Three out of three...

Three models - one at a time?

We have made no secret of the fact that we are big fans of the latest two Multimodel sets. This post will concentrate on the 3-model set. There is a good selection of useful parts, finished in zinc and a very pleasing bright red, to stretch the imagination for building models not in the instruction manual.

Ralph's aeroplane

Ralph had already made a start by building the aeroplane, which is the main model illustrated on the front of the box. He had no problems building it and remarked at the time how simple the assembly was.

The helicopter...

Hold on! Where's the pilot!

I decided to make the helicopter from the manual instructions which were easy to follow. This model was very easy to make and I had no problems with any of assembly other than fitting the red triangular braced girders. These push the limits of the tolaraces. I think if the parts were unpainted they might fit easier but the thickness of the paint in the holes means the bolts have to be 'threaded' into the holes. Once that is realised and overcome the model looks good when completed. I have not built a model that has made up so easily in long time.

I am not sure about this one - no steering wheel?

Next, I decided to have a go at the third model, the Go Kart. The instructions for this are not in the manual but are available on the Meccano website for download HERE.  Access to the online instructions is easy and following them off the screen for the assembly was problem free. The model was easy to put together, in the early stages, but towards the end of build, some pieces were fiddly and quite a tight fit.  Having completed the model, my thoughts were it was a shame there was no steering wheel!

Three models from one set

All the Multimodel sets are designed to build one model at a time using most of, if not all, the parts supplied. This one is no exception. We thought it would be fun to have ago at building three models, all at the same time, from the parts included in one set. The result was a model of the Angel of the North (Rusty Rita) pictured here before it became rusty! A simplicity aeroplane and a baby robot – BabyBot!

And we still had some parts left over!

The models are simple to make and harp back to the days when instructions for simple models were included in every set - even the largest ones! The idea was that small models would get the novice started very quickly and achieve a goal within a very short space of time. It was then possible to make progressively larger models until the builder felt confident enough to tackle the larger model(s).

How is that for simple!

The Simplicity aeroplane could not be simpler, with a minimum of parts it can be assembled and ready for 'flight' in just a few minutes.

Rusty Rita - before the rust set in!

Rusty Rita, or to give it its official title, The Angel of the North, stands on a hill just outside Gateshead and can be seen for miles. Love it or hate it, its iconic form is instantly recognisable. Our model is based on the sculpture in its new, pristine state!

BabyBot

Our third model, made from the the selection of parts left over, is of a baby robot, (BabyBot) sitting down awaiting a cuddle from its mum. It will have a long wait as we have not made its mum yet and nobody needs to mention that baby robots don't have mums - they are built just like the bigger ones.

We are sure there are lots more models hiding inside these sets - anyone else want to have a go? the set is available on the web and in stores for under £10.00 providing excellent value for money. Have you noticed the lack of plastic parts? And that there are more of what we call 'traditional' parts? We have... Well done Meccano, keep up the good work!

Sue.