 |
 Tinkertoys
and Erector Sets: Ninety Years Old and Going Strong
By Michaele Birney Arneson
April 1, 2003
Erector Set
Also
released in 1913, the “Mysto Erector Structural Steel Builder”
was created by A.C. Gilbert, who had earlier performed as a magician
to pay tuition bills while attending Yale Medical School. Later,
he became the first president of the Toy Manufacturers Association.
Special Edition Train Set |
Gilbert found the inspiration for his new set by
watching workers installing an electrical power-line tower. Instead
of wood spools and sticks, his Erector set consisted of metal beams
with evenly spaced holes for screws and bolts to pass through--securing
more beams, pulleys, gears, and eventually, engines.
50 Model Set with Power Tool |
Thirty-million sets later, Erector still has appeal.
“The allure of Erector is [built] around the possibility to
create,” said Robin Lehnert, public relations manager of BRIO
Corporation, the U.S. subsidiary of BRIO AB of Sweden and the U.S.
distributor of the Erector sets. “It is a great tool that
spurs imagination and creativity. By building something out of Erector
pieces, children can affect their surroundings.”
Unlike Tinkertoys, Erector has expanded on its original
concept. Eight product lines are now available, including City,
Racing and Creation for ages 4-8,
and Crazy Inventor, Future Master
and Multi-Models for the 8-15 crowd.
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Writer's
Bio: Michaele Birney Arneson is a freelance writer and
editor, specializing in children’s topics, education and employment,
health science, and environmental issues.
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