tech
125 years of Meccano, iconic British toy that built generations of great minds
From a Nobel Prize winner to a Prime Minister with a smattering of inventors thrown in, during its 125 year history Meccano has had some very important fans. The metal model making toy, which can be used to build everything from cranes to ferris wheels and fighter jets, has sold more than a billion sets worldwide since its creation by Liverpool toymaker Frank Hornby in 1901.
TL;DR
- Meccano, created in 1901 by Frank Hornby, has sold over a billion sets globally.
- The toy has inspired many famous fans, including Nobel Prize winner Sir Harry Kroto and inventor Trevor Bayliss.
- During WWII, Meccano's factory was repurposed for wartime production.
- Meccano parts have remained largely unchanged, allowing old and new parts to be compatible.
- A major relaunch is scheduled for September 2024 with new ranges and collaborations, including with Ducati and Aston Martin.
- The toy is recognized for fostering spatial awareness, engineering skills, and problem-solving abilities.