A Brief History of Metal Kit Building Toys - From 100 Years Ago

What and how do children play in the age of technology?

In 1898, the well-known British inventor Frank Hornby created a metal assembling toy specifically for kids and established a system for designing an entire set of metal pieces for them.

1901 design draft

Parents' concerns that their children will scratch their hands when playing with metal toys are allayed by the small metal sheet parts made especially for kids and the structural design that is simple to assemble but can be used indefinitely. Kids instantly adore the toys and are well-liked worldwide.

1932 French metal toy poster

More than a century later, many metal building toys still use Frank Hornby's iconic sheet metal shape and hole spacing.

Early metal-building toys

This metal-building toy is the best option for educating kids about engineering and science since they enjoy metal-constructing models.

Children can begin playing with the most basic metal assembly toy when they are five or six years old, and as they get older, they can progress to more intricate metal building robots.

These days, metal mechanical models are more intricate and delicate, in addition to the use of metal sheets and screws in conjunction with contemporary design.

Mech model

Following that, a self-cutting metal sheet model toy was created. The metal sheet's mould design is more varied and can finish more intricate and exquisite metal constructions. Additionally, metal assembling has gained a sizable fan base.

However, children should not handle the sharp edges of the sheet metal; adults and teenagers are better suited for it.

What else can kids learn about construction engineering and the delight and sense of achievement that come with building from metal-assembled toys? Inventiveness! Metal assembly is merely an engineering introductory course. Once the properties of metal, engineering science, and structural science are understood, the metal structure integrates motors, chips, programming, etc. How to make Iron Man, cars, and aeroplanes.

In recent years, everyone has been enjoying more and more do-it-yourself models, including animal, insect, and engine model kits—a great way to add fun for the whole family.

Animal model Kit

Various new "metal species" gather at the U.S.-founded MAKER FAIRE, a performance space for makers and fans each year.