Category:Bayko

Introduced 1933 by Plimpton Engineering Ltd of Liverpool, Bayko was one of the first construction systems (predating plastic Lego by 20 years). Moulded in a Bakelite material the system was promoted as washable and hygienic, and therefore ideal for the sickroom. Originally, all the parts could be ordered in a choice of different colours, but by 1936 the system was substantially revised and simplified.

Bayko continued largely unchanged through to 1959. Some slow-moving parts had vanished (e.g. turrets), glazed windows appeared from 1958, and the material was gradually being changed to polystyrene; finally in 1959 the opening double door and other new parts appeared. It is quite likely that the system faced considerable competition by this time - whatever the reason, Plimpton bowed out and sold the entire system to Meccano Ltd.

Meccano’s acquisition of Bayko is an unexplained mystery. Facing immense problems of their own, they then set about totally redesigning Bayko, even retooling parts which were already in polystyrene - as a result the product was effectively off the market for a year. When production did get on the way, the new range seemed to be only halfheartedly promoted: although ideal for Dinky Toys and other 1/43 cars, Bayko never enjoyed so much editorial support in Meccano Magazine, in distinct contrast to every other Meccano product. Despite a further revision in 1962 introducing the no. 15 set and various new parts, the system appears to have been a real failure for Meccano Ltd. Sporadic advertising continued into early 1964, at which stage Bayko was abandoned - that autumn, Meccano’s new plastic construction system. "Cliki" was announced.