'Other' Constructional and Allied Systems Info & Downloads
Erector Construction Sets
Erector metal construction sets were introduced by A.C. Gilbert in 1913. It was an early competitor to Meccano. Known as Mysto Erector until 1916. In 1930 A.C. Gilbert bought over the American Meccano factory and American Meccano became similar to Erector. Erector lasted until the late 1980s. However from the late 1960s the company was having serious problems and it went through a number of owners (Gabriel, Ideal Toys & Tyco Toys) until it closed in the late 1990s. Meccano then bought over the Erector brand name in 2000 and now uses that name to sell Meccano in the American market.
Erector(1) - Prototype Erector (1913)
Manufacturer / Distributor
The Mysto Manufacturing Co., 78 Foote Street, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
Info from the Metal Constructional Systems Database for ERECTOR [1] prototype (Ref:ERT1)
Gilbert Erector
ERECTOR type
USA
1913
Steel
8-32 (probably)
33 (see comment *1)
12.7 (multiples of value shown, including half.)
4.2
Nuts: square
Bolts: round (slotted)
`
Comments
Detachable boss for large Gears & Pulleys. Girders flanged but not grooved. *1 plus 12 for motor.
Pages from the 'Other Systems Newsletter' which contain information on this system are shown below. They can also be downloaded to your computer if desired here
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There are currently no manuals/leafets available for this phase.
Erector(2a) - Mysto Erector (1914-16)
Manufacturer / Distributor
The Mysto Manufacturing Co., 78 Foote Street, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
Info from the Metal Constructional Systems Database for ERECTOR [2a] mysto (Ref:ERT2a)
Gilbert Erector
ERECTOR type
USA
1914 to 1916
Steel
8-32
single-tapped
6-32
16
55 (see comment *1)
12.7 (multiples of value shown, including half.)
4.2
Nuts: square
Bolts: round (slotted)
`
Comments
Improved design Girders, normal bosses, different, assembled Motor. *1 In 1915.
The MCS document for this system is shown below. It can also be downloaded to your computer if desired here
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NOTE - The 'Other Systems Newsletter' pages displayed further up this web page, may also include information on this system/era.
Below there are manuals/instructions which can be downloaded by clicking on the appropriate image.
An instruction leaflet for Mysto Erector set 0.
An instruction leaflet for Mysto Erector set 6 - Cover and first few and last few pages missing.
A newspaper advertisement for Mysto Erector.
From The Literary Digest for December 5, 1914
Erector(2b) - Old Erector (1916-24)
Manufacturer / Distributor
A.C Gilbert Co. New Haven, Connecticut, USA
Info from the Metal Constructional Systems Database for ERECTOR [2b] old (Ref:ERT2b)
Gilbert Erector
ERECTOR type
USA
1916 to 1924
Steel
8-32
single-tapped
6-32
16
56 (see comment *1)
12.7 (multiples of value shown, including half.)
4.3
4.0
4.0
Nuts: square
Bolts: round (slotted)
Steel with a Steel finish
9.5
7.5
Comments
Some parts introduced or changed in this period. *1 In 1919.
The MCS document for this system is shown below. It can also be downloaded to your computer if desired here
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Below there are manuals/instructions which can be downloaded by clicking on the appropriate image.
An Erector(2b) instruction leaflet for set 0 dated 1920.
An Erector(2b) manual Part 1 dated 1919.
An Erector(2b) advertisement circa 1916.
Erector(3a) - New Erector (1924-32)
Manufacturer / Distributor
A.C Gilbert Co. New Haven, Connecticut, USA
Info from the Metal Constructional Systems Database for ERECTOR [3a] new (Ref:ERT3a)
Gilbert Erector
ERECTOR type
USA
1924 to 1932
Steel
8-32
single-tapped
6-32
24
217 (see comment *1)
12.7 (multiples of value shown, including half.)
4.3 (mean)
4.1
4.0 (see comment *2)
Nuts: square
Bolts: round (slotted)
`
Comments
Redesigned system with narrower Girders, Strips with ¼” pitch holes, etc, etc.*1 In 1929. *2 Also 1/4, 5/16", with some bosses to suit.
The MCS document for this system is shown below. It can also be downloaded to your computer if desired here
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Below there are manuals/instructions which can be downloaded by clicking on the appropriate image.
An Erector(3a) manual for set 1 dated 1924.
An Erector(3a) manual for set 1 dated 1929.
An Erector(3a) manual for set 3 dated 1929.
Another Erector(3a) manual for set 3 dated 1929. Slightly different front cover and different inside rear cover
An Erector(3a) manual for set 4 dated 1928.
An Erector(3a) manual for set 4 dated 1929.
Erector(3b) - Revised Erector (1932-62)
Manufacturer / Distributor
A.C Gilbert Co. New Haven, Connecticut, USA
Info from the Metal Constructional Systems Database for ERECTOR [3b] revised (Ref:ERT3b)
Gilbert Erector
ERECTOR type
USA
1932 to 1962
Steel (see comment *1)
8-32
single-tapped
6-32
24
136 (see comment *2)
12.7 (multiples of value shown, including half.)
4.3 (mean)
4.1 (see comment *3)
4.0
Nuts: square
Bolts: round (slotted)
`
Comments
Many parts dropped. Double Flanged Plates replace single flanged parts. *1 Some parts aluminium postwar. *2 In '35, 110 after WW2. *3 4.2 for later cast bosses.
The MCS document for this system is shown below. It can also be downloaded to your computer if desired here
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NOTE - The 'Other Systems Newsletter' pages displayed further up this web page, may also include information on this system/era.
Below there are manuals/instructions which can be downloaded by clicking on the appropriate image.
The 1938 instruction manual for Erector(3b) sets up to 4½.
The 1938 instruction manual for Erector(3b) sets up to 9½.
The 1951 instruction manual for Erector(3b) sets up to 3.
The 1951 instruction manual for Erector(3b) sets up to 4½.
The 1954 instruction manual for Erector(3b) sets up to 10½.
Erector(4a) - (1963-81) Gilbert Erector until 1966 then Gabriel Erector
Manufacturer / Distributor
A.C Gilbert Co. New Haven, Connecticut, USA
Info from the Metal Constructional Systems Database for ERECTOR [4a] gabriel (Ref:ERT4a)
Gabriel Erector
ERECTOR type
USA
1963 (see comment *1) to 1981 (see comment *2)
Steel
8-32
single-tapped
6-32
--
80 (see comment *3)
12.7
4.2
4.2
4.0 (see comment *4)
Nuts: square
Bolts: round (slotted)
Steel with a Bright Zinc plated finish
6.5
7.1
Comments
Complete redesign. *1Gilbert owned until '66. *2 Gabriel owned until 1983 but character of the sets changed in 1981 to that typical of the next 'Ideal' period. *3 1963, approx 60 by 1971. *4 With flat.
The MCS document for this system is shown below. It can also be downloaded to your computer if desired here
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NOTE - The 'Other Systems Newsletter' pages displayed further up this web page, may also include information on this system/era.
Below there are manuals/instructions which can be downloaded by clicking on the appropriate image.
Some instruction sheets for Erector(4a) sets. (Gilbert)
A photo of a Gilbert (Gabriel Industries) Erector set box.
(added 22/05/21)
An illustrated parts list for a Gilbert (Gabriel Industries) Erector set
(added 22/05/21)
A Model Building Guide for a Gilbert (Gabriel Industries) Erector set
(added 22/05/21)
An instruction manual for a Gilbert (Gabriel Industries) Erector set
(added 22/05/21)
A photo of a Gilbert (Gabriel Industries) Pocket Erector set.
(added 22/05/21)
The 1973 instruction leaflet for a Gilbert (Gabriel Industries) Pocket Erector set.
(added 22/05/21)
The 1975 instruction leaflet for the Pocket Erector set. (Gabriel Industries)
An advertisement for Erector. (Gilbert)
From Boys' Life for October 1964
Erector(4b) - (1981-86) Gabriel Erector(to 1983) then Ideal Erector
Manufacturer / Distributor
Gabriel Industries Inc, Maryland, USA
From 1983 - Ideal Toy Co., USA
Later: Tyco Toys
Info from the Metal Constructional Systems Database for ERECTOR [4b] ideal (Ref:ERT4b)
Ideal Erector
ERECTOR type
USA
1981 (see comment *1) to 1986
Steel / Plastic
8-32
single-tapped
6-32
--
61 (see comment *2)
12.7
4.2 (see comment *3)
4.2
4.0 (see comment *4)
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: round (slotted)
Steel with a Black metallic finish
8.5
7.5(see comment *5)
Comments
Less metal & more plastic parts. *1 Gabriel ownership to '83. *2 Excluding special plastic parts in Robot set; 70 in 1987-88 with more plastic. *3 Girders, to 4.4 in other parts. *4 with flat. *5 7.7 for longer.
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Below there are manuals/instructions which can be downloaded by clicking on the appropriate image.
The 1981 instruction manual for Erector sets 200, 375, 500, 725. (Gabriel Industries)
The instruction manual for Erector sets 200, 375, 500, 725. (Ideal Toys).