The Unitary Model Engineering Concept

Objective

The aim of the concept is to devise a miniaturised set of compatible components linked by standard fixings that can be used for engineering training, prototyping and experimentation. For fixings, read mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical connections.

History

From the beginning, Meccano has effectively been a unitary mechanical model engineering system. The fact that it provided a progressive system of construction sets made it accessible to the young, but it was equally usable by workshops and laboratories for test rigs, or by educational institutions to demonstrate basic mechanical principles. It may have started off as a construction toy, but it ended up rather more than that. The subsequent introduction of the "Electrikit" range extended the concept to include elementary electrical engineering.

While some commercial development followed, technical advance ceased at this point. The current owners of the Meccano brand are only interested in meeting what they perceive to be the requirements of the toy market today. Some enthusiasts are comfortable with this, believing traditional Meccano modeling to be more attractive than that involving later technologies. You might expect similar products that have been developed to meet the needs of the professional, educational and industrial market would do better, but the reality has been less than impressive. While kits have been created to make individual models incorporating multiple technologies, I am not aware of any real attempt to create a fully comprehensive universal unitary model engineering system as such.

Embarrassingly, the predominantly plastic systems (Lego & Fischer Technik) have moved into some new technological areas ahead of their more "serious" metal construction counterparts. Since these systems involve constructional techniques that have little in common with real engineering, and lack the strength for many applications, their use in the educational field is regrettable.

The Multidisciplinary Log Jam

All too often, the problem is a lack of multidisciplinary understanding and capability. Furthermore, products that evolve from the work of one technically creative mind can end up being controlled by commercial managers who don't understand the product, or by engineers who have failed to keep abreast of modern developments. Sometimes those in control don't even perceive of the need for change, let alone manage it into effect. Even if the need is acknowledged, development may have to proceed by a committee of compartmented specialists, or by recourse to external contractors: not always a recipe for good results.

And just remember, the computer programming specialist is in just the same straightjacket as the mechanical engineer with no computer skills. You're just exchanging one isolated compartment for another. While specialists have a vital role to play, substantial progress is possible when multi disciplinary connections can be made in one mind.

The Virtual Solution

At this point, you are probably going to tell me that this is irrelevant. You can do all of this on the computer now. Who needs a physical system?

In my view, there is no satisfactory substitute for the physical world. Students need to feel the real thing, and see for themselves the effects of bending moments, inertia, and so on. Even professionals will benefit from visualisation in physical form. Besides, you don't build a test rig on a computer, you attach a computer to a test rig! Computers are tools for the real world, they are not the real world itself.

A Future for Meccano?

Despite the above, a viable future for the traditional hobby looks doubtful. Costs are too high for the widespread participation of the young.  The visual attraction of the working mechanical marvel is still there, but is the creative urge to build it? Even the plastic kit is giving way to the already completed collectors item.

I believe there is a future for a multi-disciplinary unitary model engineering activity, but it is likely to be the province of the technically interested mature adult with the resources to do it.

Do-It-Yourself

Faced with this situation, the interested individual has no option but to attempt to adapt what is available to what is desirable. Some will regard this as a release. "Now I can do it my way!" I hope that Meccanoscene will prove a useful forum for those who are attempting to do just that. Who knows? As traditional Meccano enthusiasts begin to see the results, some may be tempted to follow.

NB: Illustrations feature constructions in FAC (first two) and Automat.

Please address any queries or comments to the FORUM "General Chat" section.

Bryn Jones (February 2010)