How to buy a classic Erector Set?

November 12, 2009 10:01 AM

Who had an erector set as a kid? (preferably in the 1970s) I would like to buy a set for a nostalgic friend, but when I search on Amazon, I get so many options! I never had one myself -- what would be the most "classic-ish" erector set for me to buy?
posted by JanetLand to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (10 answers total)

Ugh, it looks like they're primarily made out of plastic now. The descriptions don't specify, but when it says the parts are 'flexible,' I get suspicious.

The ideal would be one with ALL metal parts -- including metal bolts and nuts. This one looks close[r than the others], but that "new system of flexible cable" concerns me.

I think you're going to have a hard time finding one that's all metal, but that's the gold standard of Erector sets.

I still remember the way playing with the erector set made your hands smell -- metallic, like you'd been working hard all day.
posted by mudpuppie at 10:12 AM on November 12, 2009

Best answer: The Ferris Wheel set looks a lot like the one my brother had over forty years ago, and even comes packaged in a nostalgic metal tin.
posted by Ery at 10:38 AM on November 12, 2009 [1 favorite]

I'm not sure if they have them or not, but you could contact the folks at Alphaville here in New York and ask. They stock a variety of vintage toys.

If I get a chance, maybe I'll swing through there and look.
posted by JaredSeth at 10:44 AM on November 12, 2009

As soon as I saw the box Ery linked to, I had to second the Ferris Wheel. Yup, that's old school.
posted by rokusan at 10:54 AM on November 12, 2009

Meccano

This is the classic. Check out James May's attempt to make a bridge over the Mersey using Meccano for BBC TV. It aired this week on UK telly.
posted by cameronfromedinburgh at 11:01 AM on November 12, 2009

2nding Meccano; probably something at least able to build a crane.

It's made in France now, uses different nuts and bolts (screwdrivers are classed as bladed tools now), but is otherwise just as it was 40 years ago.
posted by scruss at 12:04 PM on November 12, 2009

Response by poster: Thanks everyone for pointing out that I need to make sure that it's all metal -- that's a big help.
posted by JanetLand at 12:43 PM on November 12, 2009

Best answer: Back to Basics toys has classic versions of many old favorites, including a nice metal Erector set with motor.
posted by genefinder at 5:28 PM on November 12, 2009

FYI A Brief History of AC Gilbert Erector details the American company's relation to the British Meccano.
posted by Rash at 10:33 PM on November 12, 2009

(actually, Meccano is all made in China now)
posted by scruss at 7:08 AM on November 19, 2009