Maakeets

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Maakeets Construction Sets

Maakeets was a Meccano-like construction system with also parts to make buildings. It was made in South Africa from before 1960 into the 1970s.

There appear to have been three ranges over the years:-

The bigger sets in blue and red boxes (probably the earlier range). 7 sets were issued from number 0 to number 6. These sets were manufactured by Vista Toys in Boksburg. In the photos below you will notice that one set (no 3) is an older set with a yellow background and the way the pieces have been attached to the backboard is also different. These sets probably date from the late 1950s into the 1960s'

There were three smaller sets which were presumable for younger lads and made in Pretoria for some reason. It is thought they are later 1960's even early 1970's. It seems there were four of these sets. although this is not certain.

There were also a range of educational sets, however at present there is no information on these.

Manufacturer / Distributor

Vista Toys (Pty) Ltd., P.O. Box 5151, Boksburg North, South Africa
Later - Makeets, Probus 1524, Pretoria

Info from the Metal Constructional Systems Database for MAAKEETS (Ref:MKT)

Maker

System Type
Meccano principle but sig. differences and Buildings

Country
South Africa

Dates
before 1960 to 1970s (see comment *¹)

Material

Thread
5/32W

Boss Type
double-tapped

Boss Thread
5/32W

Diametrical Pitch of Gears
26 (see comment *²)

No. of Parts in System
86

Hole Pitch (Spacing) (mm)
12.7

Diameter of holes in Strips(mm)
4.2

Diameter of the Bore in Bosses(mm)
4.1

Diameter of Axle Rods(mm)
4.0

Types of Nuts and Bolts
Nuts: hexagonal
Bolts: tapered cheese (slotted)

Material/Finish of Nuts and Bolts
Steel with a Brass finish

Size of the Nuts across Flats (mm)
6.2

Bolt diameter (mm)
6.5

Comments
Parts include 4½" Face Plate, braced Crane Arm, G/brass Side Plate, Corrugated Plates. *¹ Withdrawn 1960-65. *² Approx, also large-toothed Gears, Mod.2, & matching Rack.

The MCS document for this system is shown below. It can also be downloaded to your computer if desired here

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The report can be zoomed into, made full screen or downloaded as a pdf document by using the controls provided

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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The report can be zoomed into, made full screen or downloaded as a pdf document by using the controls provided

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

Photos of some of the (earlier) larger sets made in Boksburg.
(Added 16/01/2022)

Photos of some of the (later) smaller sets made in Pretoria.
(Added 16/01/2022)