Vic--Thank you so much for further enlightening us on the apparent need and use of cross-hatching. It is a topic that has long promoted questions as to why it was used, and with no clear cut reason by anyone associated with Meccano. As I mentioned previoiusly, I was a young boy of around 13 when I first noticed it and became aware of the fact that some models had it and others did not. I am still interested in why the French Meccano factory used it so much earlier that the English factory. The French were utililyzing it around 1955-1956, based on obsverving several different models.Best regards, Terry
Thank you all for the kind comments on diecasting. I would be pleased to try and answer any further questions either via the forum or private message. My time at Meccano covered 18 years from 1961 to 1979 starting as apprentice toolmaker and eventually becoming Chief Draughtsman. Vic Mumby
Thank you, Vic, for this exclusive 'inside information'. It is a privilege for us to have you among our contributors and share such special experience and knowledge with us! Kind regards, Jan
Vic Mumby, I have so many potential questions difficult to know were to start. 1. do you know how many moulds were made for each model. 2. Have you any idea how many produced of each model. 3. Were models made in large batches or was it a more of a continious production. Do you get to any collecting clubs especially near Preston UK. David
Hello David, 1) Usually only one set of tools for each model. Exceptions would be if popularity of model demanded another tool due to tool wear, eg, DT104 SPV. 2) I have no knowledge of specific numbers for models, but the hardened tooling was designed to produce at least 100,000. 3) Production was scheduled to meet demand from sales, so run sizes would vary. Some models would be built for stock to cope with predicted Christmas demand. Unfortunately I live in Hampshire close to Winchester so a bit far for club meets near Preston. Vic Mumby
Interesting facts, does the 100,000 design rule apply to the earlier moulds in the 50's, 40's, and even the 30's. I assume that when the mould was too worn a new one was made, if the model was popular, but with slight changes presumably to ease casting. Is this correct? Also slightly changing the subject, I have in my collection a 46 page typed booklet headed, MECCANO - AN EMPIRE FALLEN by Ronald C, Wyborn, in it he reminisces about various happenings during his working life at Binns Road, he apparently worked closely with the Hornby sons.. Did you know him? David
I don't think tool life was consided before tool hardening was introduced in the 1960's. If a tool was damaged it would have been repaired, unless damaged beyond repair when it would be scrapped. A duplicate would only be made if the component was an essential part of another product or sales quantity showed it was worthwhile replacing. I did meet Ronald Wyborn briefly after I joined the drawing office in 1965, but I think he left soon after for pastures new. Vic
David and Jacques, Binns Road: An Empire Fallen by Ronald Wyborn has previously been published by the HRCA (Hornby Railway Collectors Association) as a suppliment of 23 pages to their 2010 December Journal. It may be subject to copyright so permission to reprint may have to be granted? Vic
Hopefully that article can either be shared or summarized for us. You would think it might have some very interesting information about Meccano and the Dinky Toys operation there! Best regards, Terry
