Models by Brian Elvidge

Army Lorry

This lorry, built with the Liverpool-made prefabricated Multikit cab, and two other models are the subject of Modelplan 232 by Alex Barker, available from MW Mail Order. They have been built by the Meccano Society of Scotland modeller Dave Stanford and feature in some of his photos from a meeting of the society in early 2020.

The examples in MP 232 use a worm and pinion steering set-up, which works, but has no ‘feel’ to it. Dave Stanford’s examples use a long rod to the rear and use a contrate and pinion steering mechanism. This works well and so my own examples have been built using this method.

Box Van

This box van with an opening door uses the pre-fabricated cab of the Mulikit series, and uses the steering system used in some of my earlier models; a long rod under the chassis as shown, to a 3:1 bevel pair 30a, 30c, this moves the steering gear.

Lorry

This four wheel lorry, built with the Liverpool-made prefabricated Multikit cab, and two other models are the subject of Modelplan 232 by Alex Barker, available from MW Mail Order. They have been built by the Meccano Society of Scotland modeller Dave Stanford and feature in some of his photos from a meeting of the society in early 2020.

The examples in MP 232 use a worm and pinion steering set-up, which works, but has no ‘feel’ to it. Dave Stanford’s examples use a long rod to the rear and use a contrate and pinion steering mechanism. This works well and so my own examples have been built using this method.

Tanker Truck

This eight wheel tanker truck, built with the Liverpool-made prefabricated Multikit cab, and two other models are the subject of Modelplan 232 by Alex Barker, available from MW Mail Order. They have been built by the Meccano Society of Scotland modeller Dave Stanford and feature in some of his photos from a meeting of the society in early 2020.

The examples in MP 232 use a worm and pinion steering set-up, which works, but has no ‘feel’ to it. Dave Stanford’s examples use a long rod to the rear and use a contrate and pinion steering mechanism. This works well and so my own examples have been built using this method.

Lorry Chassis

This is a further model on the theme of lorries with prefabricated cabs, and shows the typical build for a chassis. The steering, this time, is operated by a bevel gear pair 30a and 30c as shown; this uses the long rod ideas shown in some of my earlier models and it works well. It replaces the contrate and pinions that I used in some of the earlier models.

The chassis will work with the Spinmaster-type tyres and Meccano tyres of various types, but the 1978 three part wheels foul the cab structure, which needs a redesign.

Remote Steering Vehicle

This is a further model on the theme of lorries with prefabricated cabs. This one, a remote steering vehicle, uses spur gears, 19-tooth and 57-tooth gears to move the steering mechanism. The idler 19-tooth pinion corrects the rotation of the steering wheel, so the model moves left when turned left and right when turned right.

This model works well with the photographed Spinmaster-type tyres and Meccano tyres. The 1978 three part wheels are presently not suitable.

The steering wheel adds play value, since the Liverpool-made prefabricated cabs do not have access for a workable steering wheel or control. If the builder has available the French Meccano Multikit cabs, these are also suitable.

Farm Tractor

This model was originally designed by Frenchman Pierre Monsallut and a Modelplan appeared in the July 1995 issue of the Meccano Newmag (issue 72). Since then, various modifications have been made, notably to the rear mudguards, the transmission system and the steering gear.

The transmission system from the 6-speed motor motor (see underside view), has a novel differential gear in it. Briefly, this consists of a four hole collar fixed to that shaft with two freely rotating contrates which drive pinions. These then transfer drive to two 57-toothed gears to each rear axle. This makes the model operate particularly well.

The model is said to represent a 1970–80s Ford tractor before roll over cages and cabs became mandatory.

Four Station Roundabout Fairground Ride

This model is based upon a 12.5" square base, with the mechanism built upon this.

It is powered by a Dave Taylor-supplied electric motor driving reduction gearing to two motions.

The first motion rotates the roundabout about the central column turning the four arms with it. This central column is mounted on a 4" ball race, with a 133-tooth gear on the upper side, driven by the reduction gears below.

The second motion operates through the central rod which the arms rotate, this rod rod drives a cam on its extremity, an offset pair of stacked wheel discs is attached to each of the four arms by rods and end bearings. As the cam rotates the arms lift up and fall. This is geared slower than the first motion.

Each arm has a passenger seat and a barrier to prevent them falling out.