World’s biggest Meccano bridge to be unveiled in Belfast

World’s biggest Meccano bridge to be unveiled in Belfast

Mangalore Today News Network

Sep 21, 2015: What is believed to be the biggest ever construction made out of Meccano is due to be unveiled this weekend.

Students at Queen’s University Belfast have joined forces with local schoolchildren to build a footbridge across the city’s Clarendon Dock.

At 100 feet in length, it has taken a year to put the bridge together using 11,000 separate pieces. It will weigh about 1,300lbs.

Representatives from Guinness World Records will be present to certify the project is the biggest ever using Meccano.

Dating back to 1898, Meccano was designed by Frank Hornby. Originally patented as “Mechanics made easy”, the toy with its array of metal plates, girders, screws and nuts has enchanted generations of children.

The popularity has remained undiminished with Meccano exhibitions being held across the globe.

While the bridge will be the biggest item built from a Meccano set, enthusiasts have put together an astonishing array of items with the small bits of medal, from model washing machines to daleks.

The purpose of the Belfast project is to encourage children to consider careers in engineering, technology and maths.

“"I wanted to do something more inspirational, push my students and set them a task that seemed impossible,” said Dr Danny McPolin, a lecturer in civil engineering, in charge of the project.