page_title: Meccano
section_title: Influence
hierarchical_section_title: Meccano / Influence
caption_attribution_description: English: Left side (from the west)
context_page_description: Meccano is a model construction system created in 1898 by Frank Hornby in Liverpool, United Kingdom. The system consists of reusable metal strips, plates, angle girders, wheels, axles and gears, and plastic parts that are connected using nuts and bolts. It enables the building of working models and mechanical devices. Meccano maintains a manufacturing facility in Calais, France. In 2013, the Meccano brand was acquired by the Canadian toy company Spin Master.
  In 1913, a very similar construction set was introduced in the United States under the brand name Erector. In 2000, Meccano bought the Erector brand and unified its presence on all continents.
context_section_description: The careers many people chose were influenced by their experience and knowledge gained from using the product.
  Meccano is mentioned in the first chapter of Graham Greene's novel The Power and the Glory. It also mentioned at some length in J. J. Connington's 1928 detective novel, Nemesis at Raynham Parva (U.S. title, Grim Vengeance, 1929).
  Pierre Bastien is a French musical artist who has created a large collection of kinetic experimental musical instruments constructed with Meccano.
  In Sydney, Australia an overhead gantry with directional signs and traffic lights erected in 1962 gained the Meccano Set nickname.
  Meccano is the centerpiece of the "Mentoring Using Meccano" program of School Volunteer Program ACT. Volunteers use Meccano to mentor bright primary school students who need help in improving their communication or social skills, which in return builds students' self-esteem.
caption: Liver bird sculpted in Meccano at Liverpool Shopping Park, on the site of the former Meccano factory on Binns Road
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