'Other' Constructional and Allied Systems Info & Downloads
Database of Metal Constructions Systems
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.
Select Gear Diametrical Pitch
Select Hole Pitch
Select Strip Hole Size
Select Axle Rod Diameter
1314 Systems Found - will be displayed up to 40 systems per page.
[100] [ART] [BAY] [BOY] [CAM] [CON] [COS] [DER] [EIF] [ERE] [FAL] [GIO] [ID] [JOL] [KOM] [KON] [LE ] [MAK] [MEC] [MEC] [MET] [MET] [MIN] [MUS] [NEV] [PIO] [QUI] [SEL] [STA] [TAK] [TEK] [TRI] [WAL]
SYSTEM NAME : ERECTION [a]
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
ERECTOR type
Japan
1950s (some significant doubt)
Steel
5/32W
single-tapped
1/8W
--
25 (approximately)
12.7
4.2 (mean)
4.0 (see comment *1)
3.9
Nuts: square
Bolts: round (slotted)
Steel with a Brass finish
7.5
7.0
Comments
Most parts virtually the same as ERECTOR, though different colours. *1 Others seen 4.2.
SYSTEM NAME : ERECTION [b]
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Meccano principle but sig. differences (some significant doubt)
Japan
1950s (some significant doubt)
Steel
5/32W
single-tapped (probably)
1/8W
12 (approximately)
30 (approximately)
12.7
4.0 (probably)
Nuts: square
Bolts: round (slotted)
Steel with a Brass finish
(see comment *1)
`
Comments
Set 5 was listed at the same time as ERECTION [a] (Sets 0-4) with parts which look similar to MEKANIK [1], but the hole pitch is said to be 12.7mm. *1 The steel needs confirming.
SYSTEM NAME : ERECTOR AIR-KRAFT/AIR-PLANE
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Gilbert Erector
Aerospace
USA
1928 to 1932
Steel
8-32
single-tapped
6-32
--
33 (approximately)
Variable
4.2
Nuts: square
Bolts: round (slotted)
`
Comments
Nearly all special parts. Sets sold under both names. Art work on Air-Kraft lid as (the different) 1919 Gilbert Air-Kraft set. Models could 'fly' around a ceiling mount.
SYSTEM NAME : ERECTOR CONSTRUCTOR 5 IN 1
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Gabriel Erector
ERECTOR type
USA
1964 to 1967
Steel / Plastic
8-32
push fit
6-32 (see comment *1)
--
83 (see comment *2)
15.9 (see comment *3)
4.7 (see comment *4)
4.0
4.0 (mean)
Nuts: square
Bolts: round (slotted)
Steel with a Bright Zinc plated finish
6.5
6.7
Comments
Mostly new parts. Sets for Road Building; Military; Cars & Trucks. *1 Only in U-Collar. *2 Including 45 plastic. *3 Exactly 5/8" lengthways & often 5/16" across. *4 In Plates.
SYSTEM NAME : ERECTOR ELECTRICAL
Gilbert Erector
Electrical/science
USA
1916 to after 1949
Nuts:
Bolts:
`
Comments
None in 1924-25. Various sets over the years with progressively fewer standard parts.
SYSTEM NAME : ERECTOR HUDSON
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Gilbert Erector
Non-Meccano type
USA
1931 to 1937
Steel
8-32
6-32
24
113 (see comment *1)
Variable
4.2
Nuts: square
Bolts: round (slotted)
`
Comments
*1 Mostly special parts which were included in standard & special sets.
SYSTEM NAME : ERECTOR LANKY LINKS
Gilbert Erector
Not enough data to classify
USA
known in 1961
Metal / Plastic
Nuts:
Bolts:
`
Comments
Simple linking 'girders' and N&B. Ref: OSN 6/136.
SYSTEM NAME : ERECTOR SENIOR
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Gilbert Erector
Non-Meccano type
USA
1922 to 1923
Steel
8-32;14-20 p
14-20 (probably)
6
25.4 (multiples of value shown, including half.)
4.0 (probably)
Nuts: square
Bolts: round (slotted)
(probably)
`
Comments
Large steel components, Wheels, to make life size wheeled toys, also Cranes etc. aluminium development of GILBERT NEW WHEEL TOY.
SYSTEM NAME : ERECTOR SKYSCRAPER
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Gilbert Erector
Buildings
USA
1935 to 1936
Steel / Card
8-32
no boss
----
--
7 (see comment *1)
12.7 (multiples of value shown, including half.)
4.2
---
---
Nuts: square
Bolts: round (slotted)Bolts: See comment *2
6.5
6.4
Comments
*1 Special card Panels which were held to frame of standard Angle Girders by Snap Rivets.
SYSTEM NAME : ERECTOR ZEPPELIN
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Gilbert Erector
Aerospace
USA
1929 to 1933
Steel
8-32
single-tapped
6-32
--
50 (approximately)
12.7
4.2
Nuts: square
Bolts: round (slotted)
`
Comments
Some standard, some special parts, including a fabric Envelope, sold as a separate set & included in other sets.
SYSTEM NAME : ERECTOR [1] prototype
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Gilbert Erector
ERECTOR type
USA
1913
Steel
8-32 (probably)
33 (see comment *1)
12.7 (multiples of value shown, including half.)
4.2
Nuts: square
Bolts: round (slotted)
`
Comments
Detachable boss for large Gears & Pulleys. Girders flanged but not grooved. *1 plus 12 for motor.
SYSTEM NAME : ERECTOR [2a] mysto
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Gilbert Erector
ERECTOR type
USA
1914 to 1916
Steel
8-32
single-tapped
6-32
16
55 (see comment *1)
12.7 (multiples of value shown, including half.)
4.2
Nuts: square
Bolts: round (slotted)
`
Comments
Improved design Girders, normal bosses, different, assembled Motor. *1 In 1915.
SYSTEM NAME : ERECTOR [2b] old
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Gilbert Erector
ERECTOR type
USA
1916 to 1924
Steel
8-32
single-tapped
6-32
16
56 (see comment *1)
12.7 (multiples of value shown, including half.)
4.3
4.0
4.0
Nuts: square
Bolts: round (slotted)
Steel with a Steel finish
9.5
7.5
Comments
Some parts introduced or changed in this period. *1 In 1919.
SYSTEM NAME : ERECTOR [3a] new
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Gilbert Erector
ERECTOR type
USA
1924 to 1932
Steel
8-32
single-tapped
6-32
24
217 (see comment *1)
12.7 (multiples of value shown, including half.)
4.3 (mean)
4.1
4.0 (see comment *2)
Nuts: square
Bolts: round (slotted)
`
Comments
Redesigned system with narrower Girders, Strips with ¼” pitch holes, etc, etc.*1 In 1929. *2 Also 1/4, 5/16", with some bosses to suit.
SYSTEM NAME : ERECTOR [3b] revised
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Gilbert Erector
ERECTOR type
USA
1932 to 1962
Steel (see comment *1)
8-32
single-tapped
6-32
24
136 (see comment *2)
12.7 (multiples of value shown, including half.)
4.3 (mean)
4.1 (see comment *3)
4.0
Nuts: square
Bolts: round (slotted)
`
Comments
Many parts dropped. Double Flanged Plates replace single flanged parts. *1 Some parts aluminium postwar. *2 In '35, 110 after WW2. *3 4.2 for later cast bosses.
SYSTEM NAME : ERECTOR [4a] gabriel
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Gabriel Erector
ERECTOR type
USA
1963 (see comment *1) to 1981 (see comment *2)
Steel
8-32
single-tapped
6-32
--
80 (see comment *3)
12.7
4.2
4.2
4.0 (see comment *4)
Nuts: square
Bolts: round (slotted)
Steel with a Bright Zinc plated finish
6.5
7.1
Comments
Complete redesign. *1Gilbert owned until '66. *2 Gabriel owned until 1983 but character of the sets changed in 1981 to that typical of the next 'Ideal' period. *3 1963, approx 60 by 1971. *4 With flat.
SYSTEM NAME : ERECTOR [4a] S.J.Miller
Gabriel Erector
ERECTOR type
USA
1977
Steel
8-32
single-tapped
6-32
--
30
12.7
4.2
4.2
4.0
Nuts: square
Bolts: round (slotted)
Steel with a Gold metallic finish
6.5
7.1
Comments
Sid Miller produced an 'Executive Set' with a selection of gold plated Gabriel metal parts. The only other part was a yellow plastic Pocket Erector push-on Wheel.
SYSTEM NAME : ERECTOR [4b] ideal
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Ideal Erector
ERECTOR type
USA
1981 (see comment *1) to 1986
Steel / Plastic
8-32
single-tapped
6-32
--
61 (see comment *2)
12.7
4.2 (see comment *3)
4.2
4.0 (see comment *4)
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: round (slotted)
Steel with a Black metallic finish
8.5
7.5(see comment *5)
Comments
Less metal & more plastic parts. *1 Gabriel ownership to '83. *2 Excluding special plastic parts in Robot set; 70 in 1987-88 with more plastic. *3 Girders, to 4.4 in other parts. *4 with flat. *5 7.7 for longer.
SYSTEM NAME : ERECTOR [5] meccano
Meccano
Very like Meccano
USA
1991 to in production in 2018 and continuing
7-32 (see comment *1)
double-tapped
7-32 (see comment *2)
38
12.7
4.3
Nuts: button
Bolts: square (slotted)
Steel with a Bright Zinc plated finish
`
Comments
Meccano bought the ERECTOR name & sold standard & a few special sets as MECCANO ERECTOR, then ERECTOR. *1*2 Replaced 5/32 BSW at some stage, but needs confirming.
SYSTEM NAME : ERECTO [1]
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Matchbox & similar
USA
Nuts:
Bolts:
`
Comments
Dolls house set with parts not unlike ERECTOR.
SYSTEM NAME : ERECTO [2]
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
MÄRKLIN type
Germany (probably)
mid 1940s (some significant doubt)
Steel / Brass
tapped
--
20 (approximately)
12.7 (some significant doubt)
Nuts:
Bolts:
`
Comments
Probably same as DELTA with same MÄRKLIN-like parts. Manual may have STABIL models. English on lid & manual cover.
SYSTEM NAME : ERECTO [3]
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Certain UK
United Kingdom
after World War Two
Steel
6BA
no boss
----
--
15 (estimated)
12.7
3.9
3 (see comment *1)
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: cheese (slotted)
Steel with a Dull plated finish
(see comment *2)
4.1
4.7
Comments
Just "ERECTO" THE YOUNG ENGINEER'S BUILDING KIT on lid. No manual. Parts including '60s MECCANO, & originals (?), as early ½" LYNX including 4*7 holes Flanged Plate(s), 4,12 holes Strips, 2*2 holes Angle Bracket, 1" Disc, Hook. *1In Disc. *2Bolt plain brass.
SYSTEM NAME : EREKTIT
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Mainly Rods/Tubes
United Kingdom
circa 1913 to known in 1915
Steel
1/8W
single-tapped
1/8W
--
29
Variable
3.2
3.0
2.9
Nuts: square
Bolts: cheese (slotted)
Steel with a Brass finish
6.3
4.8
Comments
Rods & Strips push into Clips which can bolt together. Strips have only end holes & slightly crenellated edges. Thought as BILDICO [1]. Called ERECTOR in earliest ad known, 4/14.
SYSTEM NAME : ERKO
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
as TRIX (inc MCX)
Germany (see comment *1)
1950s (some significant doubt) to 1960s (some significant doubt)
Aluminium (Alloy) (probably)
16
7.86
3.0 (see comment *2)
3.0 (see comment *3)
Nuts:
Bolts:
`
Comments
Main parts: 8 Angle Girders with 2 rows of staggered holes at ends of each & in centre of 2 longest. Also small Perforated Plate with staggered holes. *1 Just possibly the DDR. *2 2.95.
SYSTEM NAME : ESCHO
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Very like Meccano
Germany
1980s (some significant doubt)
Steel
M4
tapped
M4
38
88
12.7
4.2
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: cheese (slotted)
`
Comments
TEMSI parts or similar. May be same as IK BOUW / JE CONSTRUIS. Dimensions assumed as TEMSI.
SYSTEM NAME : ESCO
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Meccano principle but sig. differences
United Kingdom
circa 1925
Steel / Zinc (Alloy) / Plastic
2BA
single-tapped
6BA
--
28 (see comment *1)
12.7
5.0
4.9
4.8
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: cheese (slotted)
Steel with a Steel finish
(see comment *2)
8.2
8.1(see comment *3)
Comments
Strips (4mm thick) & Wheels are cast from zinc alloy. Parts included mouldable Plastic Sheet. *1 For No 1 Set. *2 Nuts: plain brass, 2.8mm thick. *3 Also 8.0.
SYSTEM NAME : EUREKA! [2]
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Hole pitch >12.7mm
Spain
Steel
M3.5
tapped
79
15.7
3.9
3.6
Nuts:
Bolts:
`
Comments
Sets 1-3 from Celsa (Valencia). Box label has boy, small boy, small girl around Crane on floor. Parts all nickel, or red, blue, green, black, yellow. They are M-principle but many of a different character.
SYSTEM NAME : EUREKA [1]
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Hole pitch >12.7mm
Netherlands
circa 1948 (see comment *1)
Aluminium (Alloy)
3/16W
no boss
----
--
19
14.0
4.9
--- (see comment *2)
--- (Screwed Rods or Bolts are used as axles.) (see comment *3)
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: round (slotted)
Brass with a Brass finish
9
Comments
Sets 000-4, data is for a 00. Main parts: Strip(s) 2-9h; 7 holes Angle Girder; Plate, 7*9 holes on edges; 1*3*1 hole Double Angle Strip; 6 holes Wheel Disc; 42mm formed Wheel, 3 holes Diameter/brass with angled foot. *1or c49. *24.5 in Wheel Disc, 5.8 in Wheel. *330mm Bolt.
SYSTEM NAME : EXACT
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Hole pitch <12.7mm (some significant doubt)
Germany
circa 1950 (some significant doubt)
Steel (probably)
24 (see comment *1)
(Screwed Rods or Bolts are used as axles.) (see comment *2)
Nuts:
Bolts:
`
Comments
Simple system with Strips, Double Angle Strip, Brackets, & 2 sizes of Tyre. *1 approx in Set 1. *2 long Bolts.
SYSTEM NAME : EXACTO
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Very like Meccano
Argentina
1959 to in production in 2009 and continuing (see comment *1)
Steel
5/32W
5/32W
38
195 (see comment *2)
12.7
4.2
Nuts: square
Bolts: cheese (slotted)
`
Comments
*1 Sold as MECCANO 1967-85 with parts marked MECCANO IND. ARGENTINA. *2 In 1965, other parts added since.
SYSTEM NAME : EZY-BILT [0]
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Very like Meccano
Australia
known in 1933
Steel
----
----
--
12.7
4.1 (see comment *1)
Nuts: --
Bolts: --
---
---
Comments
Clips with Wedges used to join the MECCANO-like parts. This phase did not last long. Made by George Irving/Ezybilt Pty. Ltd. *1 From a dark red 5*11 holes Flanged Plate stamped EZY-BILT.
SYSTEM NAME : EZY-BILT [1]
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Very like Meccano
Australia
to 1955 (some significant doubt)
Steel
5/32W
double-tapped
5/32W
38
88
12.7
4.2
4.2 (see comment *1)
4.1
Nuts: square
Bolts: cheese (slotted)
Steel with a Steel finish
7.9
6.0(see comment *2)
Comments
N&B replaced the Clips. Mfr: Irving/Ezybilt Pty. to at least or about '41; then Colton, Palmer & Preston, South Africa. *1 4.1 in some. *2 5.8 also known.
SYSTEM NAME : EZY-BILT [2]
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Very like Meccano
Australia
1955 (some significant doubt) to circa 1970
Steel
5/32
5/32
38
130
12.7
4.2
Nuts: square
Bolts: cheese (slotted)
`
Comments
Mfr: EZY-BILT, Kilkenny, South Africa. Extended range of renumbered parts.
SYSTEM NAME : EZY-BILT [3]
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Very like Meccano
New Zealand
known in 1960
12.7
4.2
Nuts:
Bolts:
`
Comments
Made in New Zealand by Rayon Surfaces Ltd, Penrose during last Australian EZY-BILT phase.
SYSTEM NAME : FAC + toy KONSTRUKTIONER sets
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Professional type and Mainly Rods/Tubes
Sweden
1952 to in production in 2009 and continuing (see comment *1)
Steel
M3; M4 (see comment *2)
double-tapped
M3
36
225 (approximately)
14.0 (multiples of value shown, including half.)
4.1 (see comment *3)
6.0
6.0 (see comment *4)
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: cheese (slotted)
Steel with a Black metallic finish
5.9(see comment *5)
5.3(mean)
Comments
*1 Not in 80c-98c. *2 Lead Screw M6. *3 3.2 wide slots in Strips with 4.1 centre hole. Other holes 3.0-3.2mm. *4 Also:4.0 Axles & structural Rods. *5 M4: 8mm, for Threaded Rods.
SYSTEM NAME : FAI MECCANICA
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Hole pitch <12.7mm
Italy
Steel
M4
tapped
M4
32 (see comment *1)
46 (see comment *2)
12.0
4.0
4.0
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: cheese (slotted)
Steel with a Black metallic finish
7.0
7.0
Comments
All parts black and stamped FAI. aluminium number including 13 holes long parts look similar to LA MECCANICA APPLICATA. Lid has manual with lathe & boy with Funicular Railway. *1 In Set 2 (of 00-5). *2 Mod. 0.8.
SYSTEM NAME : FALCO ELET
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Electrical/science
Italy
known in 1933
Steel / Plastic
5/32W;3x
no boss
--
32
12.7
4.0
(Screwed Rods or Bolts are used as axles.)
Nuts:
Bolts:
`
Comments
Reported to be the same as the German ELECTRIC but may not be, or 2 versions?. Data from ELECTRIC.
SYSTEM NAME : FALCO [1]
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Meccano principle but sig. differences
Italy
Nuts:
Bolts:
`
Comments
Said to be a very colourful MECCANO-type system. See LA MECCANICA DELICATA.
SYSTEM NAME : FALCO [2]
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
as DINKY BUILDER
Italy
known in 1937
Steel
----
not tapped
----
--
58
---
---
3.0
Nuts: --
Bolts: --
-- --
---
---
Comments
ASSEMBLO-like parts, and possibly identical. ASSEMBLO data given for reference.
SYSTEM NAME : F A L T
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
FALT
MÄRKLIN type
Italy
known in 1946 (see comment *1) to 1950
Steel
5/32W
single-tapped
5/32W
34
44
12.7
4.3
4.0
4.0
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: round (slotted)
(see comment *2)
Steel with a Nickel plated finish
(see comment *3)
8.1
6.9(see comment *4)
Comments
*1Post WW2. Sets 0-4 called IL PICCOLO MECCANICO. Parts including a 7 holes long Flanged Sector Plate, & 11 & 17 holes Braced Girders with cross shaped centre cutouts. *2& hex nut and slotted cheesehead bolt. *3Bolts plain steel. *47.1 for slotted cheesehead Bolts.