Models from metal constructors. Easy childhood, iron toys Types of metal constructors

Designing motorcycles is no less exciting than building any other vehicles. In addition, a motorcycle, which is, in fact, a naked concept of a self-propelled mechanism, requires more design sophistication, inventive gift and instinct of a good mechanic. I offer my ideas for design to the reader's court homemade motorcycles. I can say that I have some experience in this kind of work: at the Motosam-90 competition, my self-made - the eighth in a row - motorcycle was presented, a photograph of which the readers of the magazine could see in the report from the show in No. 2 for 1991 . In the photographs that are presented on these pages, there are three more motorcycles of my design. About one of them - the last and most successful - I want to tell the readers.

In thirteen years I have designed and built twelve two-wheeled machines. All of them differed significantly from each other. Moreover, two motorcycles were designed with partial use of the monocoque scheme, and three were completely frameless, with a monocoque bearing body. It is this design solution that I prefer today: it seems to me the most reliable and profitable in terms of strength, weight culture and ergonomics.

I hope that my design experience can be useful for those who are going to make a motorcycle.

So, what is a regular frame motorcycle? Simplifying the answer, we can say that this is a frame, a fuel tank, tool boxes, an air filter housing with an intake silencer, an exhaust silencer, a rear fender with a tail light bracket and numbers, a saddle base, a trunk, as well as a kilogram of all kinds of bolts, nuts, bushings , studs, washers and rubber bands, with the help of which all of the above is connected into a single structure.

If you sum up the masses of these components and assemblies, you get a very impressive value. In addition, all this put together forms a far from aesthetically looking “skeleton”, which has many secret places where absolutely indelible dirt will inevitably collect - you can get rid of it only by completely disassembling the motorcycle.

A year or two passes - and tool boxes begin to rattle, cracks creep along the rear wing, the number falls off along with the bracket ... And if the motorcyclist, God forbid, gets into at least a minor accident or even simply falls? In these cases, the frame bends, dents appear on the tank and tool boxes. More more trouble deliver huge lower mufflers, clinging to corners even on smooth asphalt and significantly reducing patency on bad roads.

All these shortcomings are deprived of a two-wheeled vehicle designed according to the "monocoque" design scheme. Such a motorcycle is a monoblock welded box-shaped structure that performs the functions of all the above parts and assemblies. Interestingly, the spatial box structure is significantly more rigid and durable than the classic frame (including duplex frames). The use of the monocoque scheme in the design of the motorcycle not only reduces the weight of the two-wheeled vehicle, but also brings the center of gravity of the motorcycle closer to the ground. This happens due to the fact that in this design the tool box and battery compartment are located in the lower part of the body, and a lightweight air filter with an intake silencer is in the upper part where the fuel tank cap is located on classic motorcycles. The air intake is made above the steering column - in this area the cleanest, dust-free air. An exhaust silencer can also be located inside the monocoque, however, reliable thermal insulation from the fuel and the seat cushion must be ensured.

1 - rear-view mirror, 2 - fuel tank countersunk plug, 3 - shock absorber compensation chamber, 4 - shock absorber with 120 mm stroke, 5 - swing arm, 6 - push lever, 7 - brake rod, 8 - rear housing with exhaust silencer (left a) and oil tank (right), 9 - rear direction indicator, 10 - parking light and brake light (dual), 11 - exhaust pipe (left a), 12 - brake disc diameter 300 mm, 13 - "trap" of the chain, 14 - rear wheel sprocket (z=37), 15 - rear wheel pendulum, 16 - drive sprocket (z=15), 17 - foot brake pedal, 18 - control box lever gears, 19 - winch drum, 20 - muffler - resonator, 21 - winch cable guide bracket, 22 - front brake disc with a diameter of 300 mm.

Rice. 2. The layout of the body-monocoque. The grid cell size is 100×100 mm.

Figures 1 and 2 show my enduro bike and its monocoque body with rear suspension and engine protection frame. The mass of the monocoque is only 23 kilograms, and the useful volume of such a hull is about 56 liters, of which 41 liters fall on fuel tanks (more than that of the Zhiguli!), The remaining volume of the hull is also fully used. At the same time, the motorcycle does not look bulky. On the contrary, it has relatively small dimensions - in particular, the base of the car is only 1350 mm (less than any Izhevsk motorcycle).

I must say that making a monocoque body is no more difficult than welding a good frame and equipping it with all attachments. It is only necessary to strictly adhere to the previously developed technology, so that all the parts fit well, and it would be convenient to weld them.

When drawing the design of the body, take care to ensure a comfortable fit for the rider - this is especially important for enduro motorcycles - as well as the safety of the rider's movements, ease of movement in a sitting position, in a rack and in a quickdraw.

After choosing the optimal, in the opinion of the designer, layout solution, you should draw the entire motorcycle in full size - depict a side, top, front and rear view, and also draw the most characteristic sections. The more detailed the drawing documentation, the easier it will go. further work for the manufacture of two-wheeled vehicles.

It is most rational to place the engine directly on the axis of the pendulum. In this case, the reaction from the tension of the drive chain closes directly to the pendulum. And it is far from small - sometimes it reaches the tensile strength of the chain, that is, almost two tons! It is necessary to fasten the powerful and not too well-balanced Izh-Planet engine (as well as all motocross motors) using silent blocks or rubber pads. It is only necessary to take into account that the chain not only pulls the engine back, but also turns it in a horizontal plane due to the asymmetrical arrangement of the chain.

In the work on creating a monocoque case, it is very convenient to use the method of volumetric prototyping. In this case, the layout of the case is assembled from cardboard blanks, which are connected using strips of paper and glue. In the process of making a layout, as a rule, changes occur in the design of the hull, since not everything can be foreseen in flat drawing projections. Simultaneously with the layout of the case, it is desirable to work out the technological map of its assembly - this will ensure convenience welding work. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the possible warping of metal blanks when welding the body with uneven heating. Keep in mind that the parts on which the swingarm and steering column are attached are welded last. If necessary, they should be adjusted to the body so that on the finished motorcycle the planes of the wheels coincide with the plane of symmetry of the monocoque body.

The finished three-dimensional layout is cut at the gluing points, and the cardboard patterns of the monocoque elements are numbered: these are the patterns that will be used to cut blanks from steel sheet appropriate thickness - from 1.2 to 1.5 mm. The easiest way to do this is with a chisel on a massive anvil.

Welding must be carried out in strict accordance with technological map. To make the seams look neat and strong, the edges of the parts to be welded should be slightly bent, as shown in Figure 3.

To ensure sufficient strength of the monocoque body, it is advisable to introduce additional amplifiers, flanging, and stiffeners into its design. For example, the steering column on my motorcycle and the transverse stiffening beam, to which the bracket of the only rear suspension shock absorber is welded, are additionally connected with a 25 × 40 mm rectangular steel pipe. In addition, inside this pipe it is convenient to place electrical wiring and motorcycle control cables.

The design of the intake silencer significantly affects the engine power and its torque characteristics. The larger its volume, the easier the engine “breathes”, respectively, the less air pulsation in the filter, and hence the less noise. Experts recommend setting the muffler volume to at least 20 engine displacements. The path from the air filter to the carburetor should be smooth, excluding turbulence in the air flow, which significantly reduces engine power.

After welding, the monocoque body is checked for leaks - first with water and then with pure gasoline. In the absence of leakage, the welds are coated from the inside with liquid epoxy glue - it will fill the small pores, bind pieces of slag and metal drops - this is especially important for the intake silencer.

Rear suspension - pendulum type, with cantilever wheel mounting. Wheel travel - about 260 mm. The pendulum hinge is on ball bearings with gland seals. Chain tension - using an eccentric. The disc brake is mechanically driven.

The front suspension is based on the fork from the CZ-516 motocross motorcycle. Wheel - under the tire in 21 inches, a drive of brake pads of a disk brake - hydraulic.

The padded saddle pad is glued directly to the monocoque body, while the faux leather cover is flush-mounted with screws.

I would like to warn readers who do not have sufficient experience in the design of motor vehicles that the creation of home-made two-wheeled vehicles is a very complicated matter. In this article, I tried to talk about my work and those ideas that I consider promising for amateur motorcycle construction. However, I would categorically advise novice motor builders not to take up the creation of a powerful machine based on this material. Maybe it's better to start with simpler motorcycles. After all, I went to the monocoque, creating more than a dozen intermediate designs ...

Alexey GARAGASHYAN, St. Petersburg

In Soviet times, children's metal constructors were very popular - sets of strips and plates. different sizes, with holes and fixing screws. Although the expression "iron toys" at one time was pronounced with derision, but as life has shown, plastic toys are much worse. Especially if it's cheap toxic material from China. It is not surprising that many parents prefer eco-friendly wooden or iron ones. Therefore, silumin models of cars are 2-3 times more expensive than plastic ones. But back to the designer from this review. In the photo below, half of the elements are no longer there (let's go), but the essence is clear.

He was bought by friends through an online store, for only 600 rubles, as a gift to his son. The set is called "Super wagon", and believe me - it fully justifies its prefix "super-"! Moreover, such a thing is, as it were, preparatory stage mastering electronics for kids, showing how complex designs are obtained from individual simple parts.

In a convenient plastic box there are a lot of all sorts of details, and not just cadmium ones, and painted in various colors durable powder paint. The developers even provided for such useful little things as a crane hook, nylon rope, rollers and several types of wheels.

Complete set of the designer

• 1. Plank - 36 pcs.
• 2. Corner - 10 pcs.
• 3. Plate - 25 pcs.
• 4. Hood - 1 pc.
• 5. Stove - 3 pcs.
• 6. Fork - 5 pcs.
• 7. Bracket - 11 pcs.
• 8. Disc - 2 pcs.
• 9. Roller - 7 pcs.
• 10. Large wheel - 4 pcs.
• 11. Small wheel - 2 pcs.
• 12. Wheel - 4 pcs.
• 13. Tire - 4 pcs.
• 14. Hairpin - 5 pcs.
• 15. Axle - 4 pcs.
• 16. Cord - 2m.
• 17. Pen - 2 pcs.
• 18. Screw - 74 pcs.
• 19. Nut - 96 pcs.
• 20. Key - 3 pcs.
• 21. Screwdriver - 1 pc.
• 21. Instruction

The instructions have a dozen samples of what can be assembled from such a set, but it is clear that by connecting a minimal fantasy, the number of possible designs is unlimited. Here is just a small part of what I managed to photograph in the process:

Photo of crafts from an iron constructor

Machine

Helicopter

Airplane

self-propelled gun

Tank

Lantern with lamps

Motorcycle

Tractor

Sofa

Crane

In general, at such a ridiculous price, we get not one kind of car or tank, but a whole bunch of all sorts of toys. Tired of one - dismantled and folded a new one, and so at least every day. And most importantly - they do not break, unlike delicate plastic ones. Unless you can bend, but this is fixable :)

Discuss the article CHILDREN'S IRON CONSTRUCTION

The metal construction set is considered a complex toy and embodies the dream of any boy to “work” with tools similar to adults.

Cold metal fascinates, allows you to create the most complex models using a screwdriver, keys, bolts and screws. An interesting lesson in assembling the model will seem not only to children, but also to adults. Metal intellectual toys are a real excursion into the world of children's thinking and fantasy.

The main idea of ​​the toy

The complete set of each product consists of components similar to those that dad keeps in his toolbox: nuts, brackets, screws, other fasteners. All this is presented to the baby as real, only performed in miniature.

Metal objects are fastened together by screwing in bolts of suitable diameter. The plates can be straight, curved, narrow or wide, each element of the plate is perforated with holes.

This makes the constructor universal, makes it possible to create models, guided only by imagination. Sets with a variety of elements allow you to assemble structures of all sizes and varying degrees of complexity.

Samples of finished products are depicted on the packaging, they are accompanied by an assembly diagram and instructions for use. The boy can successfully create unique mechanisms and structures, collect crafts for school and preschool classes, and play games with the assembled models.

Self-made toys are the pride of the boy, so do not ignore children's interests, it is important to introduce the child to design from an early age.

A smart toy will allow parents to captivate their child for a long time and go about their business.

Before starting the game, it is important to explain to the child that the initial design may not work, but correcting mistakes will allow you to achieve the desired results in the future. Solving the set and non-standard tasks is the main purpose of the team game.

Differences from other types

It is difficult to call a metal constructor a toy; rather, it refers to serious intellectual work associated with creativity. Collecting the constituent elements, the child constantly refers to the instructions, develops ingenuity, patience and gets the result of his hard work in the form of a finished machine or a construction crane.

There are many small elements in the game that need to be carefully connected to each other not with grooves, which is inherent in other types of assembly toys, but with bolts, washers and nuts using special tools. Details during design must be constantly recalculated so as not to make mistakes when installing the necessary elements.

The assembly structure has movable components that can be loosened or tightened depending on the nature of the finished product. From the metal elements of one model, you can create others, moreover, it is not always necessary to act according to the instructions. This will allow the child to develop and improve the logical line of imagination.

By establishing the interaction of objects according to the type of connection, the baby builds his own approach to the process, forms personal preferences, and raises self-esteem. With the correct design of complex parts into a finished structure, the boys experience indescribable pride in the invention.

Advantages of the game assembly:

• Versatility and the ability to deviate from the instructions;
• Details of various modifications and special tools complement each other;
• Suitable for children of different sexes;
• It is divided by age and intellectual development.

For preschoolers, such a constructor is suitable as a preparation for school and lessons of labor disciplines. Interest in assembling metal products changes the behavior of many children, developing in them perseverance, concentration, contact with adults at the level of discussing the action associated with assembling the necessary product.

It has been proven that assembling a construction kit develops a clear and beautiful handwriting in a boy, which is important when depicting clear lines and lettering.

The benefits of a smart toy

Perforated metal plates for construction have been known since the last century. Manufacturers of designers in those years were hardly guided by serious pedagogical motives, because the world of bright plastic was not yet conquered, and wood and metal were the basic materials for making children's toys.

The popularity of the logic toys made of metal has not slowed down, but on the contrary, the interest in it is increasing every year.

The game assembly toy is designed to collect not only parts from the instructions, but also others that can only come to mind. This allows you to develop imagination and logic.

Assembly toys made of metal are designed for children from 5-6 years old. In some cases, they are used in labor lessons in kindergarten and school, for making crafts.

In the process of hard work, the boy:

• receives the basics of technical thinking and logic;
• develops fine motor skills hands;
• develops concentration;
• development of creativity and systems thinking;
• increases alertness and coordination of movements.

From the side of the psyche, a feeling of self-satisfaction develops, after collecting the model and adequate self-esteem.

Assembly and construction have always been considered in a good way relieve tension and stress, develop a personal opinion about yourself, learn to set achievable goals and overcome difficult tasks.

For boys, these abilities will help in the future, since many technical specialties in higher education are widely available to them. educational institutions. Proper systems thinking can improve school performance.

Types of metal constructors

Now metal designers have many modifications, and the most unusual models can be assembled. Classic cars, cranes, steam locomotives - today they have been greatly modernized beyond recognition.

The kid can assemble a real plane, a tower, a truck with a large body. The sizes of the designer vary from medium to large, and the number of parts in the kit is always different from each other.

Many modern views designers are equipped with electronics. This is very exciting, as it creates the illusion of a real game: with tanks, cars, flares and more. After assembly, technical devices are capable of emitting characteristic sounds, being highlighted, and some moving parts can be controlled remotely.

If the designer is classic, without additional devices, then the kid himself controls the finished product.

The logic game made of metal can be produced for young children from three years old and for older children. They are distinguished by some complexity of assembly and the level of intellectual perception in children.

For beginners, mini-constructors are suitable. They are characterized by a small number of parts, the simplest assembly and instruction scheme.

Complete set of metal constructors

Items undergo strict quality control from manufacturing to packaging. Depending on the type and type of assembly, fragments of the designer may include cords, plastic or rubber parts. The kit comes with a set of assembly tools and instructions.

If necessary, special notes and a scheme for a non-standard combination of fragments, the use of elements with electronics, safety rules at the time of the game are indicated.

How to choose a metal constructor

The purchase of a logic toy made of metal should be considered, since the type of activity is serious. It is worth considering some of the nuances that will not repel the baby from further design and self-development.

• Markings on the packaging for mandatory quality certification;
• The designation on the packaging about the age limit;
• Metal plates for inspection should be smooth, without sharp points and raw protrusions;
• Fasteners must have clear cuts and threads without visible defects;
• Details of toys for children under 5 years old should not be less than 50 mm;
• The product should not smell of paint and rust;
• All constituent fragments must comply with security requirements.

Thematic areas

When buying a play assembly toy, parents are often guided by the preferences of the child. It is impossible to attract his attention with uninteresting activities, so manufacturers develop models of metal constructors, taking into account the interests of young inventors. The accepted directions include constructors in a technical and futuristic style.

technical style

Aimed at creating classic models of combat and specialized vehicles: armored vehicles, tanks, military aircraft, cannons, fire and signal vehicles with beacons, police crews and motor vehicles, tower and cranes.

This type of assembly game is suitable for older children to use the finished product in the future as an addition to their own toy collection.

Futuristic style

The direction is typical for the creation of famous cartoon characters. In the configuration of such assembly games there are additional parts made of high-quality bright plastic, cords, elastic bands.

Such a game is suitable for an earlier age category, has large fragments, bright colors. Cartoon characters are associated in the baby with positive. Finished products can be used as a toy or room decoration.

Every year the toy industry develops, offering the consumer more and more new products to replace the old ones. The metal constructor, which was the secret dream of every Soviet boy, seemed to have lost ground to more colorful plastic Lego sets. However, one should not think that the old Soviet invention has sunk into oblivion, it is still in demand and continues to be produced.

Today's manufacturers have begun to produce it in a wider range, and now it looks like a much more competitive product than before.

Advantages

The popularity of the plastic designer seems obvious: such a material is brighter, more comfortable, lighter, and non-toxic, and it is much more difficult to inflict injury with it than with a metal part. However, it is a metal set that develops a child much better, and versatile.

• The plastic parts of the designer are usually characterized by a very high attraction for kids, because they imitate what they should imitate in a particular assembly, but because of this they cannot be used in any other way.
• Iron sets are made up of universal parts, allowing children's imagination to run wild and create something original, also thanks to the compilation of parts from two different sets. At the same time, instructions that allow you to quickly assemble something specific are also present.

• The parts of the iron constructor do not have grooves that are simply inserted into each other, so each part has to be screwed to the other with screws, nuts and wrench Everything you need is included, of course. It turns out that the assembly process becomes much more complex, and therefore the developing effect is more expressive.
• The iron designer was not created for boys alone, girls can also use it. Perhaps it will be a little more difficult for a girl to come up with unusual idea for an interesting build, but still possible.
• Today, companies produce the widest range of iron construction kits, so finding something appropriate for a child of any age (from preschooler to teenager) is not difficult.

Flaws

Unfortunately, there are no such products that would not have flaws at all, and everyone's favorite metal designers, of course, also have certain features that may raise doubts as to whether it is worth choosing such a gift at all. The children's iron constructor has a number of disadvantages that you need to know about even before buying.

• Gifts of this kind are only suitable for older preschoolers, because children under 6 years of age the purchase of this toy is actually contraindicated. Even if the details of the designer are made in fairly large sizes, the set still contains nuts and screws with washers, which are very easy to swallow. Consequently, such a set is often perceived as a school set, while the very relationship with the school and responsibilities can reduce the kid's interest in designing.

• The iron designer allows you to make the most unexpected crafts on your own, however, this statement is more true in relation to adults, while for kids the task can be quite boring. A child from 10 years old and older will understand complex instructions, and even then - only if you have your own formed interest, and there can be no talk of independent design of a new toy at an early age. Consequently, children perceive working with such a constructor within the school walls, rather, as a duty than as an interesting and exciting game, because of which the main value of the set is lost.

• The crazy popularity of plastic designers for children is largely due to their brightness, according to this indicator, they are significantly ahead of any competitors. Today, manufacturers are trying to paint even metal sets, however it is unrealistic for them to compete with the brightness of plastic competitors. As a result, the child perceives school construction as a not very successful imitation of the game, instead of learning at ease.
• Due to its strength, metal parts have a high degree of injury. It is clear that in a quality set there should not be points or poorly processed surfaces, but at least one child can throw a large part at another, and the blow can be quite strong. Children, alas, do not understand the dangers of such games and fights, and therefore, without hesitation, they can injure their peers with the help of game details.

Kinds

There are quite a few varieties of metal construction kits - they can be small or large, designed for children of different ages, universal or narrowly focused, contribute to the assembly of models from a particular industry. If the purchase is made not for a class or circle, but for one child, all these details must be taken into account.

It should be understood that the age recommendations are indicated on the box for a reason. Although a child may be ahead of or slightly behind his peers in development, in general, such indications are very valuable, allowing you to understand whether the baby will be interested and whether he can cope with the task.

At the same time, the task must still be quite difficult if parents want to get a clear effect on the development of the child's mental abilities.

And so that he does not get bored, you will have to choose a set with a certain plot that is close to the child. It should be recognized that such products are more focused on boys, no matter how manufacturers try to expand the range, all the same, the kits mainly concern the assembly of equipment. But even here everything is not so simple, so it’s worth once again taking an interest in the sets offered in our time.

• The theme of the future has always been popular among children, so a set that makes a beautiful transformer robot will be a great gift for a baby. As a rule, such sets do not imply a large number collected models. However, the very fact of the transformer implies the presence of at least two variations of the finished model, dissimilar to each other.

• Children are also very interested in the topic of flights, and although the days of Gagarin's rampant popularity are long gone, a plane or helicopter of one's own design will still be considered a very intelligent toy. Many boys dream of taking to the air, and to have the right to say that you yourself have assembled an aircraft, albeit a toy one, is a very weighty argument for respect among friends.

• Typical male interests are manifested in boys as early as childhood, therefore a young mechanic will surely be delighted with the opportunity to assemble various wheeled vehicles. A good all-round kit gives you great opportunities for this: you can assemble a tractor or a tank, a truck or even a simple motorcycle.

Such a 3D model can even be played if desired, although to a greater extent it is still a sign of the boy's engineering genius and a reason for his immeasurable pride.

Do not ignore the fact that now manufacturers have moved away from the canon, according to which a metal constructor should be a banal set of nuts and washers. Now even a metal set often includes parts from other materials, most often it means, of course, plastic that can imitate vehicle tires, transparent glasses, and much more.

Another popular material for the manufacture of individual parts is rubber, which also allows you to achieve greater plausibility of the assembled models than the classic versions of the iron constructor usually do. However, the classic screw constructor with an electric motor is a revolutionary development.

On the one hand, there is nothing incredible in such a decision, on the other hand, the Soviet developers for some reason did not guess to provide for such an option. As a result of adding a simple mechanical motor, similar to that used in toy plastic typewriters, assembled models can move on their own!

Naturally, the parts are processed in such a way as to match the motor mounts as much as possible, however, the young engineer's self-esteem after working with such a gift just rolls over: he literally assembled a self-propelled mechanism! After such a childhood, the choice in favor of any technical or design profession should no longer surprise anyone, but such a path in our country is still considered honorable and profitable.

Features of choice

A wide variety of models on the market can confuse an inexperienced buyer, because worth paying attention to important details contributing to the correct choice:

• quality certification is the first sign that the product is worthy of purchase, especially since you can see it without even unpacking the product;
• the age limit on the packaging is indicated for a reason: you should not buy a 4-year-old child a constructor designed for 9-year-olds, and vice versa;
• Poorly machined metal parts can cause injury and should be inspected for sharp edges or nicks.
• great attention should be paid to the quality of fasteners, which should not have problems with cuts and threads, otherwise the whole set will be useless;

• when buying a designer for children under 5 years old, the problem of swallowing small parts still remains relevant, therefore, the set should not contain fragments smaller than 50 mm in size;
• although, in general, metal is much safer than the same plastic in terms of environmental friendliness, the resulting rust or low-quality dye used can be dangerous, therefore, if there is a strange smell, it is better not to take the product;

A good constructor involves assembling numerous different models from one set, but in their focus they should at least partially affect the sphere of interests of a particular child.

Manufacturers

In certain situations, you should simply trust the manufacturer, who has proven himself thanks to quality products. The majority of consumers do not choose one brand or another in vain: in the age of information technology, any serious flaw would quickly become public knowledge, so well-known manufacturers simply do not allow themselves to do their job badly.

Among Russian trademarks It is worth highlighting the "Tenth Kingdom", which focuses mainly on products designed for school labor lessons. It is impossible not to pay attention to the products of the Samodelkin brand, which took its name in honor of the Soviet cartoon character, assembled from parts of a similar designer. Russian designers are distinguished by good quality and a fairly affordable price.

Imported kits also deserve respect. Although Western toys are traditionally perceived as something bright and beautiful, and, let's be honest, superior domestic analogues, even the Americans have variations on the theme of our iron designer. Another thing is that such products look much more beautiful, for example, the perforation made for screwing in the bolts may not be visible from the outside.

On the other hand, such a designer is usually less versatile, since it is a kind of Lego, only made of metal. A good example of such a product can be called sets manufactured by the American company Meccano. Such a toy would take its rightful place in the nursery. However, it would be fair to assume that imported products will cost parents much more than Russian ones.

But for Chinese products, the quality is often as low as the price. It is not necessary to argue that absolutely all Chinese metal constructors are harmful, fragile or poorly processed, but such complaints are not such a rare occurrence. Worthy samples come across, but the big problem is that the average Russian consumer does not remember Chinese brand names, which is why a product from China is always an abstraction for him.

Such metal constructors in last years are becoming increasingly popular in Russia, thanks in part to various services for delivering purchases directly from China at literally bargain prices.

At the same time, it should be remembered that such an acquisition is always a risk of spending money, albeit small, on a product that did not deserve consumer attention at all.

An overview of the metal constructor No. 7 (production of the Russian Federation, Nizhny Novgorod), see the following video.

Hello friends. For a very long time I did not do reviews of handicrafts of creative personalities. Everyone could not find time for this, conducting his master classes, traveling around IT exhibitions () and starting his mini-journey and the changes that he wrote about in the blog.

I will send descriptions to the pictures and the works themselves, and the author will announce himself in the comments, if he wants.

The first sets began to be made already in 1901 in England.

Initially, the idea was to create working layouts to demonstrate projects, such as bridges.
But the material from which the layouts were assembled must be universal. This is how the idea of ​​using perforated strips was born. Therefore, their models are unique in terms of the complexity of mechanical solutions and design beauty.
Motor:


Elevator control unit (stacker):

It's like a Tiger tank.

AN-2. It seems like it.

Mini model. The idea is taken from foreigners, but all the details are ours.

Cubism. corner sides cubes large and small. The big one is assembled from the standard corners of the designer, and in a small cube I put my parts to connect the sides. The gap is minimal.

I took a retro car from Meccano (red) assembled from our parts except for wheels, headlights and a cover on the hood.

I made templates for the manufacture of cover sheets from different companies. So far, only from the Yunost 4 set converted to a millimeter standard. And sheets from the GDR Construction 100 set. There are some duplicate drawings, this is to fill in the sheet. Some parts are reminiscent of the Mercur set.
Drawn in Word. It seems that it turned out not bad, but it is better to make templates on graph paper. It will be more accurate.
I will take the material from the covers of accounting folders. There are folders with normal thickness. I would like more, but what we have, then we will use it ..
I punch holes with a set of punches for punching holes in rubber. It is not expensive, it costs about 300 rubles.

This is how the retro truck turned out from memory. There are homemade parts, these are hinges on the doors, wheels and many other reworked parts from our kits. A trial version of making impromptu headlights from ketchup caps. In principle, LEDs can be installed in these caps and power the headlights. It is possible to add this model with hinges on the body and a lifting mechanism for the body. Though lifting mechanism this is for a different type of truck. Or make a roof on the body or put an awning. I think from Lego, add colored parking lights. You can paint the wheels with black paint, it’s like highlighting the outer shoe, as if the model has rubber wheels.
What do people think, can manufacturers be recommended to create such a set?

How do I make loops.
Yes, the occupation is long, dreary and thankless. A little distracted and that's it ... a loop to release.
And so, we take a panel 5x5 or 5x10, better 5x10 where the metal is thinner and easier to bend. We unfold the turns on the panel on the anvil and outline the future blanks for the loops. Everything is visible in the photo.
Well, then it’s a matter of technology ... mode, bend, saw, nails mode, and drive the loops to each other.

Trying to make gear sets.

It turned out such an impromptu ... not a known model of the aircraft ... Objections and comments are accepted. 🙂

I decided to continue the collection of old tanks from the war. This time it is an English tank Cromvell Mk 4 (A27M). This is the first version of the model so far. I will clarify some small details, maybe I will add some small details on the tower. I won't install tracks yet. Perhaps I will put them on after disassembling the KV-1. You need to loosen up the wheels a bit more. The tank gun was made from a telescopic antenna.
Where two tanks are together, you can clearly see how the iron coating oxidizes in air. Becomes pale, dull, then begins to darken. Iron on the second tank lay all this time in the package. Designers were bought almost simultaneously. Conclusion: our coatings have poor carcass, although not all manufacturers of designers. Still shame!

Trying to make big wheels 3 and 4 option

Part of my instrument.

Here is the continuation of the retro series. This is a Parisian taxi from the beginning of the last century. This is not a complete analogue of any model. In those days there were a lot of models of this type, and the series of cars were very insignificant.

Mekano has worthy models for re-building, our material and technical base is very small and depends on the amateur's wallet. Not everyone wants to spend several thousand rubles on 3-4 dozen parts.
In short, the model is not yet the final version. I need to do the front bumper and the rear too. Might be worth putting a spare in the back. On the roof, make railings for suitcases.
In short, take another model for assembly from domestic parts for criticism. I tried to paint the wheels from a conventional aerosol can with alkyd enamel for interior and exterior work, it turned out not bad, in my opinion.