MECCANOEvolution Mini Loader

If you are a certain age and remember Meccano, this does everything you remember. Everything is in the box to make many different models. However, it does mean that each model made generally has to be taken to pieces to make the next one. It is very versatile.I bought it for my grandson. He played with it for a day but it seems it is not the type of toy enjoyed by the current generation. It is not a computer and it has fiddly nuts and screws. I do not think my grandson is going to be an engineer based on his current interests.I still think this is a great toy which fires the imagination and develops skills that are needed. Who is going to service his bike or car later in life if he does not learn now? There is a problem with expectations in society these days. There is nothing wrong with this toy. However, it may not go down as well as it did 50 years ago as a basic skill learning toy.

I have to make the point about the batteries in the subject because they are needed almost straightaway in the making of the first model; we nearly had tears before we'd begun. You'll need x6 AA; up to four for the models and two for the screwdriver.Get past that point though and, as the adult you'll be called on mainly for only seemingly intractable problems like screwing in a bolt from an impossible angle. That's ok though as you have the certain knowledge that it *is* possible, and more importantly you have the electric screwdriver. This device not only makes the young engineer feel truly that they've entered the professional world, it also eases us parents' lives immensely.The 50 or so models are increase in complexity gradually, taking in cars, motorbikes, helicopters, pulleys and trucks along the way. My 10 year old is concentrated and intensely involved in the whole process; and - as some other reviewers have noted - how marvellous to be able to prise them away from a screen for a while.

What a great set. Got this as a present to Xmas and I love it. I used to have a lot of Meccano and Lego sets when I was a nipper and I have always loved taking things apart and building things (probably why I ended up working in construction).This set ha hundreds of pieces with a good variety, you can build 50 models from the included instructions, but using your imagination, the choice is unlimited. Includes a motor for motorising your models. A great starter set if you have never tried Meccano, but there is also enough here to keep experienced modellers happy too.

The overall kit is excellent and provides great educational value as well as lots of fun. Square nuts are sometimes very fiddly to tighten and I used tweezers to hold them in place. All the shafts were to big to fit in the holes, but I made holes bigger to cope with this. However I would expect shafts to fit inside the holes and rotate freely. More so, one of my components (9 hole bar) was of different shape and form (thinner) or I am missing the element necessary for assembly. Overall it is a very good educational toy, but production need to put greater attention to details so all the elements are there and shafts fit inside holes. I would recommend to buy compartment organizers to keep parts tidy for kids and adults.

I love the set. Unfortunately, the 75mm, 90mm and 130mm rods were too thick to go through the holes of the grey 'boxes'. I sent an email to Meccano in the Middle of November. I received an automated message saying that I would receive replacements between 6 and 8 weeks.I took 7 weeks for the replacement pieces to arrive (beginning of January). Now I have them and I am very pleased. The 'spider' is now within reach!

I purchased this for my other young Grand-Son and I couldn't get him off the phone telling my of all the things he was managing to build with the kit. Its a pity the big sets are collectors items and hidden away in cupboards not to be used or scratched. If you like Meccano and can't afford a set for your young ones or old ones for that matter try looking up MURKER or MERKUR (?) the forerunner of Meccano. A Polish firm still producing sets but metric instead of imperial, they have a British agent and have a very interesting web site. Very affordable.

I had my own Meccano set over 50 years ago and was very impressed with this set. Lots of designs to make and a good range of parts to make up your own designs. Could do with more tools as more than one person at a time often working on it

Was expecting a plastic tray with lots of compartments but got two big plastic bags, had to buy boxes from Supermarket. The older you are the more difficult it is, very satisfying when you eventually sort it