This model is based on 9.1 Lorry and Trailer
instructions were published in the 1947-1953
Number 9 Outfit manual in both the U.K. and
France. The model appeared on page two so
was the first model in the manual and must have
looked very impressive when you opened the
page. I have built the lorry and trailer using
1934-1941 blue and gold parts. This is a bit of a
departure from my series of blue gold pre-war
builds as this is post war model but in France the
blue and gold parts parts were still being
manufactured at this time.
The lorry has steering, opening cab door, leaf
springs and a two speed gear box operated from
a gear lever in the cab. The instructions show
what looks like the No. 2 clockwork motor (only
very briefly available post war) but I substituted it
for a non-Meccano 12 volt industrial electric
motor fitted in the cab. I built the model with
some changes more or less within the confines
of the contemporary No.9 outfit including the rear
axel which uses bevel gears 30a/30c, these
were dropped from the later No.9 sets.
In addition to the English manual I referred to the
French edition which to my surprise showed
several several differences in both the pictures
and text. Some of the illustrations are the same
but clearly the No.2 motor was not available in
France so the instructions and pictures show the
No.1 clockwork motor with modifications to
accommodate the control levers on the different
motor. The steering too is constructed using
alternative parts. Interestingly the illustrations for
the trailer show the top view with UK road
wheels but the underside with the French type.
Most of the other models in the manual have the
illustrations as the UK but those featuring a
clockwork or electric motor also have the road
wheels changed too. The big problem as with all
the manuals at this time was the lack of a list of
parts required to build the models.
My driver's seat uses a mutilated part cut down
from a larger plate, there never were 4 x 7 hole
flexible plates. I have used the attractive French
perforated road wheels on the trailer.The wheels
on the lorry are 1973 pulleys and tyres to be true
to the 1930's colours I should really have used
red wheels but changing tyres is not very easy
and the blue looks good I think.
The model is of a typical 1930's-1940's forward
control truck such as produced in the UK by
manufacturers such as Foden, ERF, Leyland,
Thornycroft and Albion. I made modifications to
the cab, building it along the lines of a
Thornycroft Trusty of the period.
In the Post War period Meccano also showed a
similar but smaller Heavy Goods Lorry in the
number 5 manual.
French manual courtesy of Rémi’s Meccano
Pages.
Page created September 23 2019
Revised June 30 2021
Click on the images to see a
larger version of the picture
The Completed Lorry
and Trailer note use of the
correct use of French
Post-war Road Wheels