Erector
In 1901 Frank Hornby of Liverpool, England produced the first metal construction toy and sold it under the brand name Meccano. The first set was made up of different lengths of metal strips that could be connected together with nuts and bolts. The same basic concept holds true today for Erector and Meccano construction toys.

Meanwhile, A.C. Gilbert made the construction toy famous in the United States with his version of the construction set called Erector. First introduced in 1913, Erector sets expanded upon the idea introduced in Europe, adding pulleys, gears and new metal pieces.

The two companies competed in the U.S. market until 1930 when Gilbert purchased the rights to produce Meccano in the U.S., with manufacturing taking place in Connecticut near the Erector factory. This relationship continued until around 1938. Soon after, all steel toy manufacturing was halted due to World War II.

After the war, Gilbert went back to producing only Erector branded toys and Meccano was once again manufactured in Europe and sold in the U.S. on a limited basis. After A.C. Gilbert died in 1961, the Erector name was sold off to many different toy companies, until Meccano acquired the name around 1990.

Today Meccano continues to produce Erector branded toys for the U.S. market and the Meccano brand to the rest of the world. Meccano and Erector toys are produced in Calais, France and Hong Kong. BRIO Corporation has sold the distributing of Erector toys to Nikko.

See More Items From Erector!

 

	Toy Name: Small Eiffel Tower: Steel Erector Set Company: Erector The small Eiffel Tower from Erector Set toys is a miniature version of the famous structure in Paris. Special packaging accentuates this monument steel Erector set. This 241-piece set builds 1 model. When finished, this Erector model set stands approximately 12 inches tall. This classic special edition multi model set is fro the collector or the builder. Mechanical functions provide movement in each Erector metal model set. Tools and detailed colored instruction sheets included in each set. Realistic assembling principles.
	Toy Name: Erector Ferris Wheel Set Company: Erector This Erector Ferris Wheel Set has a nostalgic design and package based on A.C. Gilbert's original Ferris Wheel Set. Features brightly colored metal bars. It is packaged in a metal carrying case. Includes 3V motor (2 AA batteries not included) and 477 parts. Builds 23 models. Great for the collector or builder. Mechanical functions provide movement in each model. Tools and detailed colored instruction sheet included. Realistic assembling principles.
	Toy Name: 20 Model Blue Dragster Erector Set Company: Erector A 3V motor allows you to create very different movements in any creation you build with this 20 Model Blue Dragster Erector Set! Build vehicles, cranes, snow mobiles, helicopters, dragsters, and more!
	Toy Name: 100th Anniversary Special Edition Erector Set Company: Erector For Ages: 8-15 Years A crane inspired by original Erector models is included in this 100th Anniversary Special Edition Erector set along with a dune buggy, helicopter, and anything else you can build with this 643 piece set. All your models can have a 6V Motor for extra mechanical fun! This Erector Set includes an exclusive carrying case.