ORIGINAL 1930 INSTRUCTIONS

The instructions for this model depicting a Steam Wagon began life in the 1930 No.4-7 instruction manual and could be built with the parts in the contemporary No.4 set. This was at the time of the original dark red and green colour scheme, 1927 until late 1934. I have built the model from circa 1930 parts from my No.7 Outfit. The instructions at first were rather confusing but once the construction was under way it all worked out. I made a few constructional changes but on the whole left it much the same as the instructions. I used additional parts not included in the No.4 set such as extra girders. Included in my build was a contemporary 4 volt No.1, long sided electric motor, the gear train and drive ran well. However I did not want to run it along by putting extra strain on this very old motor, the motor was really used just for aesthetic purposes. The 1930 No.4-7 manual showed on the next page as a separate model a trailer that could be hauled by the Steam Wagon. This could not however be built with the set at the same time as the steam wagon as there were inefficient parts. I have also built the matching trailer which is shown shown below and attached to the wagon at the bottom of the page. When the Meccano was changed in late 1934 to the blue and gold colours and sets re-named A-L this model was in the set G manual, then modified using the new flexible and strip plates. The revised 1934 model included the matching trailer using the new plates and tin road wheels. This is shown below left. Meccano obviously liked the model as it was once again modified in 1937 and included in the No.8 manual now powered by a clockwork motor and once again included the trailer.

Published  January 10 2025 Revised 19/01/2025