Meccano: The Classic Building Toy That Still Gets Kids Thinking

Meccano has been around for generations, and there’s a pretty good reason it has lasted this long. While plenty of toys come and go, there’s something incredibly satisfying about sitting down with a collection of metal pieces, nuts, bolts, wheels and gears and actually building something that works.

At The Dragon Hangar, we’ve recently expanded our building and STEM range with Meccano sets. They’re a great option for kids who love construction toys, machines and hands-on projects, but they’re also proving pretty nostalgic for parents and grandparents who remember building Meccano themselves.

What Exactly Is Meccano?

Meccano is a construction system that uses reusable parts connected with real nuts and bolts. Depending on the set, you’ll work with metal strips and plates, wheels, axles, gears and other mechanical components to build vehicles, machines and other working models.

Unlike construction toys where pieces simply snap together, Meccano introduces kids to using tools and physically fastening components together. You’re not just deciding where a piece goes; you’re working out how different parts connect, how they move and how the whole structure works together.

You can follow the supplied instructions and build the model on the box, but that’s really only half the point. Once you understand how the system works, everything can be pulled apart and the pieces reused to build something completely different.

Wait... Meccano Is Still Around?

It absolutely is, and if seeing the name immediately brings back memories, you’re definitely not alone.

Meccano dates all the way back to the early 1900s and has introduced generations of kids to construction and basic mechanical principles. The sets have naturally changed over the years, but the basic idea remains remarkably familiar: give someone a collection of parts, some tools and a problem to solve.

That’s actually one of the things we really like about it. A parent or grandparent who played with Meccano growing up can now sit down with a child and recognise exactly what they’re doing. There aren’t too many toys that can genuinely span that many generations.

Why We Like Meccano

There are a lot of products labelled as "educational" or "STEM toys", but we think the best ones are those where kids don’t particularly realise they’re learning anything.

With Meccano, the goal isn’t to sit down and learn about engineering. The goal is to build something cool. The problem solving and learning happen naturally while trying to get there.

Kids need to follow instructions, identify the correct components, work out where pieces belong and physically assemble the model. If something doesn’t line up, they need to figure out why. If they accidentally put a component on backwards five steps ago, they’ll probably discover it soon enough and have to go back and fix it.

That little bit of frustration is actually part of what makes construction sets worthwhile. Rather than pressing a button and immediately getting a result, kids have to slow down, concentrate and work through a problem until eventually everything comes together.

And when it finally does, they built it themselves.

More Than Just Following the Instructions

Building the model pictured on the box is the obvious starting point, particularly for someone using Meccano for the first time. Once they understand how the different pieces work together, though, there’s nothing stopping them from experimenting.

Parts can be removed, designs can be changed and pieces from different sets can be combined. Wheels, axles and other mechanical components also mean kids can start thinking about whether their creations actually move or function rather than simply what they look like.

If an idea doesn’t work, undo a few bolts and try something else. There’s no real "game over" with Meccano because the same pieces can be used over and over again.

Meccano vs LEGO – What's the Difference?

They’re both fantastic construction toys, but they offer quite different experiences.

LEGO is largely about connecting bricks and specialised elements to create a structure or model. Meccano takes a more mechanical approach. Builders use tools, nuts, bolts, plates, axles, wheels and other components, so there’s a stronger emphasis on how the structure is physically put together and how its different parts interact.

For kids who already love LEGO but are looking for another challenge, Meccano can be a really good next step. It’s particularly suited to kids who are fascinated by cars, trucks, machinery or anything mechanical, as well as those kids who seem determined to pull everything apart just to find out how it works.

And, of course, there’s absolutely no reason you have to choose between them. A kid who enjoys building LEGO is probably exactly the sort of kid who’ll enjoy getting their hands on a Meccano set too.

Is Meccano Actually Good for STEM Learning?

Definitely, although we wouldn’t buy it purely because it has educational benefits.

Building with Meccano naturally involves problem solving, spatial awareness, fine motor skills, following instructions, mechanical thinking and creativity. Depending on the model, kids can also start encountering simple mechanical concepts involving structures, wheels, axles and gears.

The important difference is that these skills aren’t being presented as a lesson. A child is trying to work out why their vehicle isn’t sitting straight or why two pieces won’t line up, and in the process they’re learning how to solve the problem.

That’s exactly the sort of STEM activity we like: learning because you’re trying to make something work.

What Age Is Meccano For?

The difficulty varies considerably between Meccano sets, so it’s important to check the recommended age on the individual box rather than treating the whole range as being designed for one age group.

Some smaller projects are relatively straightforward, while larger builds require more patience, dexterity and concentration. That also means there’s room for kids to progress from simpler projects into more complicated builds as their confidence improves.

For younger builders, Meccano can also become a great parent-and-kid project. Sitting down together and working through a build gives you something tangible to accomplish rather than everyone disappearing onto their own screens.

Of course, there is always the possibility that Dad takes over because apparently the gearbox needs to be assembled very precisely.

It’s for the kids. Obviously.

Is Meccano a Good Gift?

If you’re buying for a kid who likes building, tinkering, vehicles, machinery, LEGO, model kits or science and engineering, Meccano is definitely worth considering. It’s particularly good for kids who enjoy a challenge and get satisfaction from completing a project rather than wanting something they can immediately start playing with straight out of the box.

It’s also a nice option when you’re looking for a present that’s a little different. Instead of another toy that does one thing, you’re giving them a project to work through and a collection of reusable parts they can continue experimenting with afterwards.

There’s also the nostalgia factor. If Mum, Dad, Pop or Grandma grew up with Meccano themselves, giving a child their first set can very quickly turn into a project everyone gets involved with.

Meccano at The Dragon Hangar

We’ve got a range of Meccano construction sets available at The Dragon Hangar in Raymond Terrace, alongside our model kits, building sets, STEM products and hobby supplies.

If you’re not sure which set would suit the person you’re buying for, come in and have a look or have a chat with us. We can help you find something appropriate for their age and experience rather than simply pointing you towards the biggest box on the shelf.

You can also shop our available Meccano range online, with delivery available across Australia.

Whether you remember building Meccano yourself or you’re introducing it to a completely new generation, the appeal really hasn’t changed all that much.

Build something. Work out how it works. Pull it apart. Then build something better.