'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] [IDÃ] [JOL] [KOM] [KON] [LE ] [MAK] [MEC] [MEC] [MET] [MET] [MIN] [MUS] [NEV] [PIO] [QUI] [SEL] [STA] [TAK] [TEK] [TRI] [WAL]
SYSTEM NAME : TEKNIK [1]
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
as TRIX (inc MCX)
Denmark
to 1980s (see comment *1)
85
7.8
3.5
(Screwed Rods or Bolts are used as axles.)
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: cheese (slotted)
`
Comments
Lid not seen but manual has boy's face on cover. Probably identical to TEKNO [1]. Some unusual parts similar to ABRA. *1 If true it continued after TEKNO [1].
SYSTEM NAME : TEKNIK [2]
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Meccano principle but sig. differences
Sweden
1936 to 1970
Steel
5/32W
double-tapped
5/32W
32
92
12.7
4.2 (mean)
4.0
4.0
Nuts: square
Bolts: cheese (slotted)
(see comment *1)
Steel with a Brass finish
6.4
6.0(see comment *2)
Comments
Various lid labels. Parts include Single Flanged Plates, Double Angle Strip with centre boss, Gears including Curved Rack. *1*2 Longer Bolts round head 7.1 diameter. N&B data need checking.
SYSTEM NAME : TEKNOSET
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
as TRIX (inc MCX)
Sweden (see comment *1)
1935 (some significant doubt) to 1940s (some significant doubt)
Steel
5/32W
no boss
----
--
16
7.8
3.9
---
--- (Screwed Rods or Bolts are used as axles.)
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: cheese (slotted)
Steel with a Nickel plated finish
6.3
6.0
Comments
TRIX-like parts, painted dark red/green. Bright yellow lids with boy & models. *1 Danish in MCS.
SYSTEM NAME : TEKNO [1]
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
as TRIX (inc MCX)
Denmark
1932 to 1972
Steel
3.5x.8 (see comment *1)
double-tapped
3.5x.8
36 (see comment *2)
76
7.86
3.6
3.6
3.5 (Screwed Rods or Bolts are used as axles.)
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: tapered cheese (slotted)
Steel with a Brass finish
(see comment *3)
7.0
6.0
Comments
Many sets & lid labels. Probably identical to TEKNIK [1]. Also a TEKNO-ELECTRO like TRIX. *1 As prewar TRIX. *2 36-38; Mod ?.7. Also gears with TRIX teeth. *3 Nuts plain brass.
SYSTEM NAME : TEKNO [2]
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Meccano principle but sig. differences
Norway
known in 1935 to known in 1970 (see comment *1)
Steel (see comment *2)
5/32W
double-tapped
5/32W
140
12.7
4.2
4.1
4.0
Nuts: square
Bolts: round (slotted)
Steel with a Nickel plated finish
6.3
6.8
Comments
Several lid labels. Many parts MECCANO-like. Unusual parts include Eccentric Wheel, 96mm diameter Pulley, 32x15cm Perforated Plate &, added to the Parts List, a 60mm plastic Wheel. *1 Reported, '64 for sure. *2 aluminium at one point postwar.
SYSTEM NAME : TEKNO [3]
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Hole pitch >12.7mm
Israel
after World War Two
Steel / Card
5/32W
single-tapped
5/32W
12
137 (see comment *1)
13.0
3.9
4.1 (mean)
3.8
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: round (slotted)
Steel with a Nickel plated finish
8.0
7.0(see comment *2)
Comments
The lid labels seen have name in Hebrew & boy with 3-engined Monoplane. Parts generally like VASEK (many MÄRKLIN-style) but significant differences. *1Including many lengths of Fibre Plate(s), but long lengths in sets to cut up. *2& 6.7.
SYSTEM NAME : TEMSI
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Temsi
Very like Meccano
Netherlands
known in 1948 (see comment *1) to 1999
Steel
M4
double-tapped
M4
38
128 (see comment *2)
12.7 (see comment *3)
4.2
4.1
4.0
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: cheese (slotted)
Steel with a Nickel plated finish
7.0(see comment *4)
5.5
Comments
cf SPIROU.. *1 May be 1946. *2-*3 Current, earlier fewer parts and Nut was 7.8mm Across flats. *4 12.73 in many parts.
SYSTEM NAME : TEN IN ONE
Aerospace
USA
1920s (some significant doubt)
Steel / Wood
no boss
----
--
27 (see comment *1)
Variable
(Screwed Rods or Bolts are used as axles.)
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: pan (slotted)
`
Comments
Aero set probably similar to BUILD-A-PLANE with twisted rubber drive. *1 There was also a set to build 30 models.
SYSTEM NAME : TEST
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Hole pitch <12.7mm
France
1950s
Steel
5/32W
single-tapped
5/32W
--
36
12.0
4.0 (see comment *1)
3.9 (see comment *2)
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: pan (slotted)
(see comment *3)
Steel with a silver finish
8.0
Comments
M-like parts except 27,13 holes Strips, 9x5 Flanged & 3x9 Perforated Plates, Trunnions with some slotted holes, M19b with no slotted holes, 3,4 holes long slotted Cranks. Square corners except Strips, etc. *1*2 4.3, 4.0 also reported. *3 mushroom head for long Bolts.
SYSTEM NAME : TETRIX
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Hole pitch <12.7mm
USA
2008 to in production in 2015 and continuing
Aluminium (Alloy)
6-32
single-tapped
6,10-32
32
(see comment *1)
8.0 (see comment *2)
3.7
4.7
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: cheese (crosshead)
(see comment *3)
Stainless steel with a Stainless steel finish
`
Comments
Kits & parts, mainly structural, gears, wheels, radio control, for Robots. Max & Prime series with some different but compatible parts. *1 Large range. *2 & multiples. *3 Max: also hex nuts and button crosshead bolts; Prime set has WC (thumbscrew) & plastic reusable Rivets.
SYSTEM NAME : TEXAS
Not enough data to classify
Spain (some significant doubt)
Metal
Nuts:
Bolts:
`
Comments
Mentioned as TEXAS metal construction set in MACON leaflet.
SYSTEM NAME : THALE METALLBAUKASTEN
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Krause & Co.
MÄRKLIN type
Former East Germany
1970 (see comment *1)
Steel
M4
M4
--
28
12.5 (probably)
4.0
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: cheese (slotted)
Steel
`
Comments
An educational set for schools. Only the manual (11 cards inside a folder) has been seen, & also has METALLBAUTECHNIK on it. Parts include 5x11h Flanged Plate not in THALE STAHLBAU TECHNIK below. *1 Print Ref: Plate 321/70.
SYSTEM NAME : THALE STAHLBAU TECHNIK
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Krause & Co.
MÄRKLIN type
Former East Germany
1946 to 1975
Steel
M4
double-tapped
M4
20 (see comment *1)
64 (see comment *2)
12.5 (see comment *3)
4.2 (see comment *4)
4.1
4.0
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: cheese (slotted)
(see comment *5)
Steel with a Steel finish
(see comment *6)
6.9
6.9
Comments
Some hole patterns not as MCS. Sometimes 5.7mm holes instead of slots. *1 Mod 1.25. *2 including 10 in Geometrie set. *3 Early: 12.7. *4 Early: 4.1. *5 Round Bolts in MCS. *6 & black metallic steel Nuts. Early Bolt/Nut: steel plain steel 7.8/hex plain aluminium 7.9.
SYSTEM NAME : THE BRIDGE BUILDER
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Meccano principle but sig. differences
United Kingdom
known in circa 1914
Nuts:
Bolts:
`
Comments
See MODEL BRIDGE.
SYSTEM NAME : THE CONSTRUCTIONEER
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Hole pitch <12.7mm
USA
1946 to early 1950s
Steel
8-32
single-tapped
6-32
16
55
11.1 (see comment *1)
4.7
4.2 (see comment *2)
4.0
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: round (slotted)
Steel with a Nickel plated finish
8.6
7.6
Comments
Mainly Strips (5-15h), Flanged Plates up to 24x6h, & some special parts eg fairground parts. A few parts are marked URBANA MFG. Colombia. URBANA. OHIO. U.S.A. *1 7/16". *2 A few up to 4.4.
SYSTEM NAME : THE ENGINEER
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Meccano principle but sig. differences
Canada
early 1940s (some significant doubt) to 1940s (some significant doubt)
Steel
6-32 (see comment *1)
single-tapped
6-32
--
43 (more than)
12.7 (see comment *2)
5.0 (see comment *3)
4.9
4.7
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: round (slotted)
(see comment *4)
Steel with a Dull plated finish
(see comment *5)
7.9(see comment *6)
6.2(see comment *7)
Comments
Strips with raised edges; special pressed parts. *1 8-32 N&B also possible. *2 12.63-12.73. Also Strips with centre hole about 17.6mm from adjacent holes. *3 4.7-5.3. *4*5*6*7 For 8-32: square nut and slotted mushroom head bolt Nickel plated steel 9.7 8.3.
SYSTEM NAME : THEIß, WILHELM Jr
Not enough data to classify
Germany
1949
Nuts:
Bolts:
`
Comments
Maker's name. Ref: Baukästen p316.
SYSTEM NAME : THE LITTLE ELECTROTECHNICIAN
Electrical/science
United Kingdom
known in 1999
Nuts:
Bolts:
`
Comments
UK name for MEHANO(TEHNIKA) Electrical set, q.v.
SYSTEM NAME : THE SMART ENGINEER
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Non-Meccano type
USA (probably)
before World War One
Steel / Wood
--
31 (see comment *1)
10.3
2.9
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: --
`
---
Comments
WALTHER'S INGENIEUR under this name. *1 In Set 8.
SYSTEM NAME : TI-BA
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
MÄRKLIN type
Germany
circa 1946 to circa 1950
Aluminium (Alloy)
M3
single-tapped (probably)
M3
-
37
10.0 (see comment *1)
3.6 (see comment *2)
3.4
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: cheese (slotted)
Steel
5.5
Comments
Pts anodised, look as MÄRKLIN: green Strip(s), Angle Girders; red steel/Plate, yellowish Flange(s) Disc Pulley(s), deep blue Brackets. Wood box, lid with 'Der Erfolgversprechende 1+2 Ti-Ba Metallbaukasten für Groß u. Klein' on it. *1*2Irregular.
SYSTEM NAME : TIBI
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
MERKUR type and Hole pitch <12.7mm
Hungary
1970s (some significant doubt)
10.0 (some significant doubt)
4.0 (some significant doubt)
Nuts:
Bolts:
`
Comments
A small No.1 set on Ebay has many parts that look like MERKUR [1], apart from their colours. Yellow lid & manual cover with stylised red/blue boy & models.
SYSTEM NAME : TIGVALE
Not enough data to classify
Germany (some significant doubt)
Nuts:
Bolts:
`
Comments
Ref: name only in MCS.
SYSTEM NAME : TIM
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Non-Meccano type and Mainly Rods/Tubes
Switzerland (probably)
known in 1949
Aluminium (Alloy) / Steel
M4; M8 (see comment *1)
no boss
----
--
37
---
---
15
15.0 (see comment *2)
Nuts: countersunk
Bolts: countersunk (slotted)
(see comment *3)
Steel
8(see comment *4)
Comments
Set to make full-size Scooter & other models from an estimated 20cm Wheels & 19mm Tubes. *1 M8 for threaded ends of Axles. *2 Also 8mm. *3 1) Special conical shape. 2) M8 Nut is hexagonal. *4 Also 14 for 8mm Nut.
SYSTEM NAME : TIN TOWN HIGH RISE
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Buildings
USA
1998 to in production in 2003 and continuing
Steel
----
no boss
----
--
13
---
---
---
---
Nuts: --
Bolts: --
-- --
---
---
Comments
Selection of BILT-E-Z parts made with new tooling.
SYSTEM NAME : TITAN [a]
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Hole pitch <12.7mm
Germany
1948 to circa 1951
Steel
M3
single-tapped
M3
--
47 (see comment *1)
9.8
3.4
3
2.9
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: cheese (slotted)
Steel with a Dull plated finish
6.0
5.1(see comment *2)
Comments
Most sets have parts with dull grey metallic look but late on parts were painted. *1 In Set 1, perhaps more in Set 2. *2 5.5 fpr 10mm long.
SYSTEM NAME : TITAN [b]
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Hole pitch <12.7mm
Germany
circa 1951 to circa 1960 (see comment *1)
Steel
M3.5
single-tapped
M3.5
34 (see comment *2)
100
9.8
3.5 (see comment *3)
3.4
3.4
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: cheese (slotted)
Steel with a Nickel plated finish
6.0
5.9
Comments
New thread etc & new parts including Gears. All parts painted. Parts including 77,118mm diameter Flanged Plates; Sprockets; Plates with top/bottom red/blue. *1Baukästen: circa.'70. *2Mod.75; & 24 DP, Mod 1.05, to mate with Sprockets. *3 Black parts 3.4.
SYSTEM NAME : TOKA
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Hole pitch >12.7mm
Germany (some significant doubt) (see comment *1)
Steel
M6
no boss
----
30 (see comment *2)
13.7
6.5
--- (Screwed Rods or Bolts are used as axles.)
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: hexagonal (slotted)
Steel with a Bright Zinc plated finish
`
Comments
TOKA is the name on model leaflet, lid not seen. Nickel parts including 3-17h Strips, 9 holes Curved Strip, Double Angle Strip, Brackets, Discs, small Perforated & Flanged Plates, formed Nose Piece. *1 German model leaflet. *2 At least.
SYSTEM NAME : TOY BUILDER
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Gilbert Erector
ERECTOR type
USA
1913 to known in 1916
Steel
8-32
no boss
----
--
15 (approximately)
12.7
4.2
---
Nuts: square
Bolts: round (slotted)
Steel with a Nickel plated finish
9.5
7.5
Comments
Name used for early small ERECTOR sets. Later sets called ERECTOR TOY BUILDER.
SYSTEM NAME : TOY KRAFT
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Very like Meccano
India
known in 1999
Steel
5/32W
push fit
----
--
29
12.7
4.2
---
4.0 (mean)
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: cheese (slotted)
Steel with a Iridescent finish
7.9
5.9
Comments
5 small single-model sets from company with rocking horse logo. Many parts like TECNICA & MR MECHANIC.
SYSTEM NAME : TOY MECCANO UNIVERSAL
Nuts:
Bolts:
`
Comments
See KONSTRUKTOR UNIVERSAL'NYI.
SYSTEM NAME : TOY PLANNER
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Meccano principle but sig. differences
USA
1916 (some significant doubt) to 1920 (some significant doubt)
Steel
8-32
no boss
----
--
6
12.7
4.8
---
---
Nuts: square
Bolts: round (slotted)
Steel with a Steel finish
8.9
7.5
Comments
Main parts are brass plated and include: '5h' Strip with 3 holes & 2 large diamonds, 3x9h Perforated Plate, 23mm diameter Disc. Boy, girl & large skeletal House on lid.
SYSTEM NAME : TOY TOWN [1]
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Hole pitch <12.7mm
Australia
circa 1940 to circa 1950
Steel
1/8W
no boss
----
--
5
9.53 (see comment *1)
3.4
---
---
Nuts: square
Bolts: round (slotted)
Steel with a Nickel plated finish
6.3
5.5
Comments
Name on box; model sheet has TOYTOWN. Special small set from makers of TOY TOWN [2]. Its small box has boy on it with set as his body. Parts include 3x5h Flat Bracket, 1x1h Angle Bracket, & small Disc. *1 3/8".
SYSTEM NAME : TOY TOWN [2]
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Very like Meccano
Australia
known in 1945
Steel
5/32W
5/32W
--
26
12.7
4.0
4.0
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: cheese (slotted)
`
Comments
3 'Engineering Sets' known. Lid has boy, boy-sized Bench, Lathe, Drill Stand. Usual small range of Meccano-like parts (+15 holes Strip), but others on manual cover including 3" Pulley. TOY TOWN [1] from same maker has entirely different parts.
SYSTEM NAME : TRANC MADERA
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Hole pitch >12.7mm
Spain
known in 1940s
Wood / Steel
no boss (probably)
--
29 (see comment *1)
36.0
6.0
8.0
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: hexagonal (slotted)
Steel
10
10
Comments
Wood Strips & Plates with steel fittings. Data from Set 1. *1 Including 15 metal.
SYSTEM NAME : TRI-SECTOR
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Non-Meccano type
United Kingdom
1921
Steel
--
10 (some significant doubt)
31.8 (see comment *1)
4.7 (see comment *2)
Nuts:
Bolts:
`
Comments
The only structural parts are right hand & left hand Flanged Triangles, 2½x3¾". Known from 1921 ads. May have been short lived. *1 1¼". *2 In the Flanged Triangles.
SYSTEM NAME : TRIANGLE
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Non-Meccano type
USA
1947 (see comment *1)
Steel
4-40
single-tapped
4-40
--
20 (approximately)
Variable
3.0 (see comment *2)
3.2 (mean)
3.1
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: round (slotted)
(see comment *3)
Steel with a Steel finish
6.1
5.4
Comments
Frame sides from Flanged Triangular Frames bolted together, spaced across by narrow Plates. Similar to STRUCT-O-SET. *1 Copyright date. *2 Also 3.2 for Axles. *3 Square Nuts in Model Leaflet.
SYSTEM NAME : TRIC ET TRAC
Not enough data to classify
France
early 1950s
Nuts:
Bolts:
`
Comments
Name only.
SYSTEM NAME : TRIX [1a]
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Trix
as TRIX (inc MCX)
Germany
1930 to 1941
Steel
3.5x.8 (probably)
3.5x.8 (probably)
33
47 (approximately)
7.8
3.6
3.5 (Screwed Rods or Bolts are used as axles.)
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts:
`
Comments
No parts seen.
SYSTEM NAME : TRIX [1b]
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Trix
as TRIX (inc MCX)
Germany
1947 to 1968
Steel / Aluminium (Alloy)
M3.5
double-tapped
M3.5
33
50
7.8 (see comment *1)
3.6
3.6
3.5 (Screwed Rods or Bolts are used as axles.)
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: cheese (slotted)
(see comment *2)
Steel with a Brass finish
6.0(see comment *3)
5.9(see comment *4)
Comments
*1 Up to 7.84 found. *2*3*4 Also hex nut & tapered cheese slotted bolt 6.1 6.0.
SYSTEM NAME : TRIX [1c]
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Trix
as TRIX (inc MCX)
Germany
1969 to 1972
Steel
M3.5 (probably)
M3.5 (probably)
33
72 (see comment *1)
7.8
3.8
3.5 (Screwed Rods or Bolts are used as axles.)
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: tapered cheese (slotted)
Small (like Meccano No.37c)
Comments
New parts include 2 Circular Strips, Universal, Tyres, electrical items. Parts now painted. *1 21 electrical parts included.