'Other' Constructional and Allied Systems Info & Downloads
Modelit(a) Construction Sets
and
Modelit(b) Construction Sets
Modelit(a) metal construction sets were similar to Meccano. It was manufactured in the USA. Thought to date from the late 1910s to around 1920.
This was followed in the early 1920s by a significantly different Modelit(b) which had alternate round and square holes.
Modelit(a)
Manufacturer / Distributor
The Watrous Manufacturing. Co., East Hampton, Connecticut, USA
Info from the Metal Constructional Systems Database for MODELIT [a] (Ref:MDTa)
Very like Meccano
USA
late 1910s (see comment *1) to early 1920s
Steel
8-32
single-tapped
6-32
38
64
12.7
4.4 (see comment *2)
4.2
4.0
Nuts: square
Bolts: round (slotted)
Steel with a Nickel plated finish
7.2
7.5
Comments
Lid label has boy with black bow tie looking at a Suspension Bridge. Numbered sets. Perforated Plates & Angle Girders instead of Flanged Plates. *1 1916 has been suggested. *2 Some 4.1-4.2 in Plates & Strips.
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
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 MODELIT [a] 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
Below there are manuals/instructions which can be downloaded by clicking on the appropriate image.
The Modelit(a) instruction manual - unfortunately the cover is missing.
Modelit(b)
Manufacturer / Distributor
The Watrous Manufacturing. Co., East Hampton, Connecticut, USA
Info from the Metal Constructional Systems Database for MODELIT [b] (Ref:MDTb)
Hole pitch <12.7mm
USA
1920s (some significant doubt)
Steel
8-32
single-tapped
6-32
38
59
11.7 (see comment *1)
4.5
4.2 (see comment *2)
4.0
Nuts: square
Bolts: round (slotted)
Steel with a Nickel plated finish
7.3
7.5
Comments
Lid label as above but model is Derrick Crane and sets are lettered instead of numbered. Alternate round and square holes. *1 7/16" exactly. *2 4.1 also reported.
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
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 MODELIT [b] 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
Below there are manuals/instructions which can be downloaded by clicking on the appropriate image.
A photo of Modelit(b) parts.
(3/10/2021)