Erector Set

November 10, 2009 7:44 AM

Google-Fu fail. I had a toy in the mid 70's that I can best describe as a hydraulic-watermill-waterpump-erector-set. It allowed you to connect a series of clear tubes, mills, and various other pieces to create a crazy pump station that ran water up, down and across the tubes, mills. etc. It could grow to several feet high. If I remember correctly, there may have been an electric pump that drove it all. I may be mistaken. The toy may have been a lot older as I used it at my grandparents house. It was basically like one of those electronic kits where you could perform experiments but this used water, and it was awesome. Help me find this toy!
posted by jasondigitized to sports, hobbies, & recreation (9 comments total)

It sounds vaguely familiar, but no details.

Perhaps scout around the Feeling Retro website, if not there they have a section called Mystery Toys where you can post your request.
posted by jeremias at 7:51 AM on November 10, 2009

Was it anything like this current toy?
posted by aramaic at 8:01 AM on November 10, 2009

Totally like that!!!! I think mine had mills on it but I may be wrong.
posted by jasondigitized at 8:04 AM on November 10, 2009

I am pretty sure that you are remembering the Kenner set that was based on the Building and Construction set...
The set that aramaic suggests is the same thing, just modern day.
posted by Drasher at 8:13 AM on November 10, 2009

Here's the Kenner Hydro-Dynamic Project Book which shows some waterwheels.
My cousin had one of these when I was a kid.
posted by Floydd at 8:22 AM on November 10, 2009

In case it helps with your googling, the modern set linked to by aramaic is made by Bridge Street Toys, who cite the Kenner toys as their inspiration. Bridge Street also makes panel & girder sets.

We have 2 of their deluxe hydrodynamic sets next to the bathtub, so much fun.
posted by jamaro at 8:34 AM on November 10, 2009

Here's the Kenner Hydro-Dynamic Project Book which shows some waterwheels.

Not to mention alcohol distilleries and DDT factories. This AskMe should be moved over to MeFi :)
posted by effbot at 9:09 AM on November 10, 2009

This page has some for sale.
posted by electroboy at 9:13 AM on November 10, 2009

Capcela?
posted by 8dot3 at 10:10 AM on November 10, 2009