'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 : LE PETIT ELECTROTECHNICIEN
Electrical/science
France
known in 1999
Nuts:
Bolts:
`
Comments
French name for MEHANO(TEHNIKA) Electrical set, q.v.
SYSTEM NAME : LES NACELLES VOLANTES
Non-Meccano type
France
after World War Two to 1950s (some significant doubt)
Steel
13
Variable
Variable
Nuts:
Bolts:
`
Comments
Special parts to make Chair-O-Planes.
SYSTEM NAME : LIL'N-GINEER
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Mainly Rods/Tubes
Canada (see comment *1)
1950s (some significant doubt)
Steel / Wood
6-32
no boss
----
--
20
25.4
4.0
4.1
Nuts: --
Bolts: fillister (slotted)
Steel with a Steel finish
---
4.4
Comments
Apart from the Wheels it looks like ROBO/EL INGENIERO MECANICO. *1 Also USA, with different maker.
SYSTEM NAME : LILIENTHAL
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Hole pitch >12.7mm and Buildings
Germany
circa 1890
Wood / Card
----
no boss
----
--
10 (see comment *1)
25.0 (see comment *2)
(see comment *3)
---
Nuts: --
Bolts: --
-- --
---
---
Comments
Buildings etc from Strips & Brackets joined with Wire Clips & Wedges, with card infill Panels. aluminium Windmill has steel Axle. *1*2 2 series of sets with same models: 1st: has 25mm pitch; 2nd: 3-4x larger. *3 2-3mm for smaller version.
SYSTEM NAME : LINEOL PIONIER-BRÜCKE
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Non-Meccano type
Germany
1935 to 1940
Steel / Wood
----
no boss
----
--
6
---
6.5 (approximately)
---
---
Nuts: --
Bolts: --
(see comment *1)
Steel
---
---
Comments
Strips with long slots for side frames joined by Cross Beams. Wood Planks form roadway. *1 Parts held by Wedges.
SYSTEM NAME : LINX
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Certain UK
United Kingdom
known in 1945 to known in 1947
Steel
no boss
----
--
14
9.5 (see comment *1)
3.5
---
---
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: round (slotted)
Steel with a Dull plated finish
`
Comments
Home Repair parts, initially in packets but ultimately sets 1-4 & 7 as well, for small DIY repairs. The parts later used in LYNX sets. Known from 1945 and only lasted for a few years at most. *1 3/8"..
SYSTEM NAME : LIONEL
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Mainly Rods/Tubes
USA
1947 to 1949
Aluminium (Alloy)
----
single-tapped
4-40
--
56
Variable (see comment *1)
3.4
3.3
3.2
Nuts: --
Bolts: --
-- --
---
---
Comments
Square Tubes, Plates, etc joined by 1/8x1/2" Rivets (6.3mm round head) & rubber Grommets. LIONEL moulded into Tyres. *1 .4" in Flanged Plate.
SYSTEM NAME : LITTLE ANCHOR ENGINEER
Richter
Mainly Rods/Tubes
United Kingdom
1914
Nuts:
Bolts:
`
Comments
Name used in 1914 ad for United Kingdom version of IMPERATOR , afterwards just ANCHOR ENGINEER(ING). *1 In Hubs.
SYSTEM NAME : LITTLE ENGINEER [1]
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Very like Meccano
Poland
1950s (some significant doubt)
--
24
12.7
4.0
Nuts: square
Bolts: cheese (slotted)
`
Comments
English name used for exported MALY INZYNIER. The basic parts in illustrations look just like MECCANO. Note 5x11h Flanged Plate with 4 flanges & 2 'saw' slots.
SYSTEM NAME : LITTLE ENGINEER [2]
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Meccano principle but sig. differences
India
2015 (see comment *1)
Steel (probably)
30 (see comment *2)
Nuts:
Bolts:
`
Comments
At least 5 theme sets with around 100 parts in each for small models. *1 May be a little earlier. *2 In the sets seen, there are almost certainly more.
SYSTEM NAME : LITTLE GENIUS
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Mainly Rods/Tubes
India
known in 1992
Steel / Plastic
M4
no boss
----
--
25
36.0 (multiples of value shown, including half.)
4.3
---
---
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: hexagonal (slotted)
Steel with a Iridescent finish
6.9
---
Comments
Strips joined by N&B, 21mm Studs with hexagonal centre, & Spindles that screw into one another. Various plastic Plates. Also small plastic Horses & Teddy Bears.
SYSTEM NAME : LITTLE GIANT MODEL MAKER
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
DIY type
USA
Nuts:
Bolts:
`
Comments
JUNEERO like Tool. Few other details except maker, but Ebay set has Strips & Pulleys in it..
SYSTEM NAME : LITTLE JIM [1]
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Gilbert Erector
ERECTOR type
USA
1929 to 1932 (see comment *1)
Nuts:
Bolts:
`
Comments
Name used by J.C.Penney for DUPLEX STANDARD CONSTRUCTION TOY, q.v. for details. *1 Not necessarily for all this period.
SYSTEM NAME : LITTLE JIM [2]
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Meccano USA
Meccano principle but sig. differences and as TRIX (inc MCX)
USA
1930 (see comment *1) to 1931 (see comment *2)
Nuts:
Bolts:
`
Comments
Name used by J.C.Penney for MECCANO - GILBERT [b], q.v. for details, though range of sets & parts probably not as large. *1*2 Need verifying.
SYSTEM NAME : LITTLE JIM [3]
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Metalcraft
Road vehicles
USA
Nuts:
Bolts:
`
Comments
Name used by J.C.Penney for METALCRAFT Train Construction sets, q.v. for details.
SYSTEM NAME : LITTLE LEARNER
ERECTOR type
USA
Nuts:
Bolts:
`
Comments
As far as is known sets with Gabriel ERECTOR parts packaged for Sears.
SYSTEM NAME : LOCARNO
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Meccano principle but sig. differences
Switzerland (some significant doubt) (see comment *1)
Steel
4x (see comment *2)
no boss
----
--
18 (approximately)
12.3
4.5
---
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: round (slotted)
with a Black metallic finish
`
Comments
*1or France. D't'ls from only known set. Green Strips, with black Angle Bracket, N&B. No Wheels.. White label on mottled brown lid, it & manual cover have name, Les Constructions Métallique, & logo. *2not M4 or 5/32W.
SYSTEM NAME : LONE STAR
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Certain UK
United Kingdom
known in 1955
Steel
5BA
double-tapped
5BA
--
31
12.7
4.2
3.49
3.22 (see comment *1)
Nuts: square
Bolts: round (slotted)
(see comment *2)
Steel with a Nickel plated finish
6.5
5.5
Comments
Some parts similar to LYNX. Push-on rubber Road Wheels with CRESCENT ENGLAND around 'tyre' on one side. *1 (0.127") so likely to be 1/8" Rod plated. *2 Hex Nut also shown in manual.
SYSTEM NAME : LYNNCRAFT
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Meccano principle but sig. differences
USA
1946
Aluminium (Alloy)
8-32
single-tapped
6-32
--
18
12.7 (see comment *1)
4.8
4.2
4.0
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: round (slotted)
(see comment *2)
Steel with a Dull plated finish
8.6
7.5(see comment *3)
Comments
Strips with end holes & groove between for strength. Flanged Plate top has staggered 1” pitch holes. LYNNCRAFT moulded in Tyres. *1 Mostly, also 3/8, 3/4", & others. *2 Also square Nuts. *3 Also 6.3.
SYSTEM NAME : LYNX [a]
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Certain UK
United Kingdom
1945 to 1947
Steel
5BA (see comment *1)
push fit
----
--
22
9.5 (see comment *2)
3.5 (see comment *3)
---
3.3
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: round (slotted)
Steel with a Dull plated finish
(see comment *4)
6.2
5.5
Comments
Sets 1-4 known 12/45 plus LINX sets. New parts including rubber Wheel, & Pulley(s), Flanged Plate(s), longer Strips. *1or 6BA. *2Strip 3/8", Flanged Plate(s) ½", Brackets various. *3Flanged Plate(s) 3.8. *4Nuts often Nickel plated steel. 6BA: Nuts plain brass 5.0 or Nickel plated steel 6.4; Bolts plain brass or steel dull plated/nickel 5.1m.
SYSTEM NAME : LYNX [b]
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Certain UK
United Kingdom
1947 to 1950
Steel
5BA (see comment *1)
double-tapped
5BA
39
12.7 (see comment *2)
3.8
3.4
3.3
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: round (slotted)
Steel with a Dull plated finish
(see comment *3)
6.2
5.5
Comments
Packets of parts may still be marked LINX. A few parts marked LYNX, some MADE IN ENGLAND. Push-fit rubber Wheel & Pulley. 5x7h Flanged Plate replaced 4x7h. *16BA also known. *2Variations in some Brackets. *3As above.
SYSTEM NAME : LYNX [c]
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Certain UK
United Kingdom
1950 to in production in 1952 and continuing (see comment *1)
Steel / Aluminium (Alloy)
5BA
double-tapped
5BA
23
55
12.7 (see comment *2)
3.8
3.4
3.3
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: round (slotted)
(probably)
Steel with a Dull plated finish
(probably)
6.2(probably)
5.5(probably)
Comments
New parts: including Gears & 3 holes wide Perforated Plates. Sets 1-6, later 1-7, in larger red boxes. Later also an Electrolynx set, a #4 with a small Motor. Later still parts were made of anodised aluminium & mostly marked. *1Perhaps mid-50s.
SYSTEM NAME : M'TEK
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Very like Meccano
India
2008 (see comment *1) to in production in 2011 and continuing
12.7 (probably)
4.0 (probably)
Nuts:
Bolts:
`
Comments
Toy-Kraft brand sets which came after ENTECH. *1 May be earlier, '05 on.
SYSTEM NAME : M. A. M.
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Meccano principle but sig. differences
France
known in 1953
Nuts:
Bolts:
`
Comments
Ad in MCS shows nice Tower Crane but does not show any parts clearly or method of construction.
SYSTEM NAME : M.C.D.
Not enough data to classify
Netherlands
Nuts:
Bolts:
`
Comments
No other details.
SYSTEM NAME : MAAKEETS
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Meccano principle but sig. differences and Buildings
South Africa
before 1960 to 1970s (see comment *1)
5/32W
double-tapped
5/32W
26 (see comment *2)
86
12.7
4.2
4.1
4.0
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: tapered cheese (slotted)
Steel with a Brass finish
6.2
6.5
Comments
Parts include 4½" Face Plate, braced Crane Arm, G/brass Side Plate, Corrugated Plates. *1 Withdrawn 1960-65. *2 Approx, also large-toothed Gears, Mod.2, & matching Rack.
SYSTEM NAME : MABA
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Hole pitch >12.7mm
Germany
circa 1946 to 1950
Steel
M4
--
55
15.0 (see comment *1)
4.0 (see comment *2)
3.9
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: round (slotted)
`
Comments
Parts for models of machine tools. *1 Also 13.4mm. *2 Also 5mm. DER JUNGE MASCHINENBAUER has same?similar parts.
SYSTEM NAME : MAC-SICCAR
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Non-Meccano type
United Kingdom
after World War Two
Steel / Aluminium (Alloy)
1/8W
no boss
----
--
12 (see comment *1)
---
3.0 (see comment *2)
---
3.3
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: round (slotted)
Steel with a Steel finish
6.4
4.8
Comments
Single model set for simple Big Wheel. Holes only where needed. *1 +Tools if any. *2 Mean of 2.7-3.5.
SYSTEM NAME : MAC ET NICK
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Hole pitch >12.7mm
France
late 1940s (see comment *1) to 1960s (see comment *2)
Steel / Aluminium (Alloy)
3x.6 (see comment *3)
no boss
----
--
100 (more than)
17.0
4.2 (see comment *4)
---
4.0
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: round (slotted)
(see comment *5)
Steel with a Steel finish
(see comment *6)
6.0(see comment *7)
5.8(see comment *8)
Comments
Flexible steel Strips 15.6 wide; most parts aluminium. Assembled with Eyelets & some N&B. *1' 47-'70 reported. Also reported: *2 1/8" W; *3 & 9 in some flanges. *4*5*6*7 Also dull plated steel Nuts; Bolts: slotted cheesehead plain steel 5.0, Diameter dull plated brass 5.6.
SYSTEM NAME : MACHINO
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Very like Meccano
India
after 1962
Steel (probably)
12.7 (see comment *1)
4.0 (see comment *2)
Nuts:
Bolts:
`
Comments
Only a No.0 set has been seen. Its lid has a 1960's MECCANO No.3 Block-Setting Crane on it. The parts are red/green MECCANO-type except that their holes are rather smaller. *1*2 Estimated.
SYSTEM NAME : MACON
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Matchbox & similar
Spain
Steel / Wood
----
push fit
----
--
14 (probably)
12.7
4.0
---
4.0
Nuts: --
Bolts: --
-- --
---
---
Comments
Parts similar to CLOU & MATCH BOX CONSTRUCTION SET [2/3] but approx 1.5 times larger. Models shown are identical.
SYSTEM NAME : MAFELL
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Non-Meccano type
Germany
1930s (see comment *1)
Steel
8.5x
tapped
6x
--
20
62.0
10.0
10.0
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: hexagonal (slotted)
Steel
17
18
Comments
Rugged parts for child-sized models eg Bench, Push Chair, Irish Mail. Maker: Fellbach GmbH, Stuttgart-Fellbach/Württ. Strips etc have interlocking grooves. *1 Patent.
SYSTEM NAME : MAGNETO
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Not enough data to classify
Germany
early 1930s
Steel
Nuts:
Bolts:
`
Comments
Large, heavy steel parts, with Wheels & Axles. No other details.
SYSTEM NAME : MAGRA
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Mainly Rods/Tubes
Slovenia (some significant doubt)
Metal / Wood
----
38 (approximately)
Nuts: --
Bolts: hexagonal (slotted)
(see comment *1)
---
Comments
Frameworks from wooden Rods (in 2 diameters) & metal Couplings. Other parts: wood Plates, Gears, Pulleys, Wheels; metal shaped Rods. *1Set Screw with inline flattened head for finger grip.
SYSTEM NAME : MAJSTER KOWICZ
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Meccano principle but sig. differences
Poland
tapped
12.7 (approximately)
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts:
`
Comments
Simple set seen has silver MECCANO-like parts except slotted Trunnions, plastic Wheels, small-handled wire Screwdriver. Lid has small red line drawings of models on yellow ground.
SYSTEM NAME : MAK-A-TOY
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Non-Meccano type
USA
after World War Two (some significant doubt)
Hardboard / Steel
6-32
no boss
----
--
12
25.4 (multiples of value shown, including half.)
3.5 (see comment *1)
---
---
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: round (slotted)
Steel with a Steel finish
`
Comments
Hardboard parts bolted together with aluminium/Boss(es).*1 3.9 in Angle Bracket.
SYSTEM NAME : MAKE-A-BIKE
CommentsSee CASTCO.
SYSTEM NAME : MAKE-AND-KNOW
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Very like Meccano (some significant doubt)
India (some significant doubt)
known in circa 1980
Metal
12.7
Nuts:
Bolts:
`
Comments
Small set with MECCANO-like parts bought in India.
SYSTEM NAME : MAKEBLOCK
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Meccano principle but sig. differences
China
2011
Aluminium (Alloy) / Steel
M4
double-tapped (see comment *1)
M3
--
92
16.0 (see comment *2)
4.0 (see comment *3)
4.0 (see comment *4)
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: cheese with slight taper &/or rounding (crosshead)
(see comment *5)
Steel with a Bright Zinc plated finish
`
Comments
System with many unusual parts, often extruded, & electronics etc, for making Robots etc.*1 At right angles. *2 & 8.0. *3 Often slightly smaller to be opened out. *4 & 8.0. *5 Socket set screw.
SYSTEM NAME : MAKSIMKO
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Non-Meccano type
Russia (some significant doubt)
known in 2005 (see comment *1)
Steel / Plastic
M4; M3 (see comment *2)
no boss (probably)
----
60 (see comment *3)
(Screwed Rods or Bolts are used as axles.)
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: round (slotted)
`
Comments
Metal plus 'Lego' parts. *1 Seen on Ebay. *2 M3 Screwed Rods.. *3 Approx. including some 20 metal.