Erector Set

An Erector Set contains a collection of metal beams, bolts, screws, nuts, pulleys, gears and motors which make working mechanical toys.

Fast Facts

1. Manufacturer: Meccano
2. Introduced/Release Date: 1912
3. Erector Set Slogan: "Hello Boys! Make Lots of Toys!"
4. Original name: Mysto Erector Structural Steel Builder
5. The "No. 12 1/2" set made a robot and was the largest set ever sold

Toy Variations

There are dozens of sets available, with several different sets introduced each year. Newer models come with electric motors to make the different objects come alive. Sets have the ability to be built into several objects including a robot, helicopter, submarine, Empire State Building or a variety of model cars and trucks.

Toy History

The original Erector Sets were created by A.C. Gilbert in 1912. The first sets, Type I, used just a few small metal parts, packaged in cardboard boxes. The invention inspired the first national advertising campaign for a toy in 1913. The sets were not produced for a few years during World War II, then were re-introduced with wooden beams in the late 1940s. Gilbert ran the company until 1967 then was forced to file bankruptcy. The current sets are manufactured by Meccano and distributed by the Nikko Group.

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