The History of Meccano

Meccano is more than just a toy, it is a century-spanning symbol of creativity, engineering, and the evolution of play. Here’s a dive into its fascinating past:

Humble Beginnings (1898–1907)

1898, Liverpool-based clerk Frank Hornby crafted early prototypes using strips, wheels, rods, nuts, and bolts—often from his kitchen table—designed to entertain his two sons and help show real engineering principles. 

1901, Hornby patented “Mechanics Made Easy,” introducing interchangeable perforated metal strips and mechanical components like axles and gears

1907, After a short time as “Simplified Mechanics”, Hornby officially renamed the product Meccano, a sleek and globally pronounceable name.

Growth & Early Success (1908–1930s)

By 1908 a new formal company was created and Meccano Ltd was born, with global demand for the new Meccano sets a new production factory on Binns, Road in Liverpool in 1914.

Meccano Magazine was launched in 1916 as a showcase to display builds and create a global community of enthusiasts with the Meccano Guilde estabishing in 1919 to promote clubs for enthusiasts and create opportunities for shared learnng.

starting in the 1920’s, Hornby diversified into railways, die-cast miniature Dinky Toys, chemistry sets (Kemex), electronic kits (Elektron), and more!

Challenges & Disruptions

Meccano faced challenges in production during the World Wars, shortages and wartimes priorities made material scarce but they succeeded to maintain production in WWI, although the Binns Road Factory halted toy production in World War II, resuming after the war.

Meccano returned as a hallmark of British engineering after the war, but by the 1950s, global competition, material development and rising costs meant that the toy market exploded with alternative construction and bulding toys, with just core enthusiasts continuing to love the brand. 

More Recent Times (1960s–2000s)

Meccano has been through a number of ownership changes, being very popular in France and in recent years new Meccano ranges have been available for children that include updated technology like lights and sounds, remote control features and a range for younger fans with plastic elements for easy building. 

With a great STEM learning foundation, Meccano has carved a niche for teaching engineering concepts like gears, levers and structural integrity, while fostering imagination and problem-solving in a real life practical way.  The tools you use in Meccano are miniature versions of the real thing.  The Timeless design means that, more than 120 years on, Meccano sets still use original hole spacing and imperial dimensions, a testament to Hornby’s enduring design vision

The Entertainer is excited to be the exclusive UK stockist for the new Meccano range launching in 2025, with updated instructions and guides and choices of kits from the single vehicle sets to the 10-in-1 construction kit there’s something for a new-to-Meccano starter or the experienced fan. Meccano remains a powerful blend of fun and learning, proving that well-engineered toys never go out of style.

Whether you’re an avid collector, a STEM educator, or a curious parent, Meccano offers a timeless gateway into the world of engineering creativity.  Why not check out our construction range for all our building models, brick sets and magnetic building kits?

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