Alongside his Other Systems Newsletter (OSN) Tony Knowles has produced a database of all known Metal Constructional Systems and their most important parameters. By his kind permission, his database is now also available on this website. You can search this database using a number of different parameters as shown below. Note that more than one parameter can be selected at the same time.
Note that the bug which prevented results being displayed when a date range was selected has now been fixed.
Select Type of System
Select Country
Select a Date Range
Select Materials
Shows all orders/combinations of materials. N.B. Where there are several materials these are in order of importance
Select N&B Thread Size
Shows each thread size separately and also at the bottom it shows available combinations for searching
Select Boss type
Select Boss Thread
Shows all Boss threads in the database.
Diameter of Axle Rods(mm) --- (Screwed Rods or Bolts are used as axles.)
Types of Nuts and Bolts Nuts: Bolts:
Material/Finish of Nuts and Bolts
Size of the Nuts across Flats (mm) `
Bolt diameter (mm)
Comments Strips & Double Angle Strip have cutouts inside edges between holes; joined by bifurcated Clips & N&B. Wheel Disc embossed with 8 spokes, or 4 each small(er)/large(round crosshead) holes. *1Scaled from 7 holes Strip; 1" from 3 holes Strip.
SYSTEM NAME : 100 TOYS IN ONE
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Maker
System Type Matchbox & similar
Country USA
Dates 1930s (some significant doubt)
Material Steel / Wood
Thread ----
Boss Type push fit
Boss Thread ----
Diametrical Pitch of Gears --
No. of Parts in System 15
Hole Pitch (Spacing) (mm) 8.7
Diameter of holes in Strips(mm) 3.0
Diameter of the Bore in Bosses(mm)
Diameter of Axle Rods(mm)
Types of Nuts and Bolts Nuts: -- Bolts: --
Material/Finish of Nuts and Bolts -- --
Size of the Nuts across Flats (mm) ---
Bolt diameter (mm) ---
Comments Name on a card to which a Louis Marx 'Match Box' set is clipped. aluminium boy & a girl are shown on the card on either side of the set.
SYSTEM NAME : A.L.N.
Comments See MÉCANO-A.L.N.
SYSTEM NAME : A.W.S.
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Maker
System Type Meccano principle but sig. differences
Country Germany
Dates 1945 to 1948
Material Aluminium (Alloy)
Thread M4
Boss Type single-tapped
Boss Thread M4 ()
Diametrical Pitch of Gears --
No. of Parts in System 23
Hole Pitch (Spacing) (mm) 12.0
Diameter of holes in Strips(mm) 4.2
Diameter of the Bore in Bosses(mm) 4.1
Diameter of Axle Rods(mm) 3.92
Types of Nuts and Bolts Nuts: hexagonal Bolts: tapered cheese (slotted)
Material/Finish of Nuts and Bolts Aluminium (Alloy) with a Aluminium (Alloy) finish
Size of the Nuts across Flats (mm) 8.1
Bolt diameter (mm) 7.0
Comments Parts include some unusual shaped Plates for certain models.
SYSTEM NAME : AAR
Maker
System Type Not enough data to classify
Country Austria (some significant doubt)
Dates 1930s (some significant doubt)
Material
Thread
Boss Type
Boss Thread
Diametrical Pitch of Gears
No. of Parts in System
Hole Pitch (Spacing) (mm)
Diameter of holes in Strips(mm)
Diameter of the Bore in Bosses(mm)
Diameter of Axle Rods(mm)
Types of Nuts and Bolts Nuts: Bolts:
Material/Finish of Nuts and Bolts
Size of the Nuts across Flats (mm) `
Bolt diameter (mm)
Comments Ref: Baukästen p328. No details.
SYSTEM NAME : ABRA
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Maker
System Type as TRIX (inc MCX)
Country Denmark
Dates circa 1975 to circa 1989
Material
Thread
Boss Type
Boss Thread
Diametrical Pitch of Gears
No. of Parts in System 60
Hole Pitch (Spacing) (mm) 7.85 (see comment *1)
Diameter of holes in Strips(mm) 3.55
Diameter of the Bore in Bosses(mm)
Diameter of Axle Rods(mm) 3.42 (Screwed Rods or Bolts are used as axles.)
Types of Nuts and Bolts Nuts: hexagonal Bolts: cheese (slotted)
Material/Finish of Nuts and Bolts
Size of the Nuts across Flats (mm) `
Bolt diameter (mm)
Comments Like TRIX but wider range of parts, some of which are as TEKNO [1] & TEKNIK [1]. Chair-O-Planes on manual cover. *1 8.0 also reported.
SYSTEM NAME : ACQUAVIVA
Maker
System Type Not enough data to classify
Country
Dates
Material
Thread
Boss Type
Boss Thread
Diametrical Pitch of Gears
No. of Parts in System
Hole Pitch (Spacing) (mm)
Diameter of holes in Strips(mm)
Diameter of the Bore in Bosses(mm)
Diameter of Axle Rods(mm)
Types of Nuts and Bolts Nuts: Bolts:
Material/Finish of Nuts and Bolts
Size of the Nuts across Flats (mm) `
Bolt diameter (mm)
Comments Name only.
SYSTEM NAME : AJET
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Maker
System Type Aerospace
Country United Kingdom
Dates late 1950s (some significant doubt)
Material Steel
Thread 4BA
Boss Type no boss
Boss Thread ----
Diametrical Pitch of Gears --
No. of Parts in System 30
Hole Pitch (Spacing) (mm) 12.7 (multiples of value shown, including half.)
Diameter of holes in Strips(mm) 3.8
Diameter of the Bore in Bosses(mm)
Diameter of Axle Rods(mm) ---
Types of Nuts and Bolts Nuts: hexagonal Bolts: round (slotted)
Material/Finish of Nuts and Bolts Steel with a Brass finish
Size of the Nuts across Flats (mm) 8.0
Bolt diameter (mm) 6.2(mean)
Comments Development of DAN DARE, with no Angle Girders but some new parts to make a range of jet aircraft.
SYSTEM NAME : AJUSTO
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Maker
System Type Mainly Rods/Tubes
Country France
Dates known in 1933 (see comment *1) to circa 1935
Material Steel / Wood
Thread ----
Boss Type no boss
Boss Thread ----
Diametrical Pitch of Gears --
No. of Parts in System 27 (see comment *2)
Hole Pitch (Spacing) (mm) ---
Diameter of holes in Strips(mm) ---
Diameter of the Bore in Bosses(mm) 12
Diameter of Axle Rods(mm) (see comment *3)
Types of Nuts and Bolts Nuts: -- Bolts: --
Material/Finish of Nuts and Bolts -- --
Size of the Nuts across Flats (mm) ---
Bolt diameter (mm) ---
Comments Wooden rods made from semi-circular Rods (6mm rad.) held together, & joined one to another, by steel Clips. *1including 7 cardboard Plates. *2 Also patent date. *3 Wheels run on the ends of 2 Clips, 1 at each side.
SYSTEM NAME : AKRON (STAHL-LEICHTBAU-KASTEN AKRON))
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Maker
System Type Meccano principle but sig. differences
Country Germany
Dates circa 1942 to early 1950s
Material Steel
Thread ----
Boss Type no boss
Boss Thread ----
Diametrical Pitch of Gears --
No. of Parts in System 12
Hole Pitch (Spacing) (mm) 5.0
Diameter of holes in Strips(mm) 3.4
Diameter of the Bore in Bosses(mm) 3.0
Diameter of Axle Rods(mm) 2.0
Types of Nuts and Bolts Nuts: -- Bolts: --
Material/Finish of Nuts and Bolts -- --
Size of the Nuts across Flats (mm) ---
Bolt diameter (mm) ---
Comments Flex Strips with spiral spring fixing. Strips 3 holes wide: pattern is 3 holes, 3x1h with large semi-circular cutouts each side, 3 holes, etc.
SYSTEM NAME : A LA IMPERIALE
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Maker Braglia
System Type Aerospace
Country Italy
Dates circa 1930 to circa 1939
Material Steel
Thread 5/32W,M3
Boss Type no boss
Boss Thread ----
Diametrical Pitch of Gears --
No. of Parts in System 25
Hole Pitch (Spacing) (mm) 12.7 (multiples of value shown, including half.)
Diameter of holes in Strips(mm) 4.2
Diameter of the Bore in Bosses(mm) ---
Diameter of Axle Rods(mm) 4.0
Types of Nuts and Bolts Nuts: Bolts:
Material/Finish of Nuts and Bolts
Size of the Nuts across Flats (mm) `
Bolt diameter (mm)
Comments Known from an ad in a MECCANICO manual said to be from the 1940s. The parts look like standard BRAL Aero and that is the source of the data shown here.
SYSTEM NAME : ALCON
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Maker
System Type Mainly Rods/Tubes
Country United Kingdom
Dates 1949 to after 1952
Material Wood / Aluminium (Alloy)
Thread ----
Boss Type no boss
Boss Thread ----
Diametrical Pitch of Gears --
No. of Parts in System 9
Hole Pitch (Spacing) (mm) ---
Diameter of holes in Strips(mm) ---
Diameter of the Bore in Bosses(mm) 2.3
Diameter of Axle Rods(mm) 1.8
Types of Nuts and Bolts Nuts: -- Bolts: --
Material/Finish of Nuts and Bolts -- --
Size of the Nuts across Flats (mm) ---
Bolt diameter (mm) ---
Comments Coloured match splints (to be cut to length) push into flimsy formed sheet aluminium Unions to make frameworks. Name not used in original ads by Balfour Supplies Ltd.
SYSTEM NAME : ALEMANI
Maker
System Type Not enough data to classify
Country Italy (some significant doubt)
Dates
Material
Thread
Boss Type
Boss Thread
Diametrical Pitch of Gears
No. of Parts in System
Hole Pitch (Spacing) (mm)
Diameter of holes in Strips(mm)
Diameter of the Bore in Bosses(mm)
Diameter of Axle Rods(mm)
Types of Nuts and Bolts Nuts: Bolts:
Material/Finish of Nuts and Bolts
Size of the Nuts across Flats (mm) `
Bolt diameter (mm)
Comments Name only.
SYSTEM NAME : ALFLEX
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Maker
System Type Meccano principle but sig. differences
Country France (see comment *1)
Dates 1947 to 1955
Material Aluminium (Alloy)
Thread 2.6x.45
Boss Type single-tapped
Boss Thread 2.6x.45
Diametrical Pitch of Gears 32
No. of Parts in System 150
Hole Pitch (Spacing) (mm) 6.0
Diameter of holes in Strips(mm) 3.1
Diameter of the Bore in Bosses(mm) 3.1
Diameter of Axle Rods(mm) 3.0
Types of Nuts and Bolts Nuts: hexagonal Bolts: cheese (slotted)
Material/Finish of Nuts and Bolts Brass with a Nickel plated finish
Size of the Nuts across Flats (mm) 4.5
Bolt diameter (mm) 4.0
Comments One set is virtually same as a later MIGNON No.3 except the lid label. Data assumed as MIGNON.*1 The 2 known sets were found in Switzerland but the name was registered in France (in 1947).
SYSTEM NAME : ALLWRIGHTS MECHANICAL PRODUCTIONS
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Maker
System Type Hole pitch <12.7mm
Country United Kingdom
Dates before World War Two (some significant doubt)
Material Aluminium (Alloy)
Thread 6BA (probably)
Boss Type no boss
Boss Thread ----
Diametrical Pitch of Gears --
No. of Parts in System 10
Hole Pitch (Spacing) (mm) 9.5 (see comment *1)
Diameter of holes in Strips(mm) 3.1
Diameter of the Bore in Bosses(mm) ---
Diameter of Axle Rods(mm) 2.7 (see comment *2) (Screwed Rods or Bolts are used as axles.)
Types of Nuts and Bolts Nuts: hexagonal Bolts: cheese (slotted)
Material/Finish of Nuts and Bolts Steel with a Nickel plated finish
Size of the Nuts across Flats (mm) 4.9
Bolt diameter (mm) 4.8
Comments Unit sets with parts identical to CONSTRUCT but smaller range. Axle & N&B data from CONSTRUCT. *1 3/8" exactly. *2 Crank Handle, no Axles.
SYSTEM NAME : ALPHA [1]
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Maker
System Type Very like Meccano
Country China
Dates after 1954 (see comment *1)
Material Steel
Thread 5/32W
Boss Type double-tapped
Boss Thread 5/32W
Diametrical Pitch of Gears --
No. of Parts in System 53
Hole Pitch (Spacing) (mm) 12.7
Diameter of holes in Strips(mm) 4.3
Diameter of the Bore in Bosses(mm) 4.2
Diameter of Axle Rods(mm) 3.96
Types of Nuts and Bolts Nuts: square Bolts: round (slotted)
Material/Finish of Nuts and Bolts Steel with a Brass finish
Size of the Nuts across Flats (mm) 6.5
Bolt diameter (mm) 6.8
Comments Parts like 50's MECCANO except Flanged Sector Plate 7 holes long, 7 holes 126,a & MÄRKLIN type Hook. *1 Some manual models from MECCANO 1954-61 period.
SYSTEM NAME : ALPHA [2]
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Maker
System Type Meccano principle but sig. differences
Country Germany
Dates 1931 to after 1933 (see comment *1)
Material Steel / Plastic
Thread M4 (see comment *2)
Boss Type
Boss Thread
Diametrical Pitch of Gears 17 (see comment *3)
No. of Parts in System 97 (see comment *4)
Hole Pitch (Spacing) (mm) 12.0 (see comment *5)
Diameter of holes in Strips(mm) 4.1
Diameter of the Bore in Bosses(mm)
Diameter of Axle Rods(mm) 4.0
Types of Nuts and Bolts Nuts: hexagonal Bolts: cheese (slotted) (see comment *6)
Material/Finish of Nuts and Bolts Steel
Size of the Nuts across Flats (mm) `
Bolt diameter (mm)
Comments Unusual parts including Bakelite Road/Pulley(s) Wheels, Helical Gear. *1c1970 possible. *25/32 W also reported with brass N&B. *3Mod 1.5, also small-tooth Gears, DP 39e (Mod .65). *4Including 9 for the Kanonen set. *51.5 also reported. *6Round also shown.
SYSTEM NAME : ALUMINIUM CONSTRUCTION OUTFIT
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Maker
System Type Meccano principle but sig. differences
Country United Kingdom
Dates after 1945 to 1950s (some significant doubt)
Material Aluminium (Alloy)
Thread 4BA (see comment *1)
Boss Type eyelet
Boss Thread ----
Diametrical Pitch of Gears --
No. of Parts in System 23
Hole Pitch (Spacing) (mm) 12.7
Diameter of holes in Strips(mm) 3.9
Diameter of the Bore in Bosses(mm) 3.9
Diameter of Axle Rods(mm) 3.18 (see comment *2)
Types of Nuts and Bolts Nuts: hexagonal Bolts: cheese (slotted) (see comment *3)
Material/Finish of Nuts and Bolts Steel with a Steel finish (see comment *4)
Size of the Nuts across Flats (mm) 8.0
Bolt diameter (mm) 6.2
Comments Strips not square ended as shown. ELGIN parts same, also probably EASY-DO. *1 Standard 6BA N&B also known. *2 Crank Handle only. *3 Square Nuts on box. *4 Some Nuts plain brass not steel as in parts list.
SYSTEM NAME : ALUMINUM CONSTRUCTION SET
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Maker
System Type Meccano principle but sig. differences
Country USA
Dates circa 1942 to after 1950
Material Aluminium (Alloy)
Thread
Boss Type
Boss Thread
Diametrical Pitch of Gears --
No. of Parts in System 10
Hole Pitch (Spacing) (mm) 12.7
Diameter of holes in Strips(mm) 3.5
Diameter of the Bore in Bosses(mm)
Diameter of Axle Rods(mm) 2.9 (Screwed Rods or Bolts are used as axles.)
Types of Nuts and Bolts Nuts: Bolts:
Material/Finish of Nuts and Bolts
Size of the Nuts across Flats (mm) `
Bolt diameter (mm)
Comments Quite similar to GIRDER BILT & by same maker. Also similarities to JUNIOR MECHANIC, made in same town. All have Strips wrongly shown with square ends.
SYSTEM NAME : AMERICAN MODEL BUILDER
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Maker
System Type Very like Meccano
Country USA
Dates 1912 to 1921
Material Steel
Thread 8-32
Boss Type single-tapped
Boss Thread 6-32
Diametrical Pitch of Gears 30
No. of Parts in System 76
Hole Pitch (Spacing) (mm) 12.7
Diameter of holes in Strips(mm) 4.2
Diameter of the Bore in Bosses(mm) 4.1 (mean)
Diameter of Axle Rods(mm) 3.96
Types of Nuts and Bolts Nuts: square Bolts: cheese (slotted) (see comment *1)
Material/Finish of Nuts and Bolts Steel with a Brass finish (see comment *2)
Size of the Nuts across Flats (mm) 6.5
Bolt diameter (mm) 6.5(see comment *3)
Comments Ridged & flat Plates. compare with CASTLE BUILDER. Spanish version EL CONSTRUCTOR Denmark MODELOS MECÁNICOS. *1-*2 Also 7.1-7.5mm Round head. *3 Also brass, & nickel plated.
SYSTEM NAME : AMI
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Maker
System Type MECCANO & MÄRKLIN features
Country Italy
Dates early 1930s to 1955
Material Steel
Thread
Boss Type
Boss Thread
Diametrical Pitch of Gears
No. of Parts in System
Hole Pitch (Spacing) (mm) 12.7
Diameter of holes in Strips(mm)
Diameter of the Bore in Bosses(mm)
Diameter of Axle Rods(mm)
Types of Nuts and Bolts Nuts: Bolts:
Material/Finish of Nuts and Bolts
Size of the Nuts across Flats (mm) `
Bolt diameter (mm)
Comments Many parts like MECCANO & MÄRKLIN. AMI, the maker, was taken over in 1955 and became AMILAC. Data probably as AMILAC except not as many parts, but needs confirming.
SYSTEM NAME : AMI LAC
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Maker
System Type MECCANO & MÄRKLIN features
Country Italy
Dates 1922 (see comment *1) to 2017
Material Steel
Thread 5/32W
Boss Type single-tapped
Boss Thread 5/32W
Diametrical Pitch of Gears 38
No. of Parts in System 475
Hole Pitch (Spacing) (mm) 12.7
Diameter of holes in Strips(mm) 4.2
Diameter of the Bore in Bosses(mm) 4.10
Diameter of Axle Rods(mm) 4.0
Types of Nuts and Bolts Nuts: hexagonal Bolts: tapered cheese (slotted)
Material/Finish of Nuts and Bolts Steel with a Brass finish
Size of the Nuts across Flats (mm) 8.1
Bolt diameter (mm) 6.9
Comments Many parts like MECCANO & MÄRKLIN, but some others. *1 Said to have produced sets for short period starting 1922/23, & restarted 1956 after take-over of firm AMI which made AMI sets.
SYSTEM NAME : ANCHOR ENGINEER
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Maker Richter
System Type Mainly Rods/Tubes
Country United Kingdom
Dates 1914 to circa 1928
Material Steel
Thread ----
Boss Type not tapped
Boss Thread ----
Diametrical Pitch of Gears --
No. of Parts in System 20 (approximately)
Hole Pitch (Spacing) (mm) ---
Diameter of holes in Strips(mm) 1.7 (see comment *1)
Diameter of the Bore in Bosses(mm) 3.6
Diameter of Axle Rods(mm) 3.5
Types of Nuts and Bolts Nuts: -- Bolts: --
Material/Finish of Nuts and Bolts -- --
Size of the Nuts across Flats (mm) ---
Bolt diameter (mm) ---
Comments UK name for IMPERATOR. Strips clip into Hubs. Called LITTLE ANCHOR ENGINEER & ANCHOR ENGINEERING in 1914/22 G&T ads. Axle has flat. *1 In Hub.
SYSTEM NAME : ANDERS
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Maker
System Type Non-Meccano type
Country Germany
Dates 1945 to 1950
Material Metal
Thread
Boss Type
Boss Thread
Diametrical Pitch of Gears --
No. of Parts in System 25 (approximately)
Hole Pitch (Spacing) (mm) Variable (see comment *1)
Diameter of holes in Strips(mm)
Diameter of the Bore in Bosses(mm)
Diameter of Axle Rods(mm)
Types of Nuts and Bolts Nuts: Bolts:
Material/Finish of Nuts and Bolts
Size of the Nuts across Flats (mm) `
Bolt diameter (mm)
Comments Specialised parts, mostly red, blue & gold, with few holes to make small range of models - Cranes, etc. Gnom & Gigant outfits. *1 To suit models.
SYSTEM NAME : ANKER-METALL, -INGENIEUR
Maker Richter
System Type Mainly Rods/Tubes
Country Germany
Dates 1913 to early 1920s
Material
Thread
Boss Type
Boss Thread
Diametrical Pitch of Gears
No. of Parts in System
Hole Pitch (Spacing) (mm)
Diameter of holes in Strips(mm)
Diameter of the Bore in Bosses(mm)
Diameter of Axle Rods(mm)
Types of Nuts and Bolts Nuts: Bolts:
Material/Finish of Nuts and Bolts
Size of the Nuts across Flats (mm) `
Bolt diameter (mm)
Comments Alternative names for IMPERATOR q.v. compare with ANCHOR ENGINEER. Dates from IMPERATOR.
SYSTEM NAME : ANKER [1]
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Maker
System Type Hole pitch <12.7mm
Country Former East Germany
Dates known in 1956 to (see comment *1)
Material Metal / Plastic (some significant doubt)
Thread M3
Boss Type
Boss Thread
Diametrical Pitch of Gears
No. of Parts in System 47
Hole Pitch (Spacing) (mm) 12.0 (estimated)
Diameter of holes in Strips(mm)
Diameter of the Bore in Bosses(mm)
Diameter of Axle Rods(mm)
Types of Nuts and Bolts Nuts: hexagonal Bolts: cheese (slotted)
Material/Finish of Nuts and Bolts
Size of the Nuts across Flats (mm) `
Bolt diameter (mm)
Comments Lid not seen, manual cover has manual & boy at bench with model. Small selection of normal parts, including 5 holes Trunnions, but also 6 Gears including a Bevel. Wrongly said to have been made in Germany during WW2 & marketed in Japan.
SYSTEM NAME : ANKER [2]
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Maker Richter
System Type STABIL type
Country Germany
Dates circa 1947 to circa 1959
Material Metal
Thread
Boss Type
Boss Thread
Diametrical Pitch of Gears
No. of Parts in System
Hole Pitch (Spacing) (mm) 12.5
Diameter of holes in Strips(mm) 4.2
Diameter of the Bore in Bosses(mm)
Diameter of Axle Rods(mm) 4.0
Types of Nuts and Bolts Nuts: Bolts:
Material/Finish of Nuts and Bolts
Size of the Nuts across Flats (mm) `
Bolt diameter (mm)
Comments Lid has a boy looking at name made of Strips with METALLBAUKASTEN underneath framed with Strips. Parts include Plates & Strips which look black in snip. Also 5 holes diameter Plate & small Pulley.
SYSTEM NAME : APENES
Maker
System Type Not enough data to classify
Country
Dates
Material
Thread
Boss Type
Boss Thread
Diametrical Pitch of Gears
No. of Parts in System
Hole Pitch (Spacing) (mm)
Diameter of holes in Strips(mm)
Diameter of the Bore in Bosses(mm)
Diameter of Axle Rods(mm)
Types of Nuts and Bolts Nuts: Bolts:
Material/Finish of Nuts and Bolts
Size of the Nuts across Flats (mm) `
Bolt diameter (mm)
Comments Name only.
SYSTEM NAME : APOLDA
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Maker
System Type Non-Meccano type
Country Former East Germany
Dates 1980
Material
Thread
Boss Type
Boss Thread
Diametrical Pitch of Gears
No. of Parts in System 61
Hole Pitch (Spacing) (mm)
Diameter of holes in Strips(mm)
Diameter of the Bore in Bosses(mm)
Diameter of Axle Rods(mm)
Types of Nuts and Bolts Nuts: Bolts:
Material/Finish of Nuts and Bolts
Size of the Nuts across Flats (mm) `
Bolt diameter (mm)
Comments An improved version of POLYKON. Sets are called MODELLBAU.
SYSTEM NAME : ARCHITECTOR
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Diameter of holes in Strips(mm) 4.1 (some significant doubt)
Diameter of the Bore in Bosses(mm)
Diameter of Axle Rods(mm) 3.95 (some significant doubt)
Types of Nuts and Bolts Nuts: Bolts:
Material/Finish of Nuts and Bolts
Size of the Nuts across Flats (mm) `
Bolt diameter (mm)
Comments Wooden Blocks with Rods & J-Clamps as or similar to ROBO/LIL'N-GINEER, but a few extra parts and more sets/models.
SYSTEM NAME : ARKIRECTO
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Maker
System Type Buildings and Non-Meccano type
Country United Kingdom
Dates 1934 to 1936
Material Steel
Thread 1/4x40 (see comment *1)
Boss Type collet fixing
Boss Thread ----
Diametrical Pitch of Gears 32
No. of Parts in System 82
Hole Pitch (Spacing) (mm) 12.7 (multiples of value shown, including half.)
Diameter of holes in Strips(mm) 3.2
Diameter of the Bore in Bosses(mm) 3.1 (see comment *2)
Diameter of Axle Rods(mm) 3.1 (see comment *3)
Types of Nuts and Bolts Nuts: -- Bolts: --
Material/Finish of Nuts and Bolts -- --
Size of the Nuts across Flats (mm) ---
Bolt diameter (mm) ---
Comments Sets: mechanical, architectural & combined. Parts push/clip together; Collet fixed Wheels. Most parts stamped ARKIRECTO. *1 for Collet. *2*3 3.25; 2.6 also reported.
SYSTEM NAME : ARMA
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Maker
System Type Mainly Rods/Tubes
Country Czechoslovkia / Czech Republic
Dates known in 1955 to known in 1961
Material Steel
Thread M4
Boss Type no boss
Boss Thread ----
Diametrical Pitch of Gears --
No. of Parts in System 12
Hole Pitch (Spacing) (mm) ---
Diameter of holes in Strips(mm) ---
Diameter of the Bore in Bosses(mm)
Diameter of Axle Rods(mm) 4.0
Types of Nuts and Bolts Nuts: -- Bolts: pan (slotted)
Material/Finish of Nuts and Bolts Steel
Size of the Nuts across Flats (mm) ---
Bolt diameter (mm)
Comments Details from set with IGRA logo & TYP 1 on lid. 5 galvanised Rods, 20-380mm, joined with J Clips. Other parts: Loose & Fast Pulleys, Hook (aluminium, if original), rubber Axle Stop, wood handled Scr'driver.
SYSTEM NAME : ARMAMEC
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Maker
System Type Meccano principle but sig. differences
Country Argentina
Dates circa 2013 to 2014
Material Steel (probably)
Thread
Boss Type
Boss Thread
Diametrical Pitch of Gears
No. of Parts in System 30 (about)
Hole Pitch (Spacing) (mm)
Diameter of holes in Strips(mm)
Diameter of the Bore in Bosses(mm)
Diameter of Axle Rods(mm)
Types of Nuts and Bolts Nuts: Bolts:
Material/Finish of Nuts and Bolts
Size of the Nuts across Flats (mm) `
Bolt diameter (mm)
Comments A small system with brightly coloured MECCANO-like parts. The featured models for the 8 sets, with 80-260 parts, look to be original.
SYSTEM NAME : ARMATURE
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Maker
System Type Mainly Rods/Tubes
Country France
Dates 1929 to 1937
Material Aluminium (Alloy) (probably)
Thread
Boss Type no boss
Boss Thread ----
Diametrical Pitch of Gears --
No. of Parts in System 14 (see comment *1)
Hole Pitch (Spacing) (mm) ---
Diameter of holes in Strips(mm) ---
Diameter of the Bore in Bosses(mm)
Diameter of Axle Rods(mm)
Types of Nuts and Bolts Nuts: Bolts:
Material/Finish of Nuts and Bolts
Size of the Nuts across Flats (mm) `
Bolt diameter (mm)
Comments Rods probably screw into cube-shaped Joints. *1 14 also reported.
SYSTEM NAME : ARMCICLO
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Maker
System Type Mainly Rods/Tubes
Country Argentina (some significant doubt)
Dates circa 1944 to known in 1950
Material Steel
Thread 8-32
Boss Type no boss
Boss Thread ----
Diametrical Pitch of Gears --
No. of Parts in System 15
Hole Pitch (Spacing) (mm) ---
Diameter of holes in Strips(mm) ---
Diameter of the Bore in Bosses(mm)
Diameter of Axle Rods(mm) 3.8
Types of Nuts and Bolts Nuts: -- Bolts: cheese (slotted)
Material/Finish of Nuts and Bolts Steel
Size of the Nuts across Flats (mm) ---
Bolt diameter (mm) (see comment *1)
Comments Set as CASTCO's Make-A-Bike except for 2 extra parts and text in Spanish. Data taken from CASTCO. *1 Bolt is Set Screw for J-Clamp.
SYSTEM NAME : ARMEC
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Maker
System Type Very like Meccano
Country Argentina
Dates 1945 to 1955
Material Steel
Thread
Boss Type
Boss Thread
Diametrical Pitch of Gears --
No. of Parts in System 60
Hole Pitch (Spacing) (mm) 12.7
Diameter of holes in Strips(mm) 4.2
Diameter of the Bore in Bosses(mm)
Diameter of Axle Rods(mm) 4.0
Types of Nuts and Bolts Nuts: square Bolts: round (slotted) (see comment *1)
Material/Finish of Nuts and Bolts
Size of the Nuts across Flats (mm) `
Bolt diameter (mm)
Comments Poor quality parts including 3*3,5,9,11 holes Flanged Plates & 2*1*11 holes 'L' Girder. May be related to EL EXPERTO MECANICO. *1 Other heads may exist.
SYSTEM NAME : ARQUITECTURA METALING
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Maker
System Type Buildings
Country Spain
Dates circa 1930 to circa 1939
Material Steel
Thread ----
Boss Type no boss
Boss Thread ----
Diametrical Pitch of Gears --
No. of Parts in System 27
Hole Pitch (Spacing) (mm) ---
Diameter of holes in Strips(mm) ---
Diameter of the Bore in Bosses(mm) ---
Diameter of Axle Rods(mm) ---
Types of Nuts and Bolts Nuts: -- Bolts: --
Material/Finish of Nuts and Bolts -- --
Size of the Nuts across Flats (mm) ---
Bolt diameter (mm) ---
Comments Appears to be identical to WENEBRIK.
SYSTEM NAME : ARTE-MECCANICA
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Maker
System Type Very like Meccano
Country Italy
Dates 1935 (some significant doubt) to (some significant doubt)
Material
Thread M4
Boss Type
Boss Thread
Diametrical Pitch of Gears 34 (see comment *1)
No. of Parts in System 52
Hole Pitch (Spacing) (mm) 12.7 (estimated)
Diameter of holes in Strips(mm) 4.2
Diameter of the Bore in Bosses(mm)
Diameter of Axle Rods(mm) 4.0
Types of Nuts and Bolts Nuts: hexagonal Bolts:
Material/Finish of Nuts and Bolts
Size of the Nuts across Flats (mm) `
Bolt diameter (mm)
Comments Unusual parts: 4 holes wide Perforated Plates with slots along on outer, & across on inner rows; flat topped Trunnions; Face Plate with 4 long radial slots. *1 Mod .75.