Elektrikit Outfit (Meccano Ltd)

Exhibit
Elektrikit Outfit (Meccano Ltd)
location:
Arch Two , Area 4 Meccano Construction Sets (display) 1983

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~1963: advert for Elektrikit [image info]

Front cover of the Elektrikit manual, The Meccano Elektrikit Book of Models [image info]

Elektrikit Contents [image info]

Elektrikit Meccano Electrical parts, identification chart [image info]

Elektrikit switch construction [image info]

Building Voltmeters with Elektrikit [image info]

Building a complete Morse Code station with Elektrikit, including send key, bell, and paper tape recorder [image info]

A boxed Elektrikit set of parts intended to be used alongside conventional Meccano ("for use with sets 3 and higher").

Elektrikit started out as a Meccano France product, but was arguably mismarketed in the UK, and didn't do well. However, some of the individual electrical Meccano parts introduced by Elektrikit were gratefully used by generations of dedicated Meccano modelbuilders who wanted to add electrical features (such as automated switching lights) to their models without "cheating" by using non-Meccano parts.

Box artwork

The box lid is dominated by vertical blue, white and red blocks (from left to right), which is probably a reference to the French flag and the French origins of the product.

Advert text, circa ~1963

MECCANO Elektrikit for building electrical models

This new kit is a MUST for every ambitious Meccano Model-builder! The Elektrikit contains a collection of electrical components, such as Coils and Magnets, Insulating Plates, Lamps and Lamp Holders, Commutator and pick-up Wipers, etc., which can be used in conjunction with standard Meccano Parts to build a wide range of fascinating electrical models. Packed with the Outfit is an attractively prepared and illustrated Book of Electrical Models. Among these models are Morse Telegraph Transmitting and Receiving Apparatus, Electric Bell, Magnetic Crane Grab, Synchronous and other electric motors, etc.

The Elektrikit is designed for use with a standard Meccano Outfit No.3 or larger. In addition to enabling the building of purely electrical models, the Elektrikit parts enable lights to be fitted to Big Wheels, Traction engines, etc., and permit many other interesting modifications of standard Meccano models.

Elektrikit parts list

Part No.		Quantity
10	Fishplate	5
12	Angle Bracket – 1/2" × 1/2"	2
12b	Angle Bracket – 1 × 1/2"	2
12c	Angle Bracket – obtuse	2
16b	Axle Rod – 3"	1
19b	Pulley – 3" dia	1
24a	Wheel Disc – 8 holes	2
37a	Nut	55
37b	Bolt – 7/32"	30
38	Washer	46
59	Collar	1
69a	Grub Screw – 5/32"	6
111	Bolt – 3/4"	4
111a	Bolt – ½”	8
111c	Bolt – 3/8"	7
111d	Bolt – 1 1/8"	4
115	Threaded Pin	2
120b	Compression Spring	1
140y	Collar, 4 holes	2
147b	Pivot Bolt	1
186a	Driving Band – 6"	1
186b	Driving Band – 10"	2
501	Insulating Strip – 5 ½"	2
502	Insulating Strip – 2 ½"	2
503	Insulating Strip – 1 ½"	2
507	Insulating Flat Girder – 2 1/2"	1
508	Insulating Flat Girder – 1 1/2"	1
510	Insulating Plate – 5 1/2" × 2 1/2"	1
511	Insulating Plate – 2 1/2" × 2 1/2"	1
513	Insulating Fishplate	2
514	Insulating Bush Wheel – 8 holes	1
516	Insulating Bush Wheel – 6 holes	1
518	Bush Wheel – 1” diameter	1
520	Rectangular Coil, with base	2
522	Cylindrical Coil	2
525	Core Holder for Rectangular Coil	4
526	Core for Rectangular Coil	2
527	Core for Cylindrical Coil – Slotted	2
528	Core for Cylindrical Coil – 1"	2
529	Strip – 2"	2
530	Flexible Strip – 2"	2
531	Wiper Arm – 1" Radius – Flexible	2
532	Wiper Arm – 1 1/2" Radius – Flexible	2
533	Wiper Arm – 2" Radius – Bent	2
534	Slotted Strip – 2"	2
537	Permanent Magnet	2
538	Magnet Holder	2
539	Lamp Holder	4
540c	Lamp – Clear	1
540j	Lamp – Yellow	1
540r	Lamp – Red	1
540v	Lamp – Green	1
542	Terminal Nut	4
543	Contact Screw	2
544	Contact Stud	8
545	Pivot Bolt – 1/2"	2
548	Pivot Bolt – 3 1/2"	1
549	Pivot Bolt – 2"	1
550	Short Pivot	2
551	Flat Commutator	1
554	Short Circuit Piece	2
555	Rod with Square End – 4"	1
556	Reel of PVC Insulating Sleeving	1
557	Reel of Bare Copper Wire	1
558	Coil of Connecting Wire	1
559	Coil of Paper	1
560	Dial Card	1
561	Washer - Thin	13
562	Bell	1
563	Screwed Rod – 2"	2
564	Insulating Spacer	2
1585	Tube of Oil	1

External links

• Melvyn Wright's Meccano page - 1963 (melright.com)
• Elektrikit manual, Anthony Burkitt's Meccano Site (aburkitt.net)