Elaborate 1920s machine shop built with vintage Erector sets

Randy Sauder built this model of a 1920s era machine shop from Erector set parts from scratch. The project spanned some 2 1/2 years, taking about 900 hours total. Sauder encourages others to build with these sets. He explains why this way:

It is relaxing fun, better than TV and your grandkids will love them. Erector sets are a great learning tool for children. In this country, most engineers over the age of 50 cut their teeth with erector sets. My father gave me his boyhood set in the late 1950's. Building principles using model erector parts are the same as with a real life size projects. For example, parts must be built square to one another, in proper alignment and using standard engineering concepts. Thousands of real world projects such as the George Washington Bridge, Disney World rides etc were first built as model erector projects.

Of course, Erector Sets are still made today in a variety of configurations. Classic Erector sets like the type used in this model can easily be found on eBay.

For additional information or to see more models visit the A. C. Gilbert Heritage Society web site.

[ Thanks Warren and Christoph!]

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Meccano Birds wind-up automaton by Aaron Ristau

This elegant little kinetic sculpture by Aaron Ristau depicts birds in flight. The birds are powered by a small wind-up motor that will run for about a minute.

Much of the mechanics of this piece are made from Meccano -- a model construction system consisting of metal plates, wheels, axles and gears, with nuts and bolts to connect the pieces. Americans will know the modern version of this system as Erector sets

See more artwork by Aaron Ristau on his web site.

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Solarion Ultimate Builder kit uses solar power

The Solarian Ultimate Builder Kit is construction toy system that uses solar energy to power your creations. The kit comes with with real tools, nuts, and bolts, so it may not be suitable for the youngest of you out there. The 538-piece Solarian Ultimate Builder Kit set comes with instructions to build 6 models, which can be brought to life in sunlight or a under a 60 watt light bulb.

Here is where you can get the Solarian Ultimate Builder Kit.

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Erector Spykee - The Spy Robot

Another tele-presence robot/toy for you would-be spies and roboticist out there. This one is made by the venerable mechanical toy company, Erector.

From the product description

Spykee, the spy robot, is a crafty 'bot that you control via the WiFi connection in your computer. This means you can give Spykee commands from virtually anywhere in the world! Plus, he does just about everything except feed the dog.

Spykee moves, watches, hears, speaks, takes pictures, records video and sound, and can act as a surveillance camera. What's more - when he begins to lose steam, he automatically heads back to his charging station (included) for more "energy." Compatible with classic metal Erector sets, sold separately. Requires one 9.6V battery (included). Measures 12" x 12" x 12".

Here's the product page with tons of info on the Erector Spykee - The Spy Robot

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Gear Toy: Superstruts Wacky Machines Set

Kazoo Toys offers building and construction toys from a host of toy makers. Shown here is the Superstruts Wacky Machines Set made by Waba Fun. This 175 piece building set includes 12 large gears and plans to build 7 models that include a clock, geared-down Ferris whee, a car that drills, and other fun contraptions.

Otherbuilding and construction toys offered at KazooToys.Com come from toy makers including:

• Building Blocks
• CoinStruction
• Cranium Super Fort
• Elenco Electronics
• Gears & Gearbotics
• Haba Toys
• Kapla
• K'nex Building Toys
• LINCOLN LOGS
• Magna Tiles
• Magz by Progressive
• Playmobil
• Quercetti Toys
• Rokenbok Construction System
• Taurus Toy
• Superstructs
• Zometool Building Systems
• Zoob Toys
• ZOOMORPHS

Find a wide variety of building and construction toys at KazooToys.Com.

Contruction Toys for the Holidays...or Anytime!

A entire section of construction toys has been added to The Automata / Automaton Store!

There are toys by the best brands such
* Erector Sets
* Lego
* Lego Mindstorms
* K'nex
* Snap Circuits
* Capsela

Also, for the advanced builder, there is a very cool Robot Kits section.