'Other' Construction and Allied Systems Info & Downloads

Gilbert era American Meccano Construction Sets

in 1930 A.C. Gilbert owner of the Erector company bought out the American Meccano factory from Frank Hornby. Gilbert continued to use the Meccano brand name in America for a while, but over time the sets became increasing different from British Meccano. There are two identifiable phases as noted below.

Meccano-Gilbert(a) - (1930 to 1933)

Info from the Metal Constructional Systems Database for MECCANO - GILBERT [a]

Maker
Meccano USA
System Type
Meccano principle but sig. differences
Country
USA
Dates
1930 to 1933
Material
Steel
Thread
8-32
Boss Type
single-tapped
Boss Thread
6-32 (see comment *1)
Diametrical Pitch of Gears
24
No. of Parts in System
196 (see comment *2)
Hole Pitch (Spacing) (mm)
12.7
Diameter of holes in Strips(mm)
4.3
Diameter of the Bore in Bosses(mm)
4.1
Diameter of Axle Rods(mm)
 
Types of Nuts and Bolts
Nuts: square
Bolts: round (slotted)
Material/Finish of Nuts and Bolts
 
Size of the Nuts across Flats (mm)
` 
Bolt diameter (mm)
 

Comments
Mix of standard MECCANO/ERECTOR parts. *1 8-32 also reported. *2 Including 16 Ship parts & 42 ERECTOR parts.

The MCS document for this system is shown below. It can also be downloaded to your computer if desired here

NOTE : If the MCS document does 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

Below there are manuals/instructions which can be downloaded by clicking on the appropriate image.


The instruction manual for the 1930 Gilbert era Meccano set 1.

The instruction manual for the 1930 Gilbert era Meccano set 3.

The instruction manual for the 1932 Gilbert era Meccano set 1.

The instruction manual for the 1932 Gilbert era Meccano set 3.

The instruction manual for the 1932 Gilbert era Meccano set 10.

A dealers advertising brochure for the new 1930 Gilbert era Meccano sets.

An illustrated price list for 1930s Gilbert era Meccano parts.

Meccano-Gilbert(b) - (1934 to 1936)

Info from the Metal Constructional Systems Database for MECCANO - GILBERT [b]

Maker
Meccano USA
System Type
Meccano principle but sig. differences and as TRIX (inc MCX)()
Country
USA
Dates
1934 to circa 1936
Material
Steel
Thread
8-32
Boss Type
single-tapped
Boss Thread
6-32
Diametrical Pitch of Gears
24
No. of Parts in System
80 (estimated)
Hole Pitch (Spacing) (mm)
12.7 (multiples of value shown, including half.)
Diameter of holes in Strips(mm)
4.4 (see comment *1)
Diameter of the Bore in Bosses(mm)
4.1
Diameter of Axle Rods(mm)
3.9
Types of Nuts and Bolts
Nuts: square
Bolts: round (slotted)
(see comment *2)
Material/Finish of Nuts and Bolts
Steel with a Nickel plated finish
Size of the Nuts across Flats (mm)
6.4
Bolt diameter (mm)
6.5

Comments
Mix of standard MECCANO, ERECTOR, & Wide Beam parts (some not in MECCANO 'WIDE BEAM'). Data from a LITTLE JIM set. *1 In Wide Beam parts; otherwise 4.3. *2 Also Snap Rivets.

The MCS document for this system is shown below. It can also be downloaded to your computer if desired here

NOTE : If the MCS document does 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

There are currently no manuals/instructions available for this phase.

Page content last updated - 24th May 2019