Issue #64 • December 2011...December 2011 Canadian MeccaNotes 3 Editor’s Notes This issue includes some nice photos from the 2011 CMAMAS AGM. Thanks also to Glynn Bates, Hubert

Canadian MeccaNotesCanadian MeccaNotesCanadian MeccaNotesCanadian MeccaNotesCanadian MeccaNotesIssue #64 • December 2011Issue #64 • December 2011Issue #64 • December 2011Issue #64 • December 2011Issue #64 • December 2011

Downsview Library ShowDownsview Library ShowDownsview Library ShowDownsview Library ShowDownsview Library ShowSee page 15 for more.

2 Canadian MeccaNotes2 Canadian MeccaNotes2 Canadian MeccaNotes2 Canadian MeccaNotes2 Canadian MeccaNotes December 2011December 2011December 2011December 2011December 2011123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234

123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234

SubscriptionsSubscriptionsSubscriptionsSubscriptionsSubscriptions(4 Issues Per Calendar Year)

o within North America: Canada - $45; U.S.A.- US$54. Make cheque or money order payableto CMAMAS, mail to Treasurer.

o elsewhere: £38, US$75, C$77 or Euro52

o payment via PayPal is available, contact ColinHoare for details

© Copyright 2011 C.M.A.M.A.S. and/or Copyright 2011 C.M.A.M.A.S. and/or Copyright 2011 C.M.A.M.A.S. and/or Copyright 2011 C.M.A.M.A.S. and/or Copyright 2011 C.M.A.M.A.S. and/orIndividual Contributors.Individual Contributors.Individual Contributors.Individual Contributors.Individual Contributors.

Meccano and Erector are registered tradenames and are used in Canadian MeccaNotes

by kind permission of Meccano Ltd..

North American subscribers to CanadianMeccaNotes are automatically members of

the Canadian Modeling Association forMeccano and Allied Systems (CMAMAS).

Canadian MeccaNotesCanadian MeccaNotesCanadian MeccaNotesCanadian MeccaNotesCanadian MeccaNotesThe “Canadian MeccaNotes” newsletter (ISSN1207-2249) is published 4 times per year(March, June, September and December) bythe Canadian Modeling Association for Meccano& Allied Systems (CMAMAS).

“Written and produced by Meccanoenthusiasts for Meccano enthusiasts.”

Canadian Modeling Association forMeccano & Allied Systems (CMAMAS)

http://www.cmamas.cahttp://www.cmamas.cahttp://www.cmamas.cahttp://www.cmamas.cahttp://www.cmamas.ca

CMAMAS ExecutiveCMAMAS ExecutiveCMAMAS ExecutiveCMAMAS ExecutiveCMAMAS ExecutivePresident ... Colin Hoare, 18 Tweedle St.,Glen Williams, Ontario, Canada L7G 3S5,[email protected], (647) 226-5006

Vice President ... Attila Szakonyi,10 Fendley Crt, Brampton, Ontario, Canada,L6Z 3H9, [email protected],(905)846-5287

Treasurer ... Mike Sobanski,26 Superior Ave., Toronto, Ontario, CanadaM8V 2M6, [email protected]

Secretary ... Frank Curry, 8 Windham Drive,Toronto, Ontario, Canada M2K 1X8,[email protected], (416)221-3093

Newsletter Editor/Webmaster ... D a v i dWilliams, 3017 - 111A Street, Edmonton,Alberta, Canada T6J 3Y5, [email protected],(780)438-1197

Parts & Sets Manager ... Dave Duncan,55 Lurgan Drive, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaM2R 1K7, [email protected],(416)733-8670

Table of ContentsTable of ContentsTable of ContentsTable of ContentsTable of Contents

Downsview Library Show 1Editor’s Notes 3Product Manager’s Report 3Presidental Perusings 42011 Canadian Meccanoman of the Year 5Railfair 34 in Ottawa on Oct. 15-16, 2011 61869 Horizontal Steam Twin Cylinder Mill Engine

7Mousetrap Action Contraption - Mick Myers

Rebuild 13Downsview Library Show & AGM - Nov. 12, 2011

15Larry Yates is Quebec’s Meccanoman of the Year

20Robert Gibeault’s Fire Damage 21“Last Blast” at the Simcoe County Museum 21Soviet Constructor Set 23CMAMAS Meccano Windows in Toronto 25The Peddler 27

December 2011December 2011December 2011December 2011December 2011 Canadian MeccaNotes 3Canadian MeccaNotes 3Canadian MeccaNotes 3Canadian MeccaNotes 3Canadian MeccaNotes 3

Editor’s NotesEditor’s NotesEditor’s NotesEditor’s NotesEditor’s NotesThis issue includes some nice photos from the 2011CMAMAS AGM. Thanks also to Glynn Bates, HubertHogle, Ed Barclay, Dave Duncan, Colin Hoare andothers for supplying items for this issue.

Meccano as a fashion accessory? Check outwww.etsy.com where somevendors are selling Meccanothemed jewelry and even a fewspare parts.

As always, the newsletter is onlyas good as the contributors.Your articles, photos, modelplans, short news items, wants,sales and swap ads are wanted.Items in machine readable form

(e-mail, CD/DVD) are preferred but everything isacceptable. If you scan photos, please scan themat a minimum resolution of 150 dpi. If desired, yourmaterial can also be posted on our website. If you’dlike any part of your submissions returned, pleasesay so; otherwise I will keep everything.

Next Issue DeadlineNext Issue DeadlineNext Issue DeadlineNext Issue DeadlineNext Issue DeadlinePlease note that we plan to publish the March 2012issue earlyaround February21; the finaldeadline is Feb-ruary 7.

David Williams

Product Manager’s ReportProduct Manager’s ReportProduct Manager’s ReportProduct Manager’s ReportProduct Manager’s ReportMerry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone.We had a wonderful year in new sales and sets, andI want to thank everyone for their continuedsupport of my efforts. Over thepast year, I was able to intro-duce new high quality flat plates,semi-flexible plates in mediumred, French yellow and Frenchblue. I have all the standard andsome special sizes in stock inlarge quantities. I want to thankBob Melbourne, Brent Simpsonand Doug Armstrong for theircontributions on suggestions fornew parts. We brought in giant Flat Plates (up to49 x 49 holes) and ¼ inch thick spur gears, spacersetc. These new additions were so successful thatI plan to bring in 60T, 57T, 50T, and 45T spur gearsfor the next major show, along with some othersurprises. I also will have all standard and non-standard Angle Girders, Flat Girders, and Perfo-rated Strips (in Meccano medium green) in stock,which will be offered at discounted prices forbuying in bulk packs. Also, please be reminded that

I always have fasteners andgrubs in stock (all sizes).

The price list will be posted forthe “bulk packs” before Christ-mas, and there will be no priceincrease to the current repro-duction parts lists. None ofthis could not have happenedwithout the contributions fromour major suppliers (Ashok,Metallus, and Borgfeldt).

I hope Santa brings us thingswe don’t need for Christmasmorning.

Build more faster!!

David Duncan, Product Man-ager, CMAMAS


Presidental PerusingsPresidental PerusingsPresidental PerusingsPresidental PerusingsPresidental PerusingsAs you will read elsewhere in this issue, the an-nouncement has been made that Brent Simpson isthe 2011 recipient of the Canadian Meccanoman ofthe Year award. Brent is a worthy winner, and hismodelbuilding skills are universally admired, so itwas a logical choice. As always, the nominationswere reviewed by the Executive prior to the an-nouncement - well, they would have done, hadthere been any! While the Executive is happy todecide on candidates, and make the final decision,it is always preferable if weget input from our mem-bers. While the majority ofthe Canadian Meccano com-munity is located in Ontario,it would be helpful if we hadsome names sent to us fromother provinces, so that thereis a choice of candidates.Please think about it for2012.

I am pleased to say that we are in a strong positionwhen it comes to ModelPlans at the moment. Thisis a rare event in the Meccano community, one thatis probably the envy of many other Meccano clubsaround the world. At this point, we have two fromRon Kurtz on file, one from Ed Barclay (with othersto come), and one from Allan Bedford. Of these,the model that should attract most interest, not justin Canada, but in all countries where there is astrong interest in the hobby, is the Rod SortingMachine. This was originally built by Colin Cohenin South Africa, but no building instructions wereproduced prior to his untimely passing. Ron hastaken the photographs that were sent to him fromvarious sources, and has recreated the model. It isa large model, and the instructions will probablyhave to be published over a couple of issues - butif nothing else, this is a strong reason to renew yoursubscription (assuming you have not already doneso).

For those enthusiasts who live in Toronto, there isthe opportunity to see a display window full ofmodels built by local members again this year.Treasure Island Toys on Danforth Avenue has once

again invited us to show off what can be done inMeccano, and a photograph of the exhibit can beseen in this issue. The chance to go and see thedisplay will run until mid-January. Merle Tubman,our agent at Borgfeldt, is to be thanked for his workin setting this up. Finally, my thanks to thosemembers who attended the Annual Meeting, forshowing their confidence in the Executive by re-electing to office the three members whose posi-tions fell vacant i.e. President, Treasurer and Prod-uct Manager. For me, it is an honour to serve, andeveryone can be assured that we have as strongand dedicated an Executive as one could wish. Aspart of our mandate, however, we will look to tryand add suitable shows where we can exhibit themodelbuilding skills of our members. With theclosure of the Aerospace Museum, the Family Dayshow will not take place, leaving a long gap be-tween the November show and the Canadian ToyCollectors Society show in April.

Colin Hoare, President, CMAMAS

No Time for Meccano?


2011 Canadian2011 Canadian2011 Canadian2011 Canadian2011 CanadianMeccanoman ofMeccanoman ofMeccanoman ofMeccanoman ofMeccanoman of

the Yearthe Yearthe Yearthe Yearthe YearEvery now and again, theCanadian Meccano commu-nity acquires a new memberwhose modelling skills standhead and shoulders overmany of his (or her) counter-parts. Not that there is anyintent to belittle anyone else,but when you have a mem-ber who designs a model soattractive that considerationis given by Borgfeldt (theCanadian Meccano agent),to the creation of a specialkit of the model that can beoffered for sale to the gen-eral public, then you know the Meccanoman inquestion is someone special. That person isBrent Simpson, and the model that of a KabotaTractor. Not that Brent has built just oneoriginal model - over the years that he hasprovided a veritable stream of new models,mostly of industrial vehicles and farming equip-ment.

In addition to Brent’s talents in designing newmodels, he also undertook to be the represen-tative for the club at the one-day exhibition atthe Simcoe Historical Museum that took place inOctober. He returned from the event full of praise forwhat is on display, and recommended to the Executivethat we support attendance at the show next year.

Congratulations are extended to Brent for being therecipient of this award. Rumour has it, however, thathis partner, Cathy, who herself has recently taken tobuilding Meccano models, has decided that she wantsto be a winner at some point in the future!

Photo by Jim Bobyn & Ed Barclay.

See also pages 16 & 21-22 for more photos of Brent’screations.


Railfair 34 in OttawaRailfair 34 in OttawaRailfair 34 in OttawaRailfair 34 in OttawaRailfair 34 in Ottawaon Oct. 15-16, 2011on Oct. 15-16, 2011on Oct. 15-16, 2011on Oct. 15-16, 2011on Oct. 15-16, 2011

Despite having only 2 tables in a verysmall exhibit area, Ron Kurtz & HubertHogle provided one of the most popularattractions at Railfair 34 in Ottawa onOctober 15-16. Mike Shaw and JimBobyn also attended. As usual, therewas a huge turnout for this show. Ronand Hubert took turns protecting themodels from 2 or 3 youngsters withADHD. Next year Hubert plans to re-place the jelly beans with Ritalin andRon plans to bring a roll of barbed wire.

The next Ottawa show is May 5-6, 2012at Carleton University Fieldhouse whichhas 4 times the area. The organizers saythey have booked 75% of the space, sothis looks like it should be a great show.

We have asked for 10 tables.

Hubert Hogle, [email protected]


1869 Horizontal Steam Twin1869 Horizontal Steam Twin1869 Horizontal Steam Twin1869 Horizontal Steam Twin1869 Horizontal Steam TwinCylinder Mill EngineCylinder Mill EngineCylinder Mill EngineCylinder Mill EngineCylinder Mill Engine

Part 2 of 2 (continued from last issue)Part 2 of 2 (continued from last issue)Part 2 of 2 (continued from last issue)Part 2 of 2 (continued from last issue)Part 2 of 2 (continued from last issue)CylindersCylindersCylindersCylindersCylinders

The cylinders are constructed from a Boiler cappedat each end by a Wheel Flange. The illustrationshows the inner assembly which locks thewhole unit in place. The protruding 3/8"diameter boss of the inner 2" Sprocket providesthe bearing for the piston rod. The cylinder issecured to the frame by means of the four1"x1½” Angle Brackets. Securing brackets arerepresented by an Angle Bracket carrying anarrow and Regular Fishplate. A 3" Flat Girderis attached to the frame’s underside.

Steam ChestsSteam ChestsSteam ChestsSteam ChestsSteam ChestsA 2½”x2½” Flat Plate forms the base of thesteam chests. Construction can be followedfrom the illustration. Using Set Screws a pair ofThreaded Bosses are locked into the centreholes of the front 1½” Angle Girders andpositioned so that their threaded transverseholes are located immediately behind the gird-ers’ centre slots. The front 2½”x1½” Flat Plateis attached to these Threaded Bosses.

Cross Head and GuidesCross Head and GuidesCross Head and GuidesCross Head and GuidesCross Head and GuidesConstruction of the crosshead guides is shown inthe illustration. The tops are attached by means of1" Triangular Plates bolted to the centre holes of

the top 4½” Angle Girders. Between the channelsis a Threaded Boss. 4" Curved Strips are bolted tothe top two holes of the 1" Triangular Plates. Thetop is a 4½” Strip, with Obtuse Angle Brackets ateither end, and curved to the radius of the CurvedStrips. The ¾” Bolt and spacers locks the top to theThreaded Boss. The crosshead guides are attachedto the frame by means of the Double Brackets and

a 4½” Flat Girder on the outer and innermost sidesof the frame. The crosshead is a 4" Axle whichcarries, between the guides, four Plastic Spacers, aWasher, and a Small Fork Piece which has the headof a Handrail Coupling between its lugs. This isfollowed by a further washer and four more Plastic


Spacers. A collar is locked onto the outside endof the 4" Axle. The piston rod is a 4½” Axle whichis locked into the Handrail Coupling.

Disc CranksDisc CranksDisc CranksDisc CranksDisc CranksThe construction of the disc cranks can befollowed from the illustration. The Formed

Slotted Strips which will have to be slightly bent to theradius of the Circular Plate. A long Threaded Pin isattached to one of the outer holes of the 4" CircularPlate. This pin carries a Washer, a Small Fork Piece,and a Collar. Between the lugs of the Fork Piece is aPlastic Spacer and a pair of Washers. The Small ForkPiece carries the connecting rod which is a 6½” Axlecarrying 22 Plastic Spacers. The other end of theconnecting rod is locked into the Small Fork Piece onthe crosshead.

EccentricsEccentricsEccentricsEccentricsEccentricsThe eccentrics are pairs of Triple Throw Eccentricsworking with their 1" throw. These Eccentrics arelocked together by means of 1" Axles located in the ¾”and ½” throw bosses. The eccentric straps areextended by pairs of 5½” Narrow Strips connected bymeans of Couplings and Set Screws. The top is a 4½”Narrow Strip locked into the centre threaded hole ofthe Couplings.

BearingsBearingsBearingsBearingsBearingsThe bearings are 2½” Triangular Plates bolted to theinner sides of the frame and Trunnions bolted to theframe tops. The Trunnions are spaced from the frameby a 1½” Strip and a Washer. Very careful adjustmentis required here. Use a perfectly straight 8" Axle Rod(one of those very rare Meccano parts!) and slide itthrough the pairs of Triangular Plates and Trunnions.Adjust until the rod revolves freely. Bearing blocks aresimulated by a 1"x ½” Double Bracket with AngleBrackets bolted to each lug. The top Locking Nut

represents the oil box.

Valve GearValve GearValve GearValve GearValve GearSupportsSupportsSupportsSupportsSupports

The illustration shows theconstruction of the sup-ports and their method ofattaching to the frame. Thearms of the supports arefive stacked 3½” Strips.

Valve GearValve GearValve GearValve GearValve GearThis unit requires the useof at least two Marklin 2½”Curved Strips. The differ-ence between the Marklin


and Meccano part 90 is that the former has a slottedcentre while the Meccano part has three standardholes. Sadly there is no Meccano equivalent part.The illustration shows the construction. The SmallFork Pieces are connected to the stacked strips bymeans of short Stud Bolts (part 147d). The CurvedStrips are connected by means of ¾” Bolts.

Reversing GearReversing GearReversing GearReversing GearReversing GearThe reversing gear on the original enginewas activated by a small high pressurecylinder which raised or lowered the ra-dius bar. In the model this gear is repre-sented by a Sleeve Piece mounted on theright end centre strut. The connectinggear via cranks is shown in the illustra-tions. In order to demonstrate this in themodel, an 8" Axle Rod carrying a DoubleArm Crank on its inner end is locatedbetween the 6th holes, counting from thetop right hand corner, of the frame andthe side right strut. On its outer end is a½” Pulley fitted with a Motor Tyre. Pullingthe ½” Pulley outwards activates the re-

versing gear. A Threaded Double Arm Crank boltedto the frame top has a ¾” Bolt carrying a smallSteering Wheel in its thread. This Steering Wheelis used to lock the sliding 8" Rod in position.

Steam PipesSteam PipesSteam PipesSteam PipesSteam PipesThe steam pipes are represented by Sleeve Piecesand Chimney Adaptors and can be seen in theillustrations of the right hand end of the model.

Motor and Large GearMotor and Large GearMotor and Large GearMotor and Large GearMotor and Large GearThe large spoked gear is represented by threestacked Gear Rings with 1½” Narrow Strips for


spokes and Bush Wheels for the hub. If Gear Ringsare not available a 3½” Gear can be substituted.This gear is loose on the shaft. The model uses thestandard Meccano motor geared as shown. Withthis gearing arrangement the model works at aslow speed. This allows the viewer time to fullyobserve the motion and, for long running at shows,it greatly reduces the inevitable stresses on themodel.

AdjustmentsAdjustmentsAdjustmentsAdjustmentsAdjustmentsSome very careful adjustments are required inorder to ensure smooth running.

1. The four bearings on the crank shaft must beperfectly aligned.

2. Perfectly straight and blemish-free axles must beused as the piston rods. In order to correctly lineup the piston rod and crosshead remove the 4½”Axle. Select a perfectly straight 11½” Axle Rod andslip it through the cylinder so that this axle passesthough the 2" Sprocket and protrudes from the endof the cylinder. Look through the space occupiedby the crosshead; the 11½” Axle should fall exactlyalong the centre line. If there is even the slightestmisalignment use the slots in the 1"x½” AngleBrackets attached to the cylinder to adjust thecylinder’s position.

3. Ensure smooth running of the Eccentrics andlocate them on the crankshaft in exact alignmentwith the reversing gear link mechanism.

4. Lubricate.


Parts RequiredParts RequiredParts RequiredParts RequiredParts Required 72 Flat Plate 2W'x2W' 2 74 a Flat Plate 2W'x1W' 2

Part No. Part Description Qty. 76 Triangular Plate 2W' 4 2 a Perforated Strip 4W' 7 77 Triangular Plate 1'' 8 3 Perforated Strip 3W' 20 89 a Curved Strip Stepped 1%" radius, 3" 8 5 Perforated Strip 2W' 7 89 b Curved Strip Stepped 4 'h" radius, 4" 8 6 Perforated Strip 2" 8 90 Curved Strip 2 'h" radius, 2 'h" 4 6 a Perforated Strip 1 'h" 14 95 Sprocket 2" 2 7 a Angle Girder 1S'h" 8 103 Flat Girder 5'h" 1 8 Angle Girder 12'h" 2 103 b Flat Girder 12'h" 2 8 b Angle Girder 7'h" 1 103 c Flat Girder 4 'h" 7 9 Angle Girder 5'h" 2 103 d Flat Girder 3'h" 6 9 a Angle Girder 4 'h" 18 103 f Flat Girder 2'h" 2 9 b Angle Girder 3'h" 10 103 h Flat Girder 1 'h" 6 9 d Angle Girder 2'h" 2 103 k Flat Girder 7'h" 2 9 e Angle Girder 2" 8 103 s Flat Girder 1S'h" 4 9 f Angle Girder 1 'h" 2 111 Bolt lA" 26

11 Double Bracket W'x'h" 8 111 c Bolt 313" 66 11 a Double Bracket 1''x'h" 4 111 d Bolt 1W' 1 10 Fishplate W'x'h" 23 115 Threaded Pin 6 12 Angle Bracket 'h''x'h" 33 115 a Threaded Pin Long 2 12 a Angle Bracket 1''x1" 2 116 Fork Piece 6 12 b Angle Bracket 1''x'h" 10 124 Re11erse Angle Bracket 1''x'h" 4 12 c Obtuse Bracket 'h''x'h" 8 125 Re11erse Angle Bracket 'h''x'h" 8 13 a Axle Rod S" 3 126 Trunnion 4 14 Axle Rod 6'h" 2 130 Triple Throvv Eccentric 4 15 a Axle Rod 4 'h" 2 133 Comer Bracket 1 'h" 4 17 Axle Rod 2" 1 133 a Comer Bracket 1'' 6 18 a Axle Rod 1 'h" 2 136a Handrail Coupling 2 18 b Axle Rod 1" 6 137 Wheel Flange 4 22 Pulley with Boss 1"diam. 8 142 c MotorTyre 1" 6 23 a Pulley with Boss 'h"diam. 2 142 g MotorTyre 1A" 1 24 Bush Wheel 4 146 a Circular Plate 4" 2 24 a Wheel Disc 1%" diam., S 8 147 d Stud Bolt 15mm 8 26 Pinion 19 teeth 'h" diam. ~"face 2 147 g Stud Bolt 19mm 2 27 a Gear Wheel 57 teeth 1 'h" diam. 1 154 a Comer Angle Bracket 2 27 b Gear Wheel133 teeth 3'h" diam. 1 154 b Comer Angle Bracket 2 32 Worm 'h"diam. 1 161 Girder Bracket 1 37 Nut and Bolt 500 162 b Boiler Centre 2 37 h Locking Nut 4 163 Slee11e Piece 4 38 Washer 164 Chimney Adaptor 12 38 a Plastic Spacer 68 166 End Bearing 4 48 a Double Angle Strip 2 'h''x'h" 4 180 Gear Ring 3 48 b Double Angle Strip 3'h''x'h'' 4 186 a Light Dli11ing Band 6" 1 48 c Double Angle Strip 4 'h''x'h" 4 215 Formed Slotted Strip 3" 16 48 d Double Angle Strip 5 'h''x'h" 28 235 b Narrovv Strip 3'h" 6 59 Collar 1 235 d Narrovv Strip 4 'h" 38 62 b Double Ann Crank 2 235 f Narrovv Strip 5'h" 4 62 c Threaded Double Ann 1 235 g Narrovv Strip 1 'h" 12 63 Coupling 4 237 Narrovv Fishplate 4 64 Threaded Boss 12 321 Steeling Wheel 1 69 Set Screw 24 Marklin Curved Strip with Slot 2 'h" radius, 2 'h" 4


Notes re parts required.

1. The parts list was complied from the extantmodel. Apologies are extended for any errors oromissions.

2. The quantity of Nuts and Bolts is an approxima-tion.

3. The Marklin part is essential as it has the slottedcentre three holes. A Meccano part 90 can be usedas long as the centre is filed out.

4. The quantity of Washers is at the builder’sdiscretion.

Ed Barclay


Mousetrap ActionMousetrap ActionMousetrap ActionMousetrap ActionMousetrap ActionContraption - Mick MyersContraption - Mick MyersContraption - Mick MyersContraption - Mick MyersContraption - Mick Myers

RebuildRebuildRebuildRebuildRebuildA little while ago, Mick Myers in the U. K. rebuilt theMousetrap Action Contraption that Ron Kurtz hadrecreated from Les Pattison‘s original. The articlereads as follows.

One never can be sure if a ModelPlan, followingpublication, will ever be rebuilt by another enthu-siast. Certainly, it is highly possible that some of theModelPlans published by MW Mail Order have yet toreappear as a Meccano model, although it is known

that some othershave been popularenough that sev-eral Meccanomenaround the worldhave taken up thetask of recreatingthem. Earlier thisyear, Mick Myers

from the U. K. con-tacted the President

to advise him that hehad been able to con-

struct the Mouse TrapGame that had been de-

scribed in “CanadianMeccaNotes” in 2006.

Mike has kindly sent a fewpictures of his version of

the model, along with somenotes on what he did differ-

ently.


“Here are a few pictures of my version of LesPatterson`s Mouse Trap Game. At this point, Iwould like to thank Colin Hoare for putting mein touch with Ron Kurtz, without the latter’skindness, help and plentiful supply of photo-graphs of the model, I might never have com-pleted the reconstruction.”

“Although the model is basically the same as theoriginal, the bell was replaced by a rotating bluelight, and a brass clock face was also incorpo-rated into the model. The area which requiresthe most time and patience is the marble lift, asit is important to ensure that the two columns ofmarbles, both of which are quite heavy, tooperate smoothly. The wiring required somethought, as no circuit diagram was ever pub-lished. A total of 11 motors and 25 microswitchesare used in the model, and each motor modulecan be assembled separately before fitting it

into the main body.”

“These brief notes are pre-sented to demonstrate thatsome ModelPlans are takenup by others. I encourageanyone to try and build thismodel: at the present time,I believe that mine is theonly one currently in exist-ence.”

Mick Myers


Downsview Library Show &Downsview Library Show &Downsview Library Show &Downsview Library Show &Downsview Library Show &AGM - Nov. 12, 2011AGM - Nov. 12, 2011AGM - Nov. 12, 2011AGM - Nov. 12, 2011AGM - Nov. 12, 2011

Downsview Library, 2793 KeeleDownsview Library, 2793 KeeleDownsview Library, 2793 KeeleDownsview Library, 2793 KeeleDownsview Library, 2793 KeeleStreet, North York, ONStreet, North York, ONStreet, North York, ONStreet, North York, ONStreet, North York, ON

Photos by Glynn Bates & Jim Bobyn


. . . Bulldozer and Grader

by Brent Simpson



.M.BCC

Manufactured by MECCANO LTD

LIVERPOOL



Larry Yates isLarry Yates isLarry Yates isLarry Yates isLarry Yates isQuebec’sQuebec’sQuebec’sQuebec’sQuebec’s

Meccanoman of theMeccanoman of theMeccanoman of theMeccanoman of theMeccanoman of theYearYearYearYearYear

At our Meccano Quebec Annual Gen-eral Meeting on Friday, Oct. 21 (aftera tasty and voluminous buffet supper,at the dependable Fu Lam ChineseRestaurant) the members voted forLARRY YATES as Meccano Quebec’sMeccanoman of the Year!

Congratulations Larry, well done. Thisis an award for many years of serviceto our Meccano hobby, including mak-ing superb supermodels to display atevery gathering, and your dedicated work on theMeccano Quebec Club Executive.

The picture attached shows a happy Larry Yates on

the left, being congratulated by club PresidentRobert Gibeault (whose house is slowly beingrebuilt after the terrible fire this summer).

Submitted by Jim Bobyn in Montreal, Vice-Presi-dent of Meccano Quebec


Robert Gibeault’s FireRobert Gibeault’s FireRobert Gibeault’s FireRobert Gibeault’s FireRobert Gibeault’s FireDamageDamageDamageDamageDamage

Here are pictures of Robert Gibeault’s fire damagedMeccano. An uglyevent, and it willtake much time(and money) torecover from this.

“Last Blast” at the Simcoe“Last Blast” at the Simcoe“Last Blast” at the Simcoe“Last Blast” at the Simcoe“Last Blast” at the SimcoeCounty MuseumCounty MuseumCounty MuseumCounty MuseumCounty Museum

Ed Barclay reports on the one-day show at theSimcoe county Museum Saturday 15th Octoberdawned as a very wet and windy day. My daughterJenn and I left at 0700hrs. and headed east to theSimcoe County Museum, located just north ofBarrie, Ontario. The Simcoe County Museum is thehome of the Historical Construction EquipmentAssociation of Canada and one of their showorganizers has seen our display ay Milton. He had

pleaded for a similar display at their “Last BlastShow.” The “Last Blast” is the final outing of theyear for all their antique machinery - and a greatdeal of it is still in use. There is a working quarry,and road building in progress, all performed withantique machinery. No hydraulics here; it’s allcables and pulleys, steam and diesel and evenhorse power for that added touch of nostalgia. Ourdisplay was, fortunately, indoors as the weatherremained horrible all day. Jenn and I were joined byBrent Simpson and Cathy McConnell. Both Brentand I had loaded our vehicles with as many modelsas possible in order that we could fill the tablesprovided. From my van came the transportationtheme - the 1912 Interurban Car, C3 trolleybus andCaledonian 0-4-4 saddle Tank locomotive. Nextout were the fairground rides - the Cakewalk, DiveBomber and the Demolition Derby. Finally my


display was rounded out with the Mill Engine andthe ever popular Marble Roller.

Brent’s truck yielded a mass of construction equip-ment in keeping with the theme of the main show.Brent’s main models were a Bulldozer hauling aScraper followed by a Tractor and Low Loadertrailer. He also exhibited a neat Forklift and a largecrane. Two steam tractors occupied an end table.One was powered by a Meccano Steam Engine, dueto the indoor location, however, it could not actuallybe fired.

Frank Curry joined us, but as at Milton, Frank didn’trequire a table. His Radio Controlled Tank wouldpop out from under a table and run towards thedelighted youngsters.

All the models performed wonderfully - that is untila “kind soul” grabbed the arm of my Dive Bomberand wrenched it forward. The top bearing nowneeds a rebuild! Maybe this was the same personwho visited one of the Tool Collectors tables. Weheard a frantic “NO! NO!” and were just in timeto see this person with a spokeshave in hismouth, using it as a lollipop!

All in all, this was a very pleasant show withextremely appreciative organizers - and yes,we have been asked to return.

Ed Barclay


Soviet Constructor SetSoviet Constructor SetSoviet Constructor SetSoviet Constructor SetSoviet Constructor SetThe Meccano system has inspired a large numberof imitators over the years, some licensed andsome not. In many ways, it is the differences andvariations from country to country that providesome fascinating insights. While of these mighthave been to avoid patent suits, other differencesprobably stem from manufacturing limitations andmaterials available. For many countries, posses-sion of a sizable construction set of this type wouldbe limited to the children of the wealthy, and lowprice would likely not be a major factor.

Over the years, I have collected a few complete orpartial sets from Germany, Switzerland, Hollandand Czechoslovakia, etc. I even have a medium-sized set that was purported to be a Meccanosubstitute made in Toronto during the SecondWorld War, possibly ‘The Engineer’, although theparts in my set do not carry any inscription. I havehad a desire to obtain examples of sets made incountries where the production of consumer goodshas not been determined as much by market forcesbut by government decisions as to what it consum-ers should be able to buy. Factors of particularinterest would be the quality of manufacture as wellas the scope of models illustrated in the manualsaccompanying the sets. Ihave assumed that such setswould be (very properly) re-garded as educational items,and not merely as toys. Un-doubtedly, this would havealigned with the original in-tention of Frank Hornby whenhe developed made Mechan-ics Made Easy, and these setsmight possibly better reflecthis original intentions com-pared with some ‘one model’sets.

I was recently lucky enoughto locate an example of aRussian set (the name on thebox is “KOHCTRYKTOP”which translates as “CON-STRUCTOR”, and I have en-

countered references to the title ‘Soviet Construc-tor’, but maybe the Soviet part was being de-emphasized at the time the set was made). It wasadvertised for sale on eBay by a Peruvian source.I purchased this set, which was beautifully packedby the vendor and is in excellent condition, in itsoriginal box. It appears to date from the mid ’70sand is, as far as I can tell from the illustrated partsdiagram on the inside of the box lid, complete. Asmight be expected of a construction set made by aregime that would value its educational aspect, theparts are of high quality, with an excellent finish.The text in the manual suggests that the set isintended for students of ‘general school’ age andthe models illustrated include such worthy indus-trial subjects as a press, reciprocating saw, drophammer, plus other models, much as those accom-panying the older Meccano sets. Interestingly, allthe parts in the set are plated or alloy - the tires are,of course, black - and there is no other colour to beseen. In my opinion, this is much preferable tothose wretched too-gaily painted parts - even theshades vary from year to year - just the thing forbuilding a shanty town show house I suppose! Onesolution I have used is to get a can of paint andspray the stuff.

I look forward to constructing some models from


the manual that was includedwith this set - all in Russian- although I am usuallyaverse to following anybodyelse’s direction - and not justwith Meccano. The holespacing in this Russian set is10 mm (I understand earliersets were half-inch), but theaxle sizes appear to be com-patible with Meccano. I nowlook forward to obtainingsets from China (which, Iunderstand has producedsets in both half inch and metric spacing), as wellas one of the metric sets produced in the formercommunist East Germany.

Robin McLellan, October 2011

See more photos on back cover (page 28).


CMAMAS MeccanoCMAMAS MeccanoCMAMAS MeccanoCMAMAS MeccanoCMAMAS MeccanoWindows in TorontoWindows in TorontoWindows in TorontoWindows in TorontoWindows in Toronto

Treasure Island Toys, 581 Danforth Ave & ToyTown,1754 Avenue Road are the sites of two CMAMASwindows this Christmas season.

Toytown is the site of Hans’ Dutch Windmill as wejust did not have room at Treasure Island.

A significant regret of mine is that we have not beenable to use every model that was lent for thewindows as there just was not enough space dueto the incredible participation of CMAMAS.

Both store owners are thrilled to have the loan ofyour members models. Windows would be in placeuntil January 12th when I will help bring back thesmaller models to my showroom.

Thank you very much to all CMAMAS members.What great traffic stopping windows!

Merle Tubman, [email protected]



The PeddlerThe PeddlerThe PeddlerThe PeddlerThe PeddlerFOR SALE: GMM SML ModelPlans 1-56. This is the complete run of theseplans that were produced bymimeography. The set has beenthree-hole punched for storage.$150.00. “The Meccanoman’s Jour-nal” Nos. 1-40. The companion issueto the above. $100.00. Approxi-mately 96 pre-war “Meccano Maga-zines” loose, but stored in plasticsleeves. Usual mixed condition. $100.00. Ship-ping extra. The MM’s are heavy, so local pick-up isan option. Colin Hoare,[email protected]

FOR SALE: Unfortunately I am compelled to dis-pose of my coveted Meccano collection. I have

been collecting these bitsand pieces for 50 yearsand must now part with it.I would like it to go to abuilder that needs a hugeamount of extra Meccanoin good condition. To giveyou a concept: The lastinventory I did was about7 or 8 years ago and thereplacement value was

over $75,000.00 This does not include the vastcollection of Meccano mags, CQ’s dating back toSheffield days, manuals, model plans, and otherMeccano miscellany. One dealers cabinet and one10 set cabinet. If anyone is seriously interestedplease email me and I will forward as much infor-mation as I can collect, i.e. photos, inventory etc.

Ray Dymond, [email protected], Alberta


Documents

Issue #64 • December 2011...December 2011 Canadian MeccaNotes 3 Editor’s Notes This issue includes some nice photos from the 2011 CMAMAS AGM. Thanks also to Glynn Bates, Hubert