Meccano Service
• Manual 4A
  Real Engineering in Miniature
  The "Meccano Magazine"
  How to Progress
  Meccano Service
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• Changes to the 'The Meccano Magazine, Meccano Standard Mechanisms etc' page. (This page was deleted from 1931.)
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• Early 1928 (4/28 to 6/28) (8/28 4/7 manual not yet examined)
  The MM pictures were of a Biplane (July 1927) and Steam Locomotive (February 1927).
  The picture of the Meccano Standard Mechanisms book was of the 1926 version.
• Late 1928 (10/28) (8/28 4/7 manual not yet examined)
  The MM pictures changed to March 1927 and May 1927.
  The picture of the Meccano Standard Mechanisms book was of the 1926 version.
• Early 1929 (3/29)
  The section on 'Improved Meccano Parts' was deleted.
• Late 1929 (6/29) to Early 1930 (1/30)
  The picture of the Meccano Standard Mechanisms book changed to that of the 1929 version.
• Early 1930 (3/30 to 4/30)
  The Meccano Magaine pictures changed to one showing a boy reading the Meccano Magazine.
  The text of the Meccano Magazine and Meccano Standard Mechanisms section changed.
• Mid 1930 (7/30)
  Formatting of the text of the 'Meccano Magazine' section changed.
• Colonial Edition Differences
  Overseas - Price of Standard Mechanisms : 1/6.
  Australia - Price of Standard Mechanisms : 1/6. MM Subscription : 7/- for six issues (1928/9). MM Subscription : 9/6 for six issues (1930).
  Canada - Prices in Canadian Currency
  Export - As UK edition.
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• Changes to the 'Meccano Guild' page. (This page was deleted from mid 1930 - some of the 7/30 00-3 manuals have it and other do not.)
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• 1929
  'How to become a member' - Text changed from:-
  .... United Kingdom, but members abroad to pay 5p extra ...
  To:-
  ....United Kingdom and 1/- overseas ....
  'Meccano Clubs' - Text changed from:-
  .... there are active clubs in over one hundred towns and villages ....
  To:-
  .... nearly 250 affiliated clubs in ....
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• Changes to the 'Particulars and Prices of Meccano Parts' pages.
  These changed with virtually every edition of the manuals as new parts were added to the Meccano range. (Note that for 1928-30, the Overseas and Australian editions had higher prices, the Canadian editon was in Canadian currency and the export editions had prices omitted. From late 1930 all editions had prices omitted.)
  (From 1931 these pages were only in the 00-0 manual.)
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• Early-Mid 1928 (4/28 - 6/28 - excluding 6/28 manual 0)
  The four columns of the parts list were as follows:-
  1-36, 36a-82, 89-126, 126a-170
• Mid 1928 (6/28 manual 0 only)
  Parts 56d, 56f and 161 were added to the list.
  The four columns of the parts list were as follows:-
  1-36a, 36b-82, 89-126a, 127-170
• Late 1928 (10/28 » 11/28) (8/28 4-7 manual not yet examined)
  Parts 130 and 170 were renamed.
  The four columns of the parts list were as follows:-
  1-36a, 36b-82, 89-126a, 127-170
• Early 1929 (3/29)
  Parts 58a, 25b, 26b, 110a and 171 were added to the list.
  The note at the bottom of the page saying that parts were in colour unless specially ordered, was deleted.
  The asterix against parts that were only available in nickel and the accompanying note, were deleted.
  The four columns of the parts list were as follows:-
  1-36b, 37-89, 89a-126a, 127-171
• Mid 1929 (6/29 » 7/29)
  Parts 142c and 142d were added to the list.
  Part 138a was no longer referred to a 'Cunard type', and now had an asterix to a note refering to a series of 25 funnels.
  The four columns of the parts list were as follows:-
  1-36b, 37-89, 89a-127, 128-171
• Early 1930 (1/30 » 3/30) (3/30 manual 0 with small font print code)
  Part 162b was added to the list.
  The four columns of the parts list were as follows:-
  1-36b, 37-89, 89a-127, 128-171
• Mid 1930 (5/30 + 3/30 manual 0 with larger font print code)
  Prices deleted from the lists.
  Parts 172 and 173 were added to the list.
  Parts 138a was renamed as 'Ships's Funnel - Raked.
  The four columns of the parts list were as follows:-
  1-36b, 37-82, 89-128, 129-173
• Mid-Late 1930 (7/30 00-3 manual - 140 page edition only)
  Prices included in the lists.
  Parts 37f, 37g and 56e were added to the list.
  The four columns of the parts list were as follows:-
  1-37, 37a-82, 89-128, 129-173
• Late 1930 (7/30 » 12/30) (7/30 00-3 manual - 132 page edition only)
  Prices deleted from the lists.
  A note was added at the bottom of the page saying to ask your dealer for a price list
  Parts 56e was moved from its alpha-numberic order position to after part 56b.
  The four columns of the parts list were as follows:-
  1-37b, 37f-90, 90a-130, 131-173
• Mid 1931 (6/31)
  Parts 27c, 58b, 73, 89b, 146a, 174, 175 and 176 added to the lists
  Parts 37f and 37g deleted from the lists
  The four columns of the parts list were as follows:-
  1-37b, 38-90, 90a-132, 133-176
• Late 1931 (11/31)
  Part 57c added to lists
  The four columns of the parts list were as follows:-
  1-38, 40-90, 90a-132, 133-176
• Early 1932 (3/32)
  Parts 177 and 178 added to the list.
  The four columns of the parts list were as follows:-
  1-38, 40-90, 90a-133, 133a-178
• Mid 1933 (5/33)
  Parts 136a, 179, 180, 181 and 182 added to the lists
  Parts 56 » 56f (manuals) are deleted from the lists
  The Double Angle Strips 46-48d now in two columns
  The four columns of the parts list were as follows:-
  1-37b, 38-96a, 97-138, 138az-182
• Late 1933 (11/33)
  Manual not yet examined
• Late 1934 (11/34)
  Parts 183, 184a » 184e and 185 added to the lists
  Braced Girders 97-100a now in two columns
  The four columns of the parts list were as follows:-
  1-37b, 38-96a, 97-140, 141-185
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• Changes to the models.
  From 1928 - 31 the manual models changed every year. Note that this then stopped and the 1931-5 manuals were identical (except for the change of hook).
  Was the 1/29 No.00 manual like the 1928 or 1929 manuals?
  The 1/30 manuals were the same as the 1929 manuals. 2/30 No.00 manual not yet examined.
  Many new models were added and some deleted. The numbering of the models also changed regularly for several reasons:-
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• new models or deletions.
• In 1928 where there were several models on one page, they were number across and then down. In 1929 this changed to down and then across.
• Unchanged pages would often be reshuffled.
• An overview of the changes can be seen by clicking here. A number of the more noteworthy changes are noted below:-
• Outfit 00 models changed to Outfit 0 models
  In 1930 a number of models were moved from being outfit 00 models to outfit 0 models. In all but one case these were models which had been introduced in 1929.
  00.172 in 1929 » 0.77 in 1930 - Breakdown Crane
  00.116 in 1929 » 0.54 in 1930 - Camera
  00.95 in 1929 » 0.63 in 1930 - Centrifugal Engine Governor
  00.181 in 1929 » 0.79 in 1930 - Clock
  00.150 in 1929 » 0.58 in 1930 - Crane
  00.102 in 1929 » 0.28 in 1930 - Crocodile
  00.140 in 1929 » 0.9 in 1930 - Light Cruiser
  00.171 in 1929 » 0.48 in 1930 - Meccano Boy
  00.51 in 1929 » 0.72 in 1930 - Pen Rack
  00.165 in 1929 » 0.57 in 1930 - Pistol
  00.101 in 1929 » 0.55 in 1930 - Scooter
  00.50 in 1929 » 0.17 in 1930 - Submarine
  00.138 in 1929 » 0.49 in 1930 - Telescopic Mast
  00.159 in 1229 » 0.38 in 1930 - Torpedo Boat
  00.97 in 1929 » 0.61 in 1930 - Tricycle
• the following changes during 1929
  There are a number of model numbering and other changes between the 3/29 and 6/29(7/29) editions of the manuals
  0.10 in 3/29 » 0.11 in 6/29 - Trolley
  0.11 in 3/29 » 0.13 in 6/29 - Three-Wheel Auto
  0.13 in 3/29 » 0.17 in 6/29 - Frog
  0.14 in 3/29 » 0.18 in 6/29 - Bucking Broncho
  0.17 in 3/29 » 0.10 in 6/29 - Field Gun and Carriage
  0.18 in 3/29 » 0.14 in 6/29 - Goose
  0.53 in 3/29 » 0.56 in 6/29 - Tramway Car
  0.56 in 3/29 » 0.53 in 6/29 - Windmill
  00.36 Timber Truck in 3/29 was renamed as Lumber Truck in 6/29
  1.119 - Gate - was missing its title in 3/29
• 1932
  The plain hook (part 57) was replaced by the Small Loaded Hook (part 57c) in the outfits. This resulted in the parts required lists for models being amended. However there was no change to the pictures of the models.
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• There were many amendments/corrections to the parts lists for models during this era. These can be catagorised as follows:-
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• In 1928/9 many 0 outfit models listed more of Part 37 than were in the outfit. This was corrected in 1930 by using available Parts 37a and 111c instead.
• Most models that needed Part 40 (cord) did not list the part in their parts lists. Most of these were corrected in 1931, although some were not corrected until 1932 or 1933.
• Many model illustrations showed the old style (pre 1928) of Part 52 without end flanges. Some of these models used Part 48a to make the end flange. In 1930 these Parts 48a were deleted from the parts list, as they were not needed with the new type Part 52. (NB. Model illustration were NOT updated during this era.)
• Part 20 was replaced by part 20b in outfits 2 - 4 in 1928. Model parts lists were not corrected until 1929.
• Part 57 (Hook) was replaced by part 57c (Small Loaded Hook) in 1932. The model part lists were amended but the model illustrations were NOT changed.
• Miscellaneous amendments/corrections.
• For full details of all the amendments click here
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• Changes to Outfit 6 & 7 Models which referred out to Supermodel leaflets
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• In the 1928 manuals there are two models which refer out to supermodel leaflets that were never issued. The models concerned had previously been in the 1927 manuals. The manuals were corrected in 1929 to show the correct SML leaflet model:-
  Model 7.11 - Aeroscope - The outfit contents list referred to model leaflet 20. However model leaflet 20 is actually 'Electric Mobile Crane'
  Model 7.13 - Tractor - The Outfit contents list referred to model leaflet 22. However model leaflet 22 is actually 'Electrically Driven Traction Engine'
• In the 1928 manuals there are two models shown where the picture is not the same as in the associated supermodel leaflet. Obviously the manual was printed before the model leaflets were finalised as the models shown were as per the previous 1927 manuals. The manuals were corrected in 1929 to show the correct model:-
  Model 7.1 - Meccano Motor Chassis
  Model 7.12 - Transporter Bridge - Note that the parts list also referred to this model and not the one in the SML or in the 1929 manuals
• Up to 1930 most of the 6 and 7 outfit models which referred out to Supermodel leaflets had the model parts list also included in the manual. These were deleted in 1931 in order to save space and fit more models on a page.
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• Changes to the 'Contents of Outfits' pages.
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• 1929
  1 of 25a added to outfit 7
  2 of 26a added to outfit 7
  1 of 56c added to outfit 3
  2 of 103g added to outfit 7
  4 of 113 deleted from outfit 7
  The electric motor in outfit 7 changed from a 4V to a 6V type
  the 4 volt accumulator was deleted from outfit 7
  Model leaflet 20 changed from 'Aeroscope' » 'Electric Mobile Crane' for outfit 7
  Model Leaflet 22 (Tractor) was deleted from outfit 7
• Changes during 1929 (6/29)
  1 of 13 added to outfits 2 and 3
• Early 1930 (3/30)
  The Outfit Contents lists changed from 2½ pages to 3 pages The was a major revision of the contents of the larger sets. Click here for an details of the changes.
• Changes during 1930 (between 5/30 and 7/30)
  The 'Meccano Standard Mechanisms' manual was deleted from outfits 3 and 4
  The 'How To Use Meccano Parts' manual was added to outfits 3,4,5,6 and 7
• 1931
  All the main outfit instruction manuals were removed from the set contents lists (i.e. 00, 0, 00-3, 4-7)
  Model leaflet No.31 was added for outfit 7
  Model leaflet No.36 was added for outfits 6 and 7
• Changes during 1931 (between 7/31 and 10/31)
  The Clockwork Motor was now described as the No.2 type (follows the introduction of the No.1 motor)
• 1932
  Part No.57 (Hook) was changed to Part No.57c (Hook Loaded(Small))
• 1933
  The electrical parts were renumbered. Also the quantities of some were altered and some were deleted. (Due to Meccano Ltd revising the range):-
      Part 301 » 181
      14 of 302 » 8 of 182
      12 of 303 » 8 of 1570
      14 of 304 » 9 of 1575
      30 of 305 » 15 of 1583
      4 of 306  »  3 of 1563
      Parts 307 to 315 were deleted
• 1934
  The 'Meccano Standard Mechanisms' and 'How to Use Meccano Parts' manuals were deleted
  Part No. 159 was deleted
• 1935
  Model leaflet No.1 » Leaflet No.1A
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• Changes to the 'Selection of Choice Models' / 'Build Bigger and Better Models' etc. pages
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• Early 1928 (4/28 manual 0 (all) and 4/28 Overseas and Export 00-3 manuals)
  The page was entitled ' A Selection of Choice Meccano Models' - Ten models were shown with the Loom at the top right
• 5/28 - 1/30 (also 4/28 Canadian 00-3 manual)
  The page was entitled ' A Selection of Choice Meccano Models' - Now show six models with the Giant Block Setting Crane at the top right. This was the same in all manuals and showed a selection SML models.
• 1930 (except 1/30)
  The page was entitled ' A Selection of Meccano Super Models' - This was the same in all manuals and showed a selection of SML models (different from above). An exception is that in later version of the 7/30 00-3 manual with a reduced number of pages, the page is called 'Meccano Super Models'.
• 1931-4
  Most of these pages were entitled 'Build Bigger and Better Models' although some of them had different names.
  These were usually different for each manual and showed a selection of models that could be built with larger outfits.
  For most manuals there was no change in the period (except for 0A where three models changed in 1933).
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• Changes to the 'Meccano Motors' page of the manuals.
  (From mid 1930 this page was omitted from all the main outfit manuals.)
  Note that in those accessory outfit manuals which had card covers, the motor picture were line drawings, whereas in all other manuals they were photographic.
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• Early 1928 (4/28 Overseas & Export and 5/28 Australia 00-3 manuals)
  Includes the 4V and High Voltage motors and Accessory Outfits.
  The picture of the Accessory outfit was of the previous range.
• 5/28 - end 1928 (also 4/28 Canadian 00-3 manual)
  Includes the 4V and High Voltage motors and Accessory Outfits.
  The picture of the Accessory outfit was updated to the new range.
• 3/29 Australia 4-7 manual (Other export editions not yet examined)
  The 4V motor and accumulator changed to the 6V version
• 1929 » 1/1930 (except 3/29 Australia 4-7 manual)
  The High Voltage motor was deleted
  From 6/29, the comment about the accumulator being unspillable and having remarkable recuperative powers was deleted except in the 00-3 manual where it was retained.
• 2/30 + 3/30 Outfit 0 manual with small font print code only
  Now includes the Steam Engine
  The Resistance Controller was bottom left and the Transformer was bottom right
  Also the Meccano Accessory outfits moved to a separate page along with Meccano Storage Boxes.
• 3/30 Outfit 0 manual with large font print code, 3/30-4/30 Outfits 00-3 and some 7/30 outfits 00-3
  (N.B.some 7/30 outfit 00-3 manuals omit this page)
  The positions of the Resistance Controller Transformer were swapped over
  I.e. The Resistance Controller was bottom right and the Transformer was bottom left
• 1931 » early 1932 (3/32)
  Now included both No.1 and No.2 Clockwork Motors
  E1 Electric motor added
  20V Motor deletted
  2V Accumulator deleted
• Mid 1932 (6/32)
  The 20a and 20b electric motors along with the 20V Transformer was added
• Mid 1933 (06/33)
  X Series clockwork motor added.
  Also page redesigned with pictures separated from the text and along the page bottom and right hand side.
• Late 1933 (11/33) » 1934
  The Steam Engine was deleted
  In the 11/33 No 00 manual the T20 transformer was 25VA and the T20A transformer was 40VA
  In all other manuals the T20 transformer was 20VA and the T20A transformer was 35VA
• 4/35 Overseas 00 manual
  The description of the E20A electric motor is deleted and the picture of the E20 motor is also removed.
• 2/35 4-7 manual
  The Magic Motor replaced the X Series Motor
  The picture of the motors were now in two coloumns at each side of the page
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• Changes to the 'Hornby Train' pages. (These pages were deleted from mid 1930.)
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• 1928
  Did not include the M0 Passenger set
• Early 1929 + 7/29 No.0 manual
  The M0 Passenger set was added
  The picture of the M0 Passenger set loco was light coloured
• Mid 1929 (6/29) » early 1930 (1/30)
  The picture of the M0 Passenger set loco was dark coloured
• 2/30 & 3/30 (Outfit 0) and 3/30 & some 7/30 (Outfits 00-3)
  Both the Hornby Trains and Rolling Stock and Accessories pages changed significantly.
• The Overseas and Australian editions had higher prices for the Rolling Stock and Accessories page, the Canadian editon was in Canadian currency and the export editions had prices omitted. Some Canadian editions had pages showing Canadian image trains.
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• Changes to the 'Meccano and Hornby Price List' page. (This page was deleted from mid 1930.)
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• The price list changed each year to replect the changes to the Meccano motors, Hornby sets etc
• The price of the larger Meccano sets changed each year. e.g. - Outfit 7
  380/- : 1928
  365/- : 1929 » Jan 1930
  450/- : Feb 1930 »
• The Overseas and Australian editions had higher prices, the Canadian editon was in Canadian currency and the export editions had prices omitted.
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• Changes to the Meccano patents and Outfit Contents page of the No.0 manual
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• 1928
  The pages were all the same and on the inside of the rear cover
• 1929
  Patents deleted - 3,869/14, 4,183/14
  Patents added - 290,121, 733,541, 733,542, 740,413, 740,723
  Part 19s - '3½" shaft' added to description of part
• Very early 1930 (1/30)
  Patents deleted - 4,564/15, 139,125, 177,430
• Early 1930 (2/30, 3/30(small printcode font))
  Patents deleted - 20.535/13, 22/962/13
• Early 1930 (3/30(larger printcode font))
  The existing patents were all headed as for 'Great Britain'
  Australian patents added - 14388/14, 15136/14, 13460/19
• Mid 1930 (7/30)
  Page moved to inside of the front cover
• Late 1930 (12/30)
  Patent deleted - 323,234
• Mid 1931 (6/31)
  Page moved to the rear cover
  Part 56a - Manuals of Instruction No.0 was deleted
• Early 1932 (3/32)
  Patents deleted - 290,121, 648,958, 686,112
  Patent added - 767,865
• 1933/4
  Australian patents deleted
  Patent deleted - 319,160
  Patents added - 356,567, 365,701, 366,921, 368,975, 369,337, 777,900
  Instruction Manual No.00/0 - added to the outfit contents
  Part 57 - Hook » Part 57c - Hook Loaded (small)
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• Changes to the standard rear cover of Meccano patents and addresses
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• 1928
  All the 00-3 and 4-7 outfit manuals were the same apart from the print colour (dark green for 00-3 and dark blue for 4-7) In the 5/28 4-7 manual, the pictures of the London and Paris offices were swapped over (4/28 00-3 manual not yet examined)
  The 0 outfit manual was similar but without the list of patents. The rest of the page was rearranged.
• Early 1929 (3/29)
  Patents deleted - 3,869/14, 4,183/14, 290,121
  Patents added - 733,541, 733,542, 740,413, 740,723
  Meccano Head Office Address - 'Binns Road' » 'Old Swan'
  Meccano G.m.b.H. address in Germany added
  The 0 outfit manual was identical but without the list of patents
• Mid 1929 (6/29) to very early 1930 (1/30)
  Patents deleted - 4,564/15, 139,125, 177,430
  The 'London Warehouse' » 'London Service and Repair Depot'
  'Meccano G.m.b.H' » 'Hornby Meccano G.m.b.H'
  Agencies added - Alexandria, Cairo, Calcutta, Caracus, Hong Kong, Karachi, Para, Rio de Janeiro, Santiago, Sao Paula, Tampico, Tanga
  The 0 outfit manual was identical but without the list of patents
• Early 1930 (2/30) (No.0 manual only - so no patents) (00 manual not yet examined)
  The USA factory and address was deleted
  The Canadian address '45 Colborne Street' » '34 St Patrick Street'
• Early 1930 (3/30 No.0 manual with small print code font only - so no patents)
  'Hornby Meccano G.m.bH.' » 'Meccano G.m.bH.'
• Mid to late 1930 (3/30 - 10/30)
  Dotted box added around patent numbers
  Patents deleted - 20,535/13, 22/962/13
  The following manuals had 'Hornby Meccano G.m.bH.' - 4/30(No.00), 7/30(No.00-3)
  The following manuals had 'Meccano G.m.bH.' - 3/30(No.0 with large print code font), 3/30(No.00-3), 5/30(No.4-7), 10/30(No.4-7)
  Agencies deleted - Malta, Manaos
  Agencies added - Mexico City
  The 3/30 No.0 manual with large print code was identical but without the list of patents
  After 3/30 the No.0 manuals had a different rear cover. (Particulars and Prices of Meccano Parts)
• Mid 1931 (5/31 - 10/31)
  The Meccano London Service and Repair Centre address was deleted
  The picture of the London office changed
  The Canadian agency address was moved to the left hand side of the page
  Agencies deleted - Alexandria, Algiers, Cairo, Para, Tanga
  Agencies added - Asuncion, Batavia, Columbo, Guayaquil, Helsingfors, Jerusalem, Shanghai, Vienna
  The agency ' Mexico City' » 'Mexico'
  'Printed in England' was added to the bottom of the page
  The 5/31 No.00 manual had the list of agencies in three columns instead of four
• Late 1931 (11/31)
  Patent added - 319,160
• Early 1932 (3/32)
  Patents deleted - 290,121, 319,160, 686,112
  Patents added - 767,865 Meccano G.m.b.H. agency address changed from Berlin » Dusseldorf
• Mid 1932 (6/32)
  Patents added - 319,160
  Meccano G.m.b.H agency - Berlin address added in addition to Dusseldorf address
  French factory at Bobigny added
  Agency deleted - Shanghai
• Mid 1933 (5/33)
  Patents deleted - 319,160
  Patents added - 356,567, 365,701, 366,921, 368,975, 369,337, 777,900
  Patent misprint - 682,208 » 682,308
  Meccano G.m.b.H. - Berlin address deleted
  Agencies deleted - Constantinople, Jerusalem
  Agencies added - Istanbul, Nairobi
• 1933 No.5-7 manual
  Patent added - 319,160
  French factory at Bobigny deleted
• No.00 manual - 11/33, 10/34, 11/34
  Patent deleted - 319,160
  Patent 682,208 is correct
  Meccano G.m.b.H - Dusseldorf address changed from 'Ebert Strasse' » 'Kasernenstr'
  Meccano Head Office - 'Old Swan' » 'Binns Road'
  Agency deleted - Nairobi
  Agencies added - Jerusalem, Shanghai
• No.4A manual - 11/33
  Agency deleted - Shanghai
• Mid 1934 (7/34)
  Patent deleted - 740,413
  Patent added - 789,440
  Patent misprint - 682,208 » 682,308
  French factory at Bobigny added
  Agencies deleted - Jerusalem, Shanghai
  Agency added - Nairobi
• 1935 No.4-7 manual
  Patents deleted - 250,378, 253,236, 323,234, 356,567, 365,701, 366,921, 368,975, 397,533, 671,484, 671,485, 671,534, 671,790, 740,723, 789,440
  Patent added - 740,413
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• Miscellaneous changes
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• The 'Contents of Meccano Outfits' pages took 2½ pages from 1928-29. From 1930 (3/30), they took 3 pages.
• During 1929 (from 6/29) the Meccano storage boxes changed from stained wood finish to red enamelled finish. (On page 3 of the 'Contents of Meccano Outfits' pages)
• Outfit 0 manuals 2/30 & 3/30 (small font print code) had an advert for the Meccano Magazine on the Meccano Accessory Outfits/Storage Boxes page. This omited from the Outfit 0 manual 3/30 (larger font print code) and all other manuals.
• The 2/730/100(2)(Eng) No 30A Outfits 00-3 manual has been seen in two versions. One with 140 pages (inc covers) and the other with 132 pages (inc covers) which omits all the non essential pages such as hornby train advert pages etc.
• The Meccano Magazine pages in the 1931-5: 00-4, 5-7 & 4-7 manuals changed in 1933. The text was revised and changed from one large paragraph to three separate ones. The MM front covers illustrated also changed.
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Colonial/Export Editions

• 1928 - mid 1930
  From 1928 until around mid 1930, the various "export" editions were in general, the same as the UK editions apart from the prices. However the 1930 Canadian manuals had significant differences. They had a different range of motors (E1 - E4 electric motors and no steam engine) and the train sets were models of Canadian trains. (1929 Canadian manuals not yet examined to see what they are like.)

It is believed that four "export" editions were published - Australia, Canada, Overseas & Export. It is thought that the Overseas editions went to other British colonies and the Export edition to other english speaking countries. The rear cover has 'Printed in England' at the bottom on all "export" editions.

• Outfit 00 Manuals
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• 1928
  Only a 3/28 Canadian edition has so far been examined. This is identical to the UK edition except for the rear cover. The prices are in Canadian currency and there is a Canadian address at the bottom.
• 1929
  Two editions have so far been examined:-
• Canada 3/29 - This is similar to the UK 3/29 edition with the following exceptions:-
  Page 2 also has the section 'Improved Meccano Parts' Like the similar page in outfit 0 manuals. The MM subscriptions are also in Canadian Currency. Pages 19/20 are missing, so unable to compare them.
• Overseas 9/29 - This is the same as the 6/29 UK manual with the following exceptions:-
  Page 2 - MM subscriptions: 4/- for 6 issues and 8/- for 12 issues.
  Pages 20(RC) : The prices of Meccano outfits are higher - e.g. Outfit 6 : 210/- (The price of outfit 7 is wrong : 215/-)
  This manual has also been seen with a revised prices sticker dated 1/30. e.g. outfit 7 : 610/-.
• 1930
  Only a 5/30 Overseas edition has so far been examined. This is the same as the UK edition except for the prices - e.g.:-
  Subscription to the MM : 4/- for 6 issues, 8/- for 12
  The price of outfit 7 : 610/-
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• Outfit 0 Manuals
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• 1928
  All four editions have been examined:-
• Overseas 4/28 - This is essentially the same as the 6/28 UK edition with the following differences (Note that the 4/28 UK edition has not yet been seen):-
  Pages 1/2 (Prices and Particulars of Meccano Parts) - Parts 56D, 56F & 161 are omitted (i.e. like the 6/26 00-3 manuals). Also the prices are higher - e.g. 27B : 1/9, 104 : 10/9.
  Page 25 (A Selection of Choice Meccano Models) - shows 10 models with the Loom at top left
  Page 28 (Meccano & Hornby Price Lists) - Higher prices - e.g. Outfit 7 : 550/-.
• Australia 4/28 - This is the same as the 4/28 Overseas edition except for all prices being different. e.g.
  Pages 1/2 (Prices and Particulars of Meccano Parts) - The prices are higher - e.g. 27B : 1/10, 104 : 11/3.
  Page 28 (Meccano & Hornby Price Lists) - Higher prices - e.g. Outfit 7 : 620/-.
• Canada 4/28 - This is the same as the 4/28 Overseas edition except for all prices being in Canadian currency
• Export 4/28 - This is the same as the 4/28 Overseas edition except that there are no prices against Meccano parts, Meccano outfits and Hornby sets etc.
• 1929
  None yet examined:-
• 1930
  Three editions have so far been examined:-
• Overseas 3/30 - This is the same as the 3/30 UK edition except for the following:-
  Pages 1/2 (Prices and Particulars of Meccano Parts) - Part 138 renamed 'Ships Funnels (Raked)'. The prices are higher - e.g. 27B : 1/9, 104 : 7/3.
  Pages 39-44 are missing from the copy examined, so unable to compare these.
  The rear cover also has Australian patents lists.
• Canada 3/30 - This is similar to the 3/30 UK edition but with many differences:-
  Pages 1/2 (Prices and Particulars of Meccano Parts) - No prices.
  Pages 39-44 are completely different to the UK as follows:-
  Page 39 : Meccano Accessory outfits.
  Pages 40/1 : Meccano Super Models (A difference selection to the UK edition).
  Page 42 : Meccano Motors (Different motors to the UK. Has electric motors E1 - E4).
  Page 43 : Hornby Trains (Shows Canadian type trains).
  Page 44 : Blank apart from a note in the centre of the page saying to ask your dealer for a price list.
  Rear Cover : The Canadian and German addresses are swapped over, so that the Canadian is on top.
• Australia 7/30 - This is the same as the 7/30 UK edition except for the following:-
  IFC - Also includes Australian patents
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• Outfit 00-3 Manuals
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• 1928
  All four editions have been examined:-
• Overseas 4/28 - This is the same as the 6/28 00-3 UK manual except for:-
  Page 2 : The price of the Standard Mechanisms manual is 1/6.
  Pages 3/4 (Prices and Particulars of Meccano Parts) - The prices are higher - e.g. 27B : 1/9, 104 : 10/9.
  Page 101 (A Selection of Choice Meccano Models) - shows 10 models with the Loom at top right (Like the 4/28 manual 0.)
  Page 107 : The picture of a Meccano accessory outfit is of an older style.
  Page 109 : Rolling Stock and Accessories - The prices are higher - e.g. Railway Station No.2 : 17/6.
  Page 110 : (Meccano & Hornby Price Lists) - Higher prices - e.g. Outfit 7 : 550/-, No.1 Goods Set : 30/-.
• Export 1928 - This is the same as the 6/28 00-3 UK manual except for-
  There are no prices against any item (except on page 2 which is identical to the UK edition).
  Page 101 (A Selection of Choice Meccano Models) - shows 10 models with the Loom at top right (Like the Overseas edition.)
  Page 107 : The picture of a Meccano accessory outfit is of an older style.
• Australia 5/28 - This is the same as the 6/28 00-3 UK manual except for:-
  Page 2 : The subscription to the MM is higher (7/- for six issues). Also the price of the Standard Mechanisms manual is 1/6.
  Pages 3/4 (Prices and Particulars of Meccano Parts) - The prices are higher - e.g. 27B : 1/10, 104 : 11/3.
  Page 107 : The picture of a Meccano accessory outfit is of an older style.
  Page 109 : Rolling Stock and Accessories - The prices are higher - e.g. Railway Station No.2 : 20/-.
  Page 110 : (Meccano & Hornby Price Lists) - Higher prices - e.g. Outfit 7 : 620/-, No.1 Goods Set : 35/-.
  Rear Cover : Three Australian patents added.
• Canada 4/28 - This is the same as the 6/28 00-3 UK manual except for:-
  All prices are in Canadian currency throughout.
• 1929
  None yet examined:-
• 1930
  Three editions have so far been examined:-
• Overseas 4/30 - This is similar to the 3/30 00-3 UK manual except for:-
  Page 2 : The price of the Standard Mechanisms manual is 1/6.
  Pages 3/4 (Prices and Particulars of Meccano Parts) - Part 138 renamed 'Ships Funnels (Raked)'. The prices are higher - e.g. 27B : 1/9, 104 : 7/3.
  Page 133 : Rolling Stock and Accessories - The prices are higher - e.g. Railway Station No.2 : 20/-.
  Page 134 : (Meccano & Hornby Price Lists) - Higher prices - e.g. Outfit 7 : 610/-, No.1 Goods Set : 30/-.
  Rear Cover : Three Australian patents added.
• Australia 4/30 - This is the same as the 3/30 00-3 UK manual except for:-
  Page 2 : The subscription to the MM is higher (9/6 for six issues). Also the price of the Standard Mechanisms manual is 1/6.
  Pages 3/4 (Prices and Particulars of Meccano Parts) - Part 138 renamed 'Ships Funnels (Raked)'. The prices are omitted.
  The rear of the manual was similar to the late 7/30 00/3 UK manual with most non model pages at the rear omitted - I.e only outfit contents and index to models included.
• Canada 4/30 - This is similar to the 6/28 00-3 UK manual except for:-
  Page 2 : The subscription to the MM and the Standard Mechanisms manual are in Canadian currencly.
  Pages 3/4 (Prices and Particulars of Meccano Parts) - Part 138 renamed 'Ships Funnels (Raked)'. The prices are omitted.
  Pages 124-134 are completely different to the UK (except for outfit contents) as follows:-
  Pages 124/5 : Meccano Super Models.
  Pages 126/7 : Meccano Standard Mechanisms.
  Page 131 : Meccano Accessory outfits (different to the UK).
  Page 132 : Meccano Motors (Different motors to the UK. Has electric motors E1 - E4).
  Page 133 : Hornby Trains (Shows Canadian type trains).
  Page 134 : Blank apart from a note in the centre of the page saying to ask your dealer for a price list.
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• Outfit 4-7 Manuals
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• 1928
  Three editions have so far been examined:-
• Overseas 5/28 - This is the same as the 5/28 4-7 UK edition except for the prices:-
  Page 2 : The price of the Standard Mechanisms manual is 1/6.
  Pages 3/4 (Prices and Particulars of Meccano Parts) - The prices are higher - e.g. 27B : 1/9, 104 : 10/9.
  Page 137 : Rolling Stock and Accessories - The prices are higher - e.g. Railway Station No.2 : 17/6.
  Page 138 : (Meccano & Hornby Price Lists) - Higher prices - e.g. Outfit 7 : 550/-, No.1 Goods Set : 30/-.
• Export 5/28 - This is the same as the 5/28 4-7 UK edition except there are no prices against any item (except on page 2 which is identical to the UK edition).
• Australia 5/28 - This is the same as the 5/28 4-7 UK edition except for the prices:-
  Page 2 : The subscription to the MM is higher (7/- for six issues). Also the price of the Standard Mechanisms manual is 1/6.
  Pages 3/4 (Prices and Particulars of Meccano Parts) - The prices are higher - e.g. 27B : 1/10, 104 : 11/3.
  Page 137 : Rolling Stock and Accessories - The prices are higher - e.g. Railway Station No.2 : 20/-.
  Page 138 : (Meccano & Hornby Price Lists) - Higher prices - e.g. Outfit 7 : 620/-, No.1 Goods Set : 35/-.
  Rear Cover : Three Australian patents added.
• 1929
  Only a 3/29 Australian edition has so far been examined. The priced pages (3/4 and 137/8) are missing from the copy examined. Was this original or has someone removed them? Other differences to the UK edition noted are:-
  Page 2 : The subscription to the MM is higher (7/- for six issues). Also the price of the Standard Mechanisms manual is 1/6.
  Page 139 (Meccano motors) still shows the high voltage motor as per the 1928 manuals. (Was deleted in 1929 UK manuals). Also shows 6V electric motors like other 1929 manuals.
• 1930
  The 5/30 Canadian edition is the same as the 5/30 4-7 UK edition except for the prices of MM subscription and the Standard Mechanisms manual which are in Canadian currency.
  The 5/30 Australian edition has also been examined. The pages (1/2 and 151/2) are missing from the copy examined. This manual is the same as the 5/30 4-7 UK edition except for:-
  Page 1 : (Assumed to be the same as the equivalent Australian 00-3 manual) - The subscription to the MM is higher (9/6 for six issues). Also the price of the Standard Mechanisms manual is 1/6.
  Rear Cover : Three Australian patents added.
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• Mid 1930 - 1935
  From around mid 1930, due to the removal of prices from the manuals, the "export" editions appear to be identical to the UK editions apart from the front cover. As above, the only exception are the Canadian editions. The manuals which feature motors show the different Canadian range (E1 - E4 electric motors and no steam engine). - This has been seen in 1931 and 1932 manuals. (1933/4 Canadian manuals not yet examined to see what they are like.) The rear cover has 'Printed in England' at the bottom on all "export" editions.

Click here for an overview of the American outfit models during the era and how the manuals corresponded with each other. It also shows the relationship between the models in the American manuals and the Liverpool manuals.

1927
This era actually began in America with the revised Outfit 00 launched in 1927. The 00 outfit was similar in size to the 1928 Liverpool outfit 0. Most of the 131 models in the new American outfit 00 manual (Ref 27.1) were the same as would be in the 1928 Liverpool outfit 00 and 0 manuals. There were five models which were unique to America.

A supplementary outfit 00 manual (Ref 27.4) was also issued. This consisted of a single sheet of paper folded once to give four pages. There was no title or any other identification on this manual. It consisted of 159 very elementary models, most of which were unique to America, although some were the same as Liverpool 1928 models, but with a different picture. Many of the models were very similar to the models which subsequently appeared in the Liverpool 000 manual in 1930 (e.g. the numbers and letters).

1928
The American 1928 main manuals (00-3x and 4x-6x) (Refs 28.1 & 28.2) were largely based on the Liverpool 1928 manuals. Note that there was no outfit 0 in America as the outfit 00 was now similar in size to it.

The outfit 00 models in the 00-3x manual consisted of the models from the 1927 outfit 00 manual and its supplement, together with a number of additional models, the majority of which were in the 1928 Liverpool manual.

The first 20 outfit 1 models in the 00-3x manual did not appear in the Liverpool manuals until 1929. What is interesting is that they are laid out virtually identical on the page. Virtually all the remainder were in the Liverpool 1928 manual.

The models for outfits 2-6 were identical to Liverpool except that numbering order was different. In most case individual pages are laid out as per the Liverpool manuals with identical pictures. However the text is all formatted differently with different fonts used. Like previous eras there was no No.7 outfit.

Later in 1928 a supplementary manual was issued for outfits 00 & 1 (Ref 28.3). This contained an additional 162 models for outfit 00 (00.311 - 00.472) and 20 for outfit 1 (1.195 - 1.214). All bar one of these models were new models in the Liverpool 1929 manuals. There was no title on the front page, only a heading on each page saying what outfit was needed to build the models. The pages are not numbered.

A summary of the comparison between the 1928 American manual models and the Liverpool manuals is as follows:-

Early 1929
In around early 1929 (could have been late 1928) the outfits were revised with a totally new numbering system. The old outfit range - 00, 1, 1x, 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x & 6x were replaced by 0, 5 Special, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 & 70. In general the outfit contents were broadly similar to the 1928 range. The 5 Special was an additional outfit which was basically an outfit 00 with the addition of 2" pulleys and rubber tyres, an electric motor, and a few other additional parts.

The 1928 manuals were reissued for these new outfits. Stickers were put on the front covers over the old outfit numbers showing the new outfit numbers (0-40 and 50-70) (Refs 29.1 & 29.3). The non model pages were amended but the model pages were identical. The 1929 manuals did not include 'Contents of Outfits' pages.

Two new supplementary manuals were issued. An outfit 5 Special Supplementary manual (Ref 29.4) which contained 26 models (00.474 - 00.496) and an outfit 10 Supplementary manual (Ref 29.2) which contained 51 models (1.214 - 1.264). Note that there was a numbering error in the outfit 10 Supplementary manual, as there was already a model 1.214 in the 00/1 Supplementary manual. The numbering should have started at 1.215.

A page was included in the modified main manuals which detailed which models could be built with each new outfit. This listing also included models from the existing 00/1 Supplementary manual, which continued to be available, together with two new supplementary manuals for outfits 5 Special and 10. There were errors in the listing seen in Ref 29.1 and 29.3 - unless it was intended to issue yet another supplementary manual which was either never published, or has not yet been found.

A summary of the comparison between the early 1929 American manual models and the 1928 American manuals / Liverpool manuals is as follows:-

1929 Outfit 0 Manual (Ref 29.7)
The 1927 Outfit 00 manual (Ref 27,1) was reissued in 1929 for the renumbered outfit 0. The manual was identical except for the front and rear covers. The model pages still refered to outfit 00 at the top of the pages and the models were numbered 00.1 etc.

The front cover included a note saying that the outfit 00 models in this and the 00 Supplementary manual could all be built with the Outfit 0.

The rear cover advertised the progression of 1929 range of accessory outfit, the Meccano Guild and the Meccano Magazine

Late 1929
A new 0-40 manual (Ref 29.4) was published which now included all the additional models from the 00/1 and 10 Supplementary manuals. However there was some renumbering. There were no new models. The manual consisted of the models from existing American manuals as follows:-

The 50-70 manual was also reissued (Ref 29.8). However, apart from the front cover, this manual was identical to the early 1929 edition.

As previously there was a page in both manuals which listed which models could be made from each new outfit. The one in the 0-40 manual was revised to take account of the model renumbering, the one in the 50-70 manual remained unchanged from the previous manuals (including model number errors).

1930
In 1930 there was a completely new range of outfits (1, 3, 5, 110, 115, 125 & 150). These outfits had a significant Gilbert Erector influence in them and were probably the first true Gilbert Meccano outfits. Outfits 1, 3 & 5 were based on the 1929 0, 10 & 20 outfits respectively. The remaining outfits were completely new.

The existing 0-40 manual (ref 29.5) remained in use for these new 1, 3 & 5 outfits whilst stocks lasted. In order to be able to use the old manual, it was overprinted on the front cover with info on what models the outfit could build. The following three variants have so far been seen (Note that in each case the last page quoted appears to be one out. It should have said - 'up to but not including' - the last page quoted:-
  1 (30.1) - 'All models shown from page 1 to page 91 are built with the No 3 outfit' (Note - Page 90 is the last page of '0.x' models and would be used with the new 1930 outfit 3).
  2 (30.2) - 'This outfit builds all the models up to page 94' (Note - Page 93 is the last page of '1.x' models and would be used with the new 1930 outfit 5).
  3 (30.3) - 'This outfit builds all models up to page 111'. (Note - Last digit is unclear, although it looks like 111 - Page 110 is the last page of '2.x' models and would be used with the new 1930 outfit ???).