My Quick Take: The Meccano-Erector Special Edition Big Ben is a monumental S.T.E.A.M. challenge for the serious builder. With over 1000 real metal parts, it builds into a stunning two-foot-tall replica of the iconic landmark. This is not a toy to be played with, but a rewarding project to be constructed and proudly displayed. It’s a true test of skill and a masterpiece of Meccano engineering.
Build an Icon: My Deep Dive into the Meccano Erector Big Ben Special Edition
Hey builders, Jerrel Jackson here. Most of the time, we build things that move—cars, planes, robots. But there’s a different kind of satisfaction, a deeper sense of accomplishment, that comes from building something timeless. Something iconic. Something that stands tall as a testament to your skill. That’s the experience you get with the Meccano-Erector Special Edition Big Ben Building Kit.
This is not just another model; it’s an architectural undertaking. With over 1,000 real metal parts, this set challenges you to recreate one of the world’s most famous landmarks. It’s a project that demands patience, precision, and a passion for engineering. I couldn’t resist the challenge of building this metal masterpiece. Is it the ultimate display piece for a true Meccano fan? Let’s start the clock and find out.
An Architect’s Dream: What’s in the Box?
Opening this box is an event in itself. You’re immediately struck by the sheer quantity of parts. The sight of over a thousand gleaming metal pieces is both thrilling and a little bit intimidating—in the best way possible. It’s clear this is a serious project for a serious builder.
- Over 1,085 Parts: This is a massive collection of classic Meccano metal. You get a huge assortment of girders, plates, and brackets in various sizes, all designed to create the intricate latticework and solid structure of the famous clock tower.
- Two Real Tools: The kit includes the essential Meccano wrench and hex tool. For a project of this scale, you’ll become very familiar with these tools, and they are more than up to the task.
- Detailed Instruction Sheet: For a build this complex, clear instructions are everything. The included manual is a comprehensive, step-by-step blueprint that guides you through the entire construction process, from the base to the belfry.
This set is a pure, unadulterated Meccano experience. It’s all about the metal, the bolts, and the authentic engineering challenge, much like the classic sets that have inspired builders for over a century.
The Construction: A Towering Achievement
This is a project you’ll want to set aside some serious time for. It’s the perfect long-term build for a rainy weekend or to chip away at over a week. The construction process is a masterclass in structural engineering.
The Foundation: You begin by building the base, a wide and heavily reinforced platform. This is where you learn about creating a solid foundation, a principle crucial for any tall structure. You can feel the weight and stability of the model from the very first steps.
The Ascent: Next, you begin constructing the main tower, level by level. This is a methodical and deeply satisfying process. You’ll create the intricate latticework that mimics the real tower’s stone facade, bolting together dozens of small pieces to form strong, detailed panels. Watching the tower grow taller and taller is incredibly motivating. This is a very different kind of challenge from building a playset like the Meccano Junior Police Station Chase; it’s all about precision and scale.
The Crown Jewel: The final and most intricate part of the build is the clock face and belfry. This requires careful attention to detail, as you assemble the delicate-looking but surprisingly strong framework that holds the iconic clock. Attaching this final piece to the top of your two-foot-tall tower is a moment of pure triumph. You haven’t just built a model; you’ve constructed a monument.
See the Monument Come to Life
It’s hard to appreciate the scale and detail of this model from pictures alone. This video gives you a fantastic time-lapse view of the building process, showing how over a thousand small pieces come together to create this towering masterpiece.
Building an Icon: Meccano vs. Other Architectural Models
For those who love to recreate famous landmarks, there are several fantastic options. How does the Meccano metal-and-bolts approach compare to other popular architectural building systems?
Meccano Big Ben
- Experience: Structural Engineering
- Material: Real Metal
- Key Feature: Impressive scale (2ft tall)
- Aesthetic: Industrial, skeletal beauty.
Best for: Builders who love the process and want a large, impressive model with an authentic engineering feel.
LEGO Architecture
- Experience: Micro-scale Sculpting
- Material: High-Quality Plastic
- Key Feature: High accuracy in a small scale
- Aesthetic: Clean, minimalist, and realistic.
Best for: Fans of the LEGO system who want a detailed but compact replica for display.
Wrebbit 3D Puzzles
- Experience: Spatial Reasoning Puzzle
- Material: High-Density Foam
- Key Feature: Puzzle-like assembly
- Aesthetic: Realistic, printed detail on a lightweight model.
Best for: Puzzlers who enjoy a different kind of challenge and want a large, lightweight display model.
The Meccano Big Ben offers a unique experience. While LEGO Architecture is about capturing the look in miniature and 3D puzzles are about the challenge of assembly, Meccano is about capturing the *spirit of the construction*. You feel like a true engineer, building a strong, latticed tower from the ground up. The finished model isn’t just a replica; it’s a celebration of the structural principles that make the real landmark possible.
FORGE A LANDMARK. BUILD YOUR LEGACY.
This is more than a building kit. It’s a project. It’s a centerpiece. It’s a testament to your skill and dedication. You’re not just buying a box of metal; you’re buying countless hours of focused, rewarding work that results in a masterpiece you’ll be proud to display for years. This is the ultimate project for the true builder.
Don’t just admire the icons. Build one yourself.
Construct Your Masterpiece – Buy Now!The Breakdown: The Highs and the Lows of the Tower
Why It’s a Masterpiece
- Incredible Scale: At two feet tall, the finished model has an amazing presence.
- Rewarding Challenge: A complex and engaging build for experienced enthusiasts.
- Authentic Engineering: A pure, classic Meccano experience with over 1000 metal parts.
- Stunning Display Piece: Looks fantastic on a shelf, desk, or mantelpiece.
- Teaches Advanced Skills: Perfect for developing patience, precision, and focus.
Things to Consider
- Not for Beginners: This is a demanding project best suited for ages 10+ with some experience.
- Time-Consuming: Be prepared to dedicate many hours to this build.
- Static Model: This is a display piece with no moving parts or motors.
My Final Verdict: Who Should Build the Meccano Big Ben?
The Meccano-Erector Special Edition Big Ben is an exceptional set for a specific type of builder. It’s for the enthusiast who loves the process as much as the result. It’s for the architecture fan who wants to understand the structure behind the facade. It’s for the family looking for a long-term project to tackle together. While it’s not a “toy” in the traditional sense like the fun Meccano Junior Pull-Back Buggy, its value as a challenging project and a stunning display piece is immense.
If you’re ready to move beyond vehicles like the Meccano Ducati and tackle a true architectural icon, this set is an absolute must-have. It’s a proud continuation of the Meccano legacy of inspiring builders to create amazing things, a history well-documented by institutions like the Brighton Toy and Model Museum. This isn’t just a model of a landmark; building it is a landmark achievement in itself.