Steel Engineering(1)

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Steel Engineering(1) Construction Sets

Steel Engineering(1) was a metal constructional system. It was sold in the USA from 1921/2 to 1924 by the Kelmet Corporation. This was a marketing company owned by Gilbert (the owner of Erector), who actually manufactured the sets (Gilbert had actually bought over the Kelmet Corporation in around 1921 very soon after its formation). Many of the parts subsequently found their way into the 'New' Erector sets of 1924.

Manufacturer / Distributor

Kelmet Corporation, New York City, USA
Probably actually made by A.C. Gilbert Company, New Haven Connecticut, USA

Info from the Metal Constructional Systems Database for STEEL ENGINEERING [1] (Ref:S E1)

Maker
Gilbert Erector

System Type
ERECTOR type

Country
USA

Dates
1921 to 1924

Material
Steel

Thread
8-32

Boss Type

Boss Thread

Diametrical Pitch of Gears
16

No. of Parts in System
40

Hole Pitch (Spacing) (mm)
12.7

Diameter of holes in Strips(mm)
4.2 (see comment *¹)

Diameter of the Bore in Bosses(mm)

Diameter of Axle Rods(mm)

Types of Nuts and Bolts
Nuts: square
Bolts: round (slotted)

Material/Finish of Nuts and Bolts
Steel with a Nickel plated finish

Size of the Nuts across Flats (mm)
7.1

Bolt diameter (mm)
7.3

Comments
LH side of lid has boy & Big Wheel. Included some parts used in 1924 ERECTOR. Strips have alternate holes & ½" long slots. *¹ 4.3 in Flanged Plate, Curved Strips, & other parts - maybe all under paint, but 4.1 also possible.

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

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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/leaflets/photos which can be downloaded by clicking on the appropriate image.

A Steel Engineering(1) set 1 instruction manual. It must date from 1922, as includes details of the 1922/3 prize contest. Note that unlike most other Gilbert manuals of the time, the manual is stapled in the gutter, allowing it to open flat.
(Added 24/01/2021)

Photos of a Steel Engineering(1) set 1. The box must date to no earlier than 1923, as it has been overprinted with details of the 1923 patent.
(Added 24/01/2021)