'Other' Constructional and Allied Systems Info & Downloads
Disco Ludendo Construction Sets
Disco Ludendo was a Meccano-like construction system. It was made in Italy. The appear to be two eras to the system. Initially (as shown in the first manual below) the system has Condor style parts, but with AMI models (models appear to be from the same printers plate as in AMI manuals). Later on (as shown in the second manual below) the manual models changes to those on the Condor system. The later Disco Ludendo manuals look to be either identical or very similar to the early Condor manuals. At some point Disco Ludendo sets changed name to became Condor sets. Disco Ludendo sets go from 00 to 4 instead of CONDOR's 1 to 7, although there is a direct correlation between the two ranges.
Some photos of a set that was bought on Ebay, in its original wooden box but without an instruction book are shown below. This set is identical to the oldest version of CONDOR, so confirms the suspicion (above) that it predates Condor. As a curiosity, the flexible plates are red on one side and green on the other. Note that this system together with the oldest version of CONDOR is characterized by incorporating (as AMI / LAC and BRAL do in their high numbers) circular flanged plates of 65 mm. diameter (copied from MÄRKLIN) with their corresponding toothed couplings (part No.28)
Below there are manuals/leafets which can be downloaded by clicking on the appropriate image.
Disco Ludendo (1a)
(Manual models are same as the AMI system)
Manufacturer / Distributor
An unknown company from Italy
Info from the Metal Constructional Systems Database for DISCO LUDENDO [1a] (Ref:D L1a)
MECCANO & MÄRKLIN features
Italy
1940s to 1950s
Steel
85 (some significant doubt)
12.7
4.0
Nuts:
Bolts:
`
Comments
Pts similar CONDOR & AMI-LAC including 65mm Flanged Pulley(s), Gear Ring, & slotted M90. But Trun'ns with hor'z'l slots. Lid label & manual cover with small(er) boy+girl under Cable Railway. Also 'JTAD'(?) logo. Manual models as AMI.
Pages from the 'Other Systems Newsletter' which contain information on this system are shown below. They can also be downloaded to your computer if desired here
NOTE : If the 'Other Systems Newsletter' pages for DISCO LUDENDO [1a] do not appear in the window below, then refresh the page.
The report can be zoomed into, made full screen or downloaded as a pdf document by using the controls provided
A Disco Ludendo manual for set 2.
Disco Ludendo (1b)
(Manual models are same as the CONDOR system)
Manufacturer / Distributor
An unknown company from Italy
Info from the Metal Constructional Systems Database for DISCO LUDENDO [1b] (Ref:D L1b)
MECCANO & MÄRKLIN features
Italy
1950s
Steel
85
12.7
4.0
Nuts:
Bolts:
`
Comments
6 sets 00-4. Diameter L1a parts but plus Plates with red/green top/rev. CONDOR lid/cover, 2 boys, Crane, etc, but CONSTRUZIONI MECCANICHE+Condor round(ed) logo at top. Diameter L on title page. CON models. No doubt became CONDOR.
NOTE - The 'Other Systems Newsletter' pages displayed further up this web page, may also include information on this system/era.
A later Disco Ludendo manual for sets 3-4.
Some photos of a Disco Ludendo set. Note that the flexible plates are red on one side and green on the other. This set is virtually identical to the early Condor sets.
(Added 13/06/2020)