Brickplayer Construction Set

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Brickplayer Construction Sets

Brickplayer was made by Spears from 1938 till the mid 1960s. Originally the kits were to 1 to 27 scale. Later on they were 1 to 48 scale. The system consisted of miniature bricks which could be cemented together (like full size bricks) using a water based mortar. The models could then be immersed in warm water to dissolve the mortar and dismantle them. A standard brick measured 1" by 1/2" by 0.22" thick.

The system can be divided into several eras:-

1938 to 1940/1 - The original kits were to 1 to 27 scale and were introduced just before WW2, and consequently were only sold in relatively small numbers. Production stopped in around late 1940 / early 1941. Windows and doors (F1 to F5) consisted of a metal outer framework, with a separate lintel (L1 to L4). Glazing and window bars were glued in.

1947 - The original kits were reintroduced in early 1947 as an interim measure whilst the new post-war range was being developed (advertised in the January 1947 Meccano Magazine).

Late 1947 - 1949 - Kits 1 and 2 were introduced in late 1947 (first advertised in the October 1947 Meccano Magazine). Initially these were very similar to the pre-war range being to the same 1 to 27 scale and using the same windows and doors. Many buildings however were advertised as being suitable for use with 'O' gauge trains (1 to 48 scale). At some point the windows (F1 to F4) were replaced by die-cast metal windows, which incorporated the glazing bars.

Late 1949 - 1959 - Kits 3 and 4 were introduced (set 4 model shown in the September 1949 Meccano Magazine). The models were all to the 1 to 48 scale suitable for gauge 'O' trains. They used the newly introduced die-cast metal windows (F1 to F4) plus new F6 (small window), F11 (bay window) and F12 (shop window) together with a new die-cast door frame (F10). Also introduced were new large doors in pressed metal (F8 and F9).
At some point the large pressed metal doors (F8 and F9) were replaced by opening die-cast doors (F15 and F16). Also all the die-cast metal windows were replaced by virtually identical moulded plastic versions. Were the opening die-cast doors (F15 and F16) ever replaced by plastic versions?.
In late 1953 (first advertised in the October 1953 Meccano Magazine) a Farm kit was introduced which could make a number of farm buildings. This featured a another window (F7), a wicket gate (F14) and a new moulded plastic stable door (F13). In order to enable the complete farm to be built all together, a 2000 brick pack with all the extra bricks was also available (all the required doors and windows etc. came in the Farm kit).

Late 1959 - mid 1960s - 'Contemporary' Brickplayer was introduced (first advertised in the October 1959 Meccano Magazine). This was an attempt to update the system to enable more modern building to be made. There were three sets, all in 1 to 48 scale : 'A', 'B', 'C'. Windows and doors (all in plastic) were redesigned. The bricks although the same size were in a lighter colour with new gable end sloping bricks.

Adverts in the Meccano Magazine - From 1939 until 1964, adverts for Brickplayer regularly appeared in the Meccano Magazine. These give details of what sets were available and their prices. Also winners of their competitions. A resume of details of these adverts can be found here.

Tony O'Hagan has a website dedicated to Brickplayer at https://tonyohagan.co.uk/leisure/Brickplayer/. Thanks also to him for allowing me to use some of the material from his website on this page.

Manufacturer / Distributor

J.W. Spear & Sons Ltd., Enfield, Middlesex, UK

Below there are manuals / photos which can be downloaded by clicking on the appropriate image.

1938 - 1947

There are currently no photos or manual scans of these sets.

Late 1947 - 1949 (Kits 1 & 2)

An instruction manual for Brickplayer kits 1 and 2.
Original metal framed windows and separate lintels.
(Added 10/10/2019)

A later instruction manual for Brickplayer kits 1 and 2.
Incorporates the later die-cast windows.
(Added 09/06/2024)

Blueprints for Brickplayer kit 1 & 2 - models 1-8.
(Added 10/10/2019)

Photo showing the 1 in 27 scale doors and windows of the Brickplayer kits 1 &2,
(and presumably for the previous kits).
(Added 10/10/2019)

A postcard that came with Brickplayer sets 1 and 2.
(Added 10/10/2019)

Late 1949 - 1959 (Kits 3, 4 & Farm)

An instruction manual (version 1) for Brickplayer sets 3 and 4.
(Added 10/10/2019)

An instruction manual (version 2) for Brickplayer sets 3 and 4.
Changes in the accessory sets on page 2, plus various text and type setting changes.
(Added 09/06/2024)

An instruction manual (version 4) for Brickplayer sets 3 and 4.
Model parts lists now show large doors F15 & F16. Also paste-in for changed signal box steps.
(Added 09/06/2024)

An instruction manual (version 4) for Brickplayer sets 3 and 4.
As previous except that the changed signal box steps are incorporated and no longer a paste-in.
(Added 09/06/2024)