I built these two aircraft using "play worn" nineteen thirties Meccano Aero Constructor parts. The top model is a typical early 1930s R.A.F. single seat biplane below this is a racing sea (float) plane, note the rather nice cast lead pilot in each aircraft.

Meccano produced the Aero sets between the years 1931 and 1941. The sets when introduced were a complete departure from the normal Meccano range, there were far fewer holes in the parts and were spray painted in an aluminum finish as were aircraft of the time. The hole spacing was as standard Meccano parts at 1/2" spacing and special nickel plated nuts and dome headed bolts were supplied with the sets. They were compatible with the regular Meccano sets so the parts could be used together.

On the right is the Meccano Magazine back cover from October 1931 showing the advertisement announcing the introduction of the sets. As can be seen a whole range of of different aircraft types could be constructed.

These first sets were of a rather flimsy construction with flat wings and very easily bent. However in 1932 the parts were vastly improved with stronger cambered wings and an increase in the range of parts, to enable much more realistic models to be constructed. In 1933 further improvements were made the and range of sets was expanded with "Special Aeroplane Outfits" these included operating flaps and rudders, pilots cabins and window panels to enable airliners to be constructed. There were two boxed sets in each range No.1 and No2. plus a conversion set No1a.

The later sets, one is ahown on the right, came in red and cream, blue/white and green/cream colour schemes. It must have been a nightmare for any dealers stocking the spare parts! Further improvements were planned for 1940 but these never materialized and by the summer of 1941 production of the sets had ceased. They were never to appear again but certainly would have looked completely at odds with the jets of the post war era. In fact by the late thirties the aircraft had a rather dated look but never the less they were very popular with boys at the time. The sets now just look so delightful and it is easy to see their lasting and nostalgic appeal.

On the left is a mid 1930s No. 2 Special outfit. The manual front cover from for the set is shown below. Below left is a dealers point of sale showcard advertising the above set.

On the left is an illustration from the 1932 Aeroplane Constructor manual. The same model I built in blue and white parts. This was obviously a very popular model as it was also shown on the cover of Special Outfit manual cover above despite the fact that far more complicated models could be built with the outfit but then it is a nice looking aircraft.

April 29 2009