Add-On Outfits/Sets

GENERAL
This section covers the various 'Add-on' or 'Ancillary' outfits that needed to be used with other outfits and could not normally be used as stand-alone outfits. Strictly speaking the 1970s 'Electronics set' should also appear here, but because the manual was basically an extract from the standard manuals of the era, it is considered there.

ELECTRICAL MANUAL
The Electrical outfit was introduced in 1920. This outfit contained a number of special electrical parts and enabled various electrical models to be built - switches, buzzers, electromagnets, lighting etc. Both Liverpool and American editions of this manual were issued.

GEARS MANUAL
The Gears 'A' outfit was introduced in 1949. In 1956 this was replaced by the Gears 'B' outfit which was the same as the Gears 'A' but with the addition of the Rod with Keyway, Key Bolts and associated parts. The 'B' outfit was renamed as the Gears set in 1968.

MECHANISMS MANUAL
The Mechanism outfit was introduced in 1959 and lasted till after 1975. There were no alterations to the outfit during its existence. The rear cover changed periodically to reflect the latest Meccano Magazines. Like the Gears outfit, the Mechanisms outfit was renamed the Mechanisms set in the late 1960s.

ELEKTRIKIT MANUAL
In 1963 the special 'Elektrikit' outfit was introduced. This contained a lot of special electrical parts and enabled various electrical models to be built - switches, bells, motors etc. It was superceded in 1970 by the 4EL set which also included a standard No.4 set. The 4EL is dealt with under the 1970-77 era.