Meccano has been a treasured childhood toy for generations. This popular creative construction toy was invented way back in 1898 and is still loved by both kids and adults alike!
There have been a multitude of iconic Meccano products through the years and the brand still retains its reputation as a top quality product that is both educational and creative.
Meccano was first made by British toy company Hornby (also known for their trains and dinky toys) and was originally titled ‘Mechanics made easy’. Many of the vintage sets still hold appeal, with kits and secondhand parts being available on sites like eBay.
Well known for its long-lasting metal components, Meccano has created a Junior range aimed at kids, which features sturdy plastic parts and tools which are easier for younger children to handle.
Sets are now designed with their STEAM principles, intended to spark interest in science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics.
Many sets include pictures (but not always instructions) of extra finished designs that children will need to use their creative thinking skills to figure out how to make. Be sure to read any product descriptions carefully to check what instructions are included and you can often find extra patterns on the Meccano website and Youtube channel.
Meccano sets make fantastic gifts and are great projects to make as a bonding activity for adults and children. We’ve rounded up the best Meccano sets that are available right now, so take a look and find your next creative construction!
Best Meccano sets available online!
1. Meccano Quick Builds Kit
Best for first time Meccano makers
Meccano have a few different options in their Innovation Sets range which is designed as a creative entry point, including some epic gear and motor sets. We think their Quick Builds is an excellent set for introducing older children to the magical world of Meccano.
It’s designed for children aged 8 and upwards and comes with real metal tools and high-quality Meccano parts.
The innovation sets are designed to inspire individual creativity, so while you get a few blueprint ideas with the kit (and tutorial videos for these on their Youtube channel), these kits don’t come with instructions for specific builds. While this may hinder younger children, with a little bit of help and encouragement from a parent we still think it’s a great introduction!
Pros – Ideal for beginners, real tools
Cons – Some people might prefer making a specific project
- Buy this Meccano Quick Builds Kit from Amazon
2. Meccano Motorised Super Construction Set
Best for range of potential projects
If you’re after a really epic Meccano set with a wide range of build possibilities, then this motorised super construction set will provide plenty of creative challenges. It includes 638 pieces, 2 tools and is suitable for 10 year olds and upwards.
The array of designs you can make from this kit is truly impressive, from an operating crane (with working winch!) to awesome helicopters and anything else you can imagine. It’s worth noting that while the set can make 25 builds, it only includes full instructions for 11 of these projects with images of the remaining 14 to help inspire you.
Pros – Huge amount of parts and design possibility
Cons – Might be a bit tricky for younger children
- Check out the Meccano Motorised Super Construction Set from Amazon
3. Meccano Junior Bucket
Best for creative play and handy storage
Here’s one of our favourite sets for younger children and it even comes with its own storage solution (so that’ll keep adults happy too). This 150-piece junior set is designed for 5 years and upwards, so is made up of larger chunkier parts that young children will be able to handle.
The set comes with two tools, which fit neatly into the lid – and once playtime is over you can simply tidy everything away in the bucket. It comes with instructions for three models, but the potential is limited only by your imagination.
Pros – Clever reusable container, perfect for younger children
Cons – Very young children may still need some help, especially with the nuts and bolts
- Buy this Meccano Junior Bucket Set from Amazon
4. Meccano Space Set
Best for budding engineers
If you know someone that dreams of being an astronaut (or even building the rocket itself), then this awesome Meccano space set is a brilliant choice for them.
It’s a proper metal Meccano set designed for 10 year olds and upwards and even comes with a handy carry case too. You’ll get instructions for how to make a rocket, spacecraft and rover explorer – but of course you can come up with your own designs that are out of this world!
Pros – Brilliant model features, superb carry case
Cons – Best for slightly older children/teens
- Buy this Meccano Space Set from Amazon
Encourage creativity in teens
One of the reasons that we love Meccano is that it’s far more creative than staring at a phone. If you’re looking for more ways to get your older kids off social media, check out our list of the best craft ideas for teens.
5. Meccano 15-in-1 Super-Truck Set
Best for vehicle fans
Children and teens are often obsessed with anything with four wheels… or less! Even though they’re not old enough for their own vehicle yet, they can make 15 different variations of them with this fab kit.
Designed for kids over 10 years old, this metal Meccano set comes with instructions for three vehicles. Kids and adults will both have fun using the inspiration images to create even more designs with features like working suspension and poseable steering.
Pros – Loads of vehicle variations, fun construction and play
Cons – You don’t actually get 15 instructions for designs
- Buy this Meccano 15-in-1 Super-Truck Set from Amazon
6. Meccano Ferrari Model Set
Best for supercar fans
While many of us may not be able to afford a real Ferrari, you can always make your own out of Meccano! This fab set will be popular with model makers, motorheads and Meccano fans – it’s a triple threat!
Even though it looks like a complicated design it is still suitable for 10 years and up, making it a great project for parents and kids to assemble together – when they’re not watching the racing!
Pros – Will appeal to model making fans
Cons – Only one design
- Find this Meccano Ferrari Model Set from Amazon
7. Meccano Supercar 25-in-1 Set
Best for creative car fans
If you liked the look of the Ferrari model but want a bit more variation, this 25-in-1 set is perfect for you! This Meccano supercar set comes with instructions to make three awesome models, as well as inspiration for another 22 motor vehicles. This set also comes with two bonus features, a 6V variable speed motor and LED lights!
Pros – Motor and lights, various design possibilities
Cons – The supercar element may not be to everyone’s tastes
- Buy the Meccano Supercar 25-in-1 Set from Amazon
8. Meccano Junior Radio Controlled Police Car
Best for interactive play
We’ve left the best until last – or at least the one that appeals most to our inner child. We all love a remote controlled car, but this Meccano version lets children build one too!
Being part of the Junior range it only uses easy-to-handle parts and is suitable for children from 5 years upwards, making it a project that little ones will really engage with. The complicated radio-controlled electric bits are all safely contained in the chassis, so you get to have all the fun with your Meccano build then just switch it on and get driving straight away!
Pros – Radio controlled, easy to build
Cons – Batteries not included
- Buy the Meccano Junior Radio Controlled Police Car from Amazon
Choosing the right Meccano set for you
Part of the joy of creative hobbies like making Meccano models is the reward of finding solutions and completing a complicated task. It’s easy to get frustrated at the first hurdle (especially with younger children), but try to encourage a sense of calm when building – usually when you pause and take a minute the solution will become obvious.
When choosing a Meccano set, don’t be too discouraged if a project looks particularly complicated – it will often be simpler than it appears. On the other hand, if you’re buying a set for a young child or a first-time Meccano maker, a simpler smaller make is probably the best choice.
Find more technical creative kits
You can find even more brilliant builds in Gathered’s pick of the best Lego Technic kits.
