'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 : COSTRUZIONI AERONAUTICHE
CommentsPossible early/other name for BRAL PRIMA VOLI.
SYSTEM NAME : COUDEX
Mainly Rods/Tubes
France
1950 s
Steel / Wood
----
no boss
----
--
7 (see comment *1)
---
--
---
5.0
Nuts: --
Bolts: --
-- --
--
--
Comments
5mm diameter. wooden Rods push into steel Connectors. *1 Including 2 wooden.
SYSTEM NAME : COZZONE
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Mainly Rods/Tubes
USA
1948 to 1949
Aluminium (Alloy) / Steel
10-32
no boss
----
--
31
---
--
---
4.8
Nuts: --
(see comment *1)
Brass with a Nickel plated finish
---
6.4(see comment *2)
Comments
Frameworks of 4.8mm diameter alumimum Rods with end Unions which screw into Hubs, Steel Plates clip onto Rods. *1 For the Unions. *2 Across flats.
SYSTEM NAME : CREIN
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Non-Meccano type
Spain
1950s
Steel / Wood
----
--
Nuts:
Bolts:
`
Comments
Parts look identical to AUKRI but dimensions not known.
SYSTEM NAME : CREME ÉCLIPSE
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
BAUFIX type
France
1950s
Steel
no boss
----
--
13.0
3.6
---
---
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: round (slotted)
`
Comments
Probably the same as BAUFIX, models shown are identical. Promo set, Crème Éclipse is name of household polish.
SYSTEM NAME : CRUSON
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Mainly Rods/Tubes
Netherlands
circa 1980 to 1985
Steel
M4
no boss
----
--
44
6.35 (multiples of value shown, including half.)
4.2 (mean)
---
4.0
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: cheese (slotted)
Steel with a Nickel plated finish
5.5
5.3
Comments
8mm Tubes with 1/4" pitch holes, joined by being bolted to Unions. Tubes also sold opened out as Plates.
SYSTEM NAME : CUBAL
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Non-Meccano type
France
1947
Steel
----
(see comment *1)
--
10
10.0 (see comment *2)
3.1
3.0 (probably)
3.0 (probably)
Nuts: --
Bolts: See comment *3
---
(see comment *4)
Comments
Models from Frames pushed together to form cubes, & Strips held by Rods with Collars. *1-*2*3 Only Set Screw for Collar etc. *4Some 15mm.
SYSTEM NAME : CUB BUILDERS
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Meccano principle but sig. differences
USA
1946
Aluminium (Alloy)
6-32
no boss
----
--
13
12.7
3.5 (see comment *1)
---
3.2
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: fillister (slotted)
(see comment *2)
Brass with a Brass finish
(see comment *3)
7.8
5.5(see comment *4)
Comments
Like SKY-SCRAPER with 3/8" wide Strips, Plates with ½" & 1" flanges, but 6 holes Pulley Discs instead of Wheels. *1 3.4-3.6. *2*3*4 Also dull plated steel Bolt, 5.5 diameter fillister cross head.
SYSTEM NAME : CURTAIN WALL BUILDER
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Buildings
USA
1959 (see comment *1)
Steel / Plastic
----
no boss
----
--
17
6.35
3.1
---
---
Nuts: --
Bolts: --
-- --
---
---
Comments
HO scale metal Wall/Window panels clip/slide together. Plastic trim, card flat roof. *1 Copyright date on Model Sheet. *2*3 Only in Panels' bottom flange.
SYSTEM NAME : D-180
CommentsName used in MCS for DELTAX. D-180 is a set number.
SYSTEM NAME : D.V.s INGENIØR
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Hole pitch <12.7mm
Denmark
1930s
Steel
15 (approximately)
44
12.5
4.0
(Screwed Rods or Bolts are used as axles.)
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: cheese (slotted)
`
Comments
Mostly MÄRKLIN pattern parts but smallest set different with Screwed Rods as axles. Some small parts aluminium. Manual has large photo of boy's face on cover.
SYSTEM NAME : DAN DARE
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Aerospace
United Kingdom
1953 to after 1954
Steel
4BA
no boss
----
--
26
12.7 (multiples of value shown, including half.)
3.8
---
---
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: round (slotted)
Steel with a Brass finish
8.0
6.2
Comments
2 ranges of special parts in a) Rocket Builder, & b) Spaceship Builder sets,with a few common to both. Thread and N&B data need verifying.
SYSTEM NAME : DEGEA
Electrical/science (probably)
Germany
known in 1925 (see comment *1)
Metal
Nuts:
Bolts:
`
Comments
*1 aluminium DEGEA-Baukasten-Motor by Auergesellschaft was shown at the 1925 Leipzig Toy Fair (Baukästen p231).
SYSTEM NAME : DE INGENIEUR
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Mainly Rods/Tubes
Netherlands
Nuts:
Bolts:
`
Comments
Almost certainly as German TECHNOFIX, with identical label on lid apart from the name.
SYSTEM NAME : DELOUTAX
CommentsAlternative rendering of Japanese name for DELTAX.
SYSTEM NAME : DELTA
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
2 small sets seen on Ebay have some parts like MÄRKLIN. Manual may have STABIL models. ERECTO [2] very similar.
SYSTEM NAME : DELTA-X [a]
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Epoch Co.
Hole pitch >12.7mm
USA (see comment *1)
1970s
Steel / Plastic
M4
double-tapped
M4
25 (see comment *2)
58 (see comment *3)
14.0
4.3
4.3
4.2
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: pan (slotted)
Steel with a Iridescent finish
6.9
6.9
Comments
Model &/or parts on lids. Axles have flat to suit some of the bosses. *1 Made in Japan, parts as DELTAX. *2 25.4 = Mod.1. *3 Excluding the parts in the Galaxy space sets.
SYSTEM NAME : DELTA-X [b]
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Epoch Co.
Hole pitch <12.7mm
Japan
2005 (see comment *1) to in production in 2009 and continuing
Steel / Plastic
M3
no boss
----
--
70 (see comment *2)
8.0
3.0
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: button (crosshead)
Steel with a Nickel plated finish
5.4
5.1(see comment *3)
Comments
New version of DELTAX with smaller parts. *1 aluminium © date but perhaps before 2000. *2 at least & plus plastic parts in alternative colours. *3 5.2 for longer ones.
SYSTEM NAME : DELTAX
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Epoch Co.
Hole pitch >12.7mm
Japan
1970s to 1980s
Steel / Plastic
M4
double-tapped
M4
25 (see comment *1)
58
14.0
4.3
4.3
4.2
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: dome (crosshead)
(see comment *2)
Steel with a Iridescent finish
6.9
6.9
Comments
Name In Japanese characters. Lids also show a model, &, usually, set nos. 'D-40 to D-500'. Axles have flat to suit some of the bosses. Plastic Plates marked MADE IN JAPAN. *1 25.4=Mod.1. *2 Slotted Bolt head shown.
SYSTEM NAME : DEN DANSKE INGENIØR
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Hole pitch >12.7mm
Denmark
1935 (some significant doubt)
Steel
5/32W
single-tapped
1/8W
14 (see comment *1)
93
13.0 (see comment *2)
4.4
4.1
4.0
Nuts: square
Bolts: cheese (slotted)
Steel with a Brass finish
6.3
5.6
Comments
Some Meccano-like parts, but many others including Curved Plates (4 to 2” circle), STABIL outline Gears, etc. Some MÄRKLIN parts in manual models. *1 Mod 1.8, also about Mod 0.8. *2 Most 12.9-13.0.
SYSTEM NAME : DEN LILLE ELEKTRIKERN
Electrical/science
Denmark
known in 1999
Nuts:
Bolts:
`
Comments
Danish name for MEHANO(TEHNIKA) Electrical set, q.v.
SYSTEM NAME : DEN LILLE ELEKTROINGENIØR
Electrical/science (probably)
Denmark
Nuts:
Bolts:
`
Comments
Name only.
SYSTEM NAME : DEN LILLE INGENIØR
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Walther
STABIL type
Denmark
early 1920s to known in 1930
Steel
5/32W
not tapped
----
41
104
12.5
4.2
(Screwed Rods or Bolts are used as axles.)
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: cheese (slotted)
`
Comments
STABIL parts, probably packed for the ILLUM store in Copenhagen.
SYSTEM NAME : DEN LILLE KONSTRUKTÖREN
Mainly Rods/Tubes
Sweden
1950s to 19?
Steel / Wood
----
no boss
M4 (see comment *1)
--
20 (approximately)
25.0 (approximately)
4.1 (see comment *2)
4.2
4.0
Nuts: --
Bolts: --
-- --
---
---
Comments
ROBO for Sweden. Wood Blocks with Rods joined by J Clamps.. *1 J Clamp Grub Screw. *2 In Blocks.
SYSTEM NAME : DER BRÜCKEN-KONSTRUKTEUR
Non-Meccano type
Germany
1920s (some significant doubt)
Aluminium (Alloy)
10 (see comment *1)
Nuts:
Bolts:
`
Comments
Cast aluminium, narrow section, braced Frames, which are bolted together to make Bridges. Lid has black label with white Bridge on it – one tower has a Crane on its top. *1 Approx in Set 1, the only set known.
SYSTEM NAME : DER EISENKONSTRUKTEUR
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
DIY type
Germany
Steel
----
no boss
----
--
10 (approximately)
---
2.3 (see comment *1)
---
---
Nuts: --
Bolts: --
-- --
---
---
Comments
Bridges, Towers etc made from red & blue Strips & Girders. They are cut to length and joined by rivets which are formed from short lengths of 2mm wide Strip. *1 minimum to take rivets.
SYSTEM NAME : DER JUNGE BAUMEISTER [1]
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Hole pitch >12.7mm and MÄRKLIN type
Germany
1947 to 1950
Aluminium (Alloy) (see comment *1)
M4
tapped
M3
(see comment *2)
31
13.0
4.5
4.0 (see comment *3)
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: mush (slotted)
(see comment *4)
Steel
`
Comments
Mfr, Feta, on lids with model. Parts as MÄRKLIN but fewer hole(s), including 5*11 holes Flanged Plate(s) with only edge+centre line hole(s), painted grey. *1A few parts steel: eg 65mm Pulley(s), Gear Ring.. *2Large-tooth 17t Gear & 38t Gear Ring, *3A few 3.7-4.1. *4Also hex nuts and slotted panhead bolts.
SYSTEM NAME : DER JUNGE BAUMEISTER [2]
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Hole pitch >12.7mm
Germany
circa 1947
Steel (probably)
tapped
39
15.0
3.0 (approximately)
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: cheese (slotted)
Steel
`
Comments
Made by Wehma. Blue Funicular Railway on lid. Parts include unusual Triangular & Perforated. Plates, & Narrow Strips. Yellow Pulleys. Other parts green first, later red/blue & red/dark green (or black).
SYSTEM NAME : DER JUNGE KONSTRUKTEUR
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Hans Wünsch
Hole pitch <12.7mm
Former East Germany
1956 to circa 1972
Steel
M4
single-tapped
M4
25 (see comment *1)
80
12.5
4.2
4.1
4.0
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: round (slotted)
Steel with a Black metallic finish
7.0(mean)
7.2
Comments
Mixed selection of black parts including T-shaped Trunnions. *1 Probable, for plastic Gears (in Gears set). Also coarser plastic Worm/Wheel, & coarse 8t Pinion meshing with slots in 63mm diameter Pulley's face.
SYSTEM NAME : DER JUNGE MASCHINENBAUER
Non-Meccano type
Germany
Nuts:
Bolts:
`
Comments
Parts like MABA.
SYSTEM NAME : DER JUNGE MECHANIKER
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Very like Meccano
Germany
circa 1910 to 1921
Steel
key fixing (see comment *1)
59
12.7
4.1
4.0
Nuts: square
Bolts: cheese (slotted)
`
Comments
As LE JEUNE MÉCANICIEN. Old Meccano style parts but Perforated Plate & Angle Girder instead of Flanged Plate. NB. #103 with 1 row of holes. *1 Key fixing in manual, but tapped bosses in ebay sets.
SYSTEM NAME : DER KLEINE BAUMEISTER
CommentsSee OKEH.
SYSTEM NAME : DER KLEINE ELEKTRO-INGENIEUR
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Electrical/science
Former East Germany
circa 1959
Aluminium (Alloy) / Plastic
no boss
----
--
52
10.0
4.0
---
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: tapered cheese (slotted)
`
Comments
Made by Deutsche Post. Probably followed ELEKTRO, many parts shown as identical. Also same or similar to the probably later PIKO.
SYSTEM NAME : DER KLEINE ELEKTROTECHNIKER
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Electrical/science
Germany
known in 1999
Nuts:
Bolts:
`
Comments
German name for MEHANO(TEHNIKA) Electrical set, q.v.
SYSTEM NAME : DER KLEINE INGENIEUR [1]
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
STABIL type (some significant doubt)
Former East Germany
known in circa 1951
Steel / Aluminium (Alloy)
M4
no boss
----
---
32
12.0
4.2
M4 (Screwed Rods or Bolts are used as axles.)
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts:
Steel with a Steel finish
`
Comments
Small set with STABIL-like parts. Lid has boy with Big Wheel & Breakdown Truck, & FAP?FAR logo. Parts look same as DER KLEINE KONSTRUKTEUR [2], & DER KONSTRUKTEUR FMF. Some DER KLEINE INGENIEUR [2]/DER KONSTRUKTEUR FMF models same.
SYSTEM NAME : DER KLEINE INGENIEUR [2]
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Hole pitch >12.7mm
Germany
Aluminium (Alloy) (some significant doubt)
14.0 (probably)
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: cheese (slotted)
`
Comments
Small No.1 set seen on Ebay. Parts: Strips, Double Angle Strip, Wheel Disc, 5x9h Flanged Platel – all might be aluminium. Red lid label & manual cover with boy & decent size Crane. May be related to METALLIX [1].
SYSTEM NAME : DER KLEINE INGENIEUR [3]
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Meccano principle but sig. differences
Germany
Steel
14 (see comment *1)
(Screwed Rods or Bolts are used as axles.)
Nuts:
Bolts:
`
Comments
*1 In the only (small Ebay) set seen. Rusty steel parts including Strips, Double Angle Strip, Road Wheel, 6 holes Pulley & Wheel Discs. Brownish lid with 2 boys & a Windmill.
SYSTEM NAME : DER KLEINE INGENIEUR [4]
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
Meccano principle but sig. differences
Former East Germany (probably)
1940s
Steel
M4
tapped
---
16 (some significant doubt)
13.8 (see comment *1)
4.3
(Screwed Rods or Bolts are used as axles.) (see comment *2)
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: fillister (slotted)
Steel with a Steel finish
(see comment *3)
7
Comments
The one set seen, on Ebay, has Strips, Angle Girders, Pulleys, & parts to make cars for a Big Wheel etc. Said cars used in the Big Wheel on the lid & a Roundabout ride in the manual. *1 13.8-13.9. *2 Only Crank Handle. *3 plain aluminium Nut.
SYSTEM NAME : DER KLEINE KONSTRUKTEUR [1]
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
STABIL type
Former East Germany
1950s
Steel
M4
53
10.0 (see comment *1)
4.3
3.9 (Screwed Rods or Bolts are used as axles.)
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: cheese (slotted)
(see comment *2)
`
Comments
Maker EAW on lid with model railway layout. As STABIL, but Flanged Plates wider like CONSTRUCTION. Also Electrical. set. *1 But 12 in MCS: which is right, or 2 systems? Angle Girder 10.1 in known parts. *2 Square Nuts also shown.
SYSTEM NAME : DER KLEINE KONSTRUKTEUR [2]
Manuals/Photos and/or an MCS document for this system are available here
STABIL type
Former East Germany
1947 (see comment *1) to early 1950s
Steel (probably)
M4
Nuts:
Bolts:
`
Comments
Parts, set lid, & box looks exactly like DER KONSTRUKTEUR FMF. Lid has 3 boys & a girl with a simple Bus & WMW logo. See also DER KLEINE INGENIEUR [1].