The instructions for this mantel piece clock were published in the pre- war and post war number 9 manuals using the No.2 clockwork motor. The clock evokes very much the 1930s Art Deco style and that was the big appeal fro me want to construct it.

The original instructions were published during the period of the blue and gold colour scheme and it must have made a stunning model. However I think the zinc, red, blue and black colour scheme I have used give the clock the right feel. This is my first attempt at Meccano clock building so a simple mechanism was good starting point. My clock is driven by a pre 1922 Meccano  clockwork motor through a series of chain sprockets and gears.  It was a real pleasure the first time I set it going to hear the lovely tick tock as the pendulum swung.  After carefully adjustment the clock runs well and keeps reasonable time, so far though I have not had it running for more than an hour but I have high hopes of longer run times.

I was told by another builder, "that with the spring and bearings properly oiled and adjusted it could run for up to 6 hours," with the correct No 2 motor.

Since originally building the model I have obtained a 1930s Number 2 motor. Although the clock runs in a much more positive manner i.e. a nice steady tick I still find it does not run for as long as I had hoped certainly longer than with the original motor though. I manged to get it to run all day but with several windings.

The same mechanism was also used in the later 1955 Number 9 clock model but using the No.1 clockwork motor. The more powerful No.2 motor was discontinued shortly after the Second World War. The 1955  model however does not have the charm or style of this "Deco style" clock.

August 4 2006

Modifed January 03 2007