Meccano revealed its first licensed property in late 2011 with ‘The Adventures of Tintin’. At Toy Fair the company is unveiling further major licensed properties, appealing to children and adults alike. The new licensed ranges will be seen for the first time on Meccano’s fantastic new exhibition stand that has been totally redesigned for Toy Fair.

Sue Barratt, Country Manager, Meccano Toys (UK) Ltd, said: “These are exciting times for Meccano. We are taking our considerable brand heritage and fusing it with some of the hottest licensed properties available. These include licenses that enjoy evergreen popularity, as well as playground favourites. We’ve even stepped into the field of online and video gaming, so this is true step in a new direction for us.

“However, whilst the headline grabbers are our new licenses, we continue to invest in our core ranges and we have some exciting new range extensions that will see the continued rise and rise in the resurgence of the Construction category.”

New additions to Meccano’s hugely popular age 5+ Construction range, as well as to favourites including Build & Play, Turbo, Space Chaos and Multi models ranges, see Meccano’s investment in NPD in 2012 continue apace.

Visitors to the new look Meccano stand will see the new entry level Easy Toolbox in Meccano’s Construction range – a great introduction for children and parents to Meccano. It’s a 4 in 1 kit, which transforms into a dumper truck, digger, trailer and a tractor. Featuring all the usual Meccano magic, the Easy Toolbox includes brightly coloured, flexible pieces and easy to follow manuals. Meccano’s now legendary handy storage case is as a firm favourite with mums, keeping all pieces in one place. RRP £16.99.

Meccano’s new Construction Advanced Toolbox provides the next step up in model making, complete with vibrant, flexible components that build into even more models. Suitable for children aged 5+. The Advanced Toolbox is packed with parts to create more than six different vehicles, including a racing car, quad bike and airplane. RRP £19.99.

Appealing to parents and Meccano’s younger fans, Build & Play is back with fantastic new models for children 5+. Adorable big stick-on eyes turn vehicles into whimsical characters, sparking children’s imagination. New Build & Play Vehicles Assortment is available in three different packs; a tricycle, Formula 1 car or forklift, all of which transform into two separate models. RRP £9.99.

The merciless battle of good versus evil continues with Meccano’s Space Chaos. The two warring sides; the Dark Pirates and Silver force, have both recruited new elite spaceships known as Corvettes, each armed with missile launchers in their quest for the green crystal.  Space Chaos invites children aged 7 + to enter a futuristic world to build spaceships.  Each pack comes with a set of trading cards, which show the unique powers of each spacecraft. The 2 in 1 kits are made up of flexible metal parts and come with the necessary tools and instruction manuals. The Corvette Assortment is RRP £14.99.

New to Meccano’s menacing Turbo model vehicles is an entry level collection of racing vehicles for children 7+. Simple single model packs, take to the track with a speedy new go-kart, or accelerate through the bends on the new racing motorbike. RRP £7.99.

New for 2012 is Meccano’s Turbo Evolution Red and Blue racing cars, each featuring the new ‘pull back and go’ racing technology. Race red versus blue for the ultimate grand prix experience. Fast and furious, Turbo Evolution models include streamlined stickers and tools and instructions for assembly.  Suitable for children aged 7+. RRP £24.99.

Last but not least, Multi Models introduces the new 2 Model Assortment, featuring a new racing car or crane. Each set contains sixty complex parts which allows the assembler to create two different models. For children and adults aged 8 years +. RRP £7.99

All models come with an instruction leaflet and tools and will be supported through a marketing and pr programme delivered across widespread consumer media. For more information contact Meccano’s sales and marketing team on tel: 01869 324956.

New additions to Meccano’s hugely popular age 5+ Construction range, as well as to favourites including Build & Play, Turbo, Space Chaos and Multi models ranges, see Meccano’s investment in NPD continue apace.

Construction Easy Toolbox

Sue Barratt, Country Manager, Meccano Toys (UK) Ltd, said: “2012 is going to be another exciting year for Meccano. The feedback we’re getting about Meccano from bloggers and the media is that many of our models provide a huge amount of play value. The fact that you can make 4, 8, 10 – even 50 – models from one kit speaks for itself. Innovation is equally important; we want to encourage our customers to engage with our products and progress through our ranges.”

The new entry level Easy Toolbox in Meccano’s Construction range is a great introduction for children and parents to Meccano. It’s a 4 in 1 kit, which transforms into a dumper truck, digger, trailer and a tractor. Featuring all the usual Meccano magic, the Easy Toolbox includes brightly coloured, flexible pieces and easy to follow manuals. Meccano’s now legendary handy storage case is as a firm favourite with mums, keeping all pieces in one place. RRP £17.99.

Meccano’s new Construction Advanced Toolbox provides the next step up in model making, complete with vibrant, flexible components that build into even more models. Suitable for children aged 5+. The Advanced Toolbox is packed with parts to create more than six different vehicles, including a racing car, quad bike and airplane. RRP £22.99.

Dark Pirates Corvette

Appealing to parents and Meccano’s younger fans, Build & Play is back with fantastic new models for children 5+. Adorable big stick-on eyes turn vehicles into whimsical characters, sparking children’s imagination. New Build & Play Vehicles Assortment is available in three different packs; a tricycle, Formula 1 car or forklift, all of which transform into two separate models. RRP £9.99.

The merciless battle of good versus evil continues with Meccano’s Space Chaos. The two warring sides; the DarkPirates and Silver force, have both recruited new elite spaceships known as Corvettes, each armed with missile launchers in their quest for the green crystal.  Space Chaos invites children aged 7 + to enter a futuristic world to build spaceships.

Each pack comes with a set of trading cards, which show the unique powers of each spacecraft. The 2 in 1 kits are made up of flexible metal parts and come with the necessary tools and instruction manuals. The Corvette Assortment is RRP £16.99.

New to Meccano’s menacing Turbo model vehicles is an entry level collection of racing vehicles for children 7+. Simple single model packs, take to the track with a speedy new go-kart, or accelerate through the bends on the new racing motorbike. RRP £7.99.

New for 2012 is Meccano’s Turbo Evolution Red and Blue racing cars, each featuring the new ‘pull back and go’ racing technology. Race red versus blue for the ultimate grand prix experience. Fast and furious, Turbo Evolution models include streamlined stickers and tools and instructions for assembly.  Suitable for children aged 7+. RRP £24.99.

Turbo Evolution red racing car

Last but not least, Multi Models introduces the new 2 Model Assortment, featuring a new racing car or crane. Each set contains sixty complex parts which allows the assembler to create two different models. For children and adults aged 8 years +. RRP £7.99

All models come with an instruction leaflet and tools and will be supported through a marketing and pr programme delivered across widespread consumer media. For more information contact Meccano’s sales and marketing team on tel: 01869 324956.

Meccano’s Creative Challenge is an integral qualifying component of the Beaver and Cub Creativity Badge. Beavers and Cubs complete a number of creative challenges, including creating their own individual, unique and personalised models, built exclusively using pieces of Meccano.

Beavers at 231st (Shiregreen) Sheffield

Beavers and Cubs can also enter the nationwide ‘Building Britain with Meccano’ challenge. This involves designing and building an iconic local landmark building using Meccano, such as the Angel of the North or Blackpool Tower. All participants will attend the Beaver/Cub Fun Day at Gilwell Park in June 2012, where models will be placed on a giant map of the British Isles. The Colony or Pack that creates the winning model, as judged by Sue Barratt, Country Manager, Meccano (UK) Ltd, will receive a star prize.

Sue Barratt, Country Manager, Meccano Toys (UK) Ltd, says: “The Scout Association is a perfect fit for Meccano. Our brands are valued and trusted so the fit is excellent. Our mission is to promote traditional play that encourages children to stretch their imagination. The other beauty of Meccano is the collaborative qualities that it brings. Parents can join in with their children, in the same way that leaders and peers can work together to make ever more creative constructions.

“To celebrate our partnership with The Scout Association, we are launching the ‘Building Britain with Meccano’ competition for Beaver and Cub groups across the country. When groups register to attend the Beaver/Cub Fun Day at Gilwell Park in June 2012, they will be invited to take part. Entry is on a first come first served basis. Each successful entrant will receive a supply of Meccano from which they will construct their model of a local landmark.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to work towards a badge and to enter a competition which could see them winning piles of Meccano prizes.”

Simon Carter, Assistant Director, the Scout Association said “The Meccano partnership is a great fit with Scouting. The Scout Movement encourages young boys and girls to be creative in all that they do. Meccano provides the perfect tool to harness the creative thoughts and ideas contained within every Cub Scout.”

Turbo RC Pro

The Turbo RC Racing Car is built using 90+ parts and is a great starting vehicle for Meccano mechanics. RRP £29.99. The Turbo RC Pro is top level racing technology, featuring full RC functions with awesome trigger speed controller. Features 210+ parts, RRP £59.99. 

Each set builds two different models so wannabe mechanics can enjoy constructing, modifying and taking apart their motors before fighting it out on the track. All tools and instructions are included. For boys aged from 7+.

Turbo RC Racing

Priced at RRP £24.99, the Formula 1 Car Set pack contains 110+ parts to build five different models, providing excellent play value and problem solving opportunities. The Build & Play models are easily built with a construction mechanism of clipping together chunky plastic pieces – in addition to Meccano’s traditional nuts and bolts system – meaning that children as young as five can enjoy building Meccano models on their own. 

Build & Play F1 Car

Using robust but flexible plastic pieces means that even after construction the fun can continue with a hard wearing, working model for hours of play. Also included are the classic Meccano screws and nuts and all the tools and building instructions for five different models, including a helicopter, small crane  and the F1 car. 

Another collection for young constructors is the Mini Build & Play Case series that provides all the pieces in a handy storage case with a top that doubles as the base of the model. The Mini range features three cases which each build two different cars one at a time, priced at RRP £9.99, they provide the perfect introduction to Meccano. 

The Formula 1 Car set joins the Mini Dinosaurs (RRP £7.99), Bulldozer (RRP £12.99), Side car (£14.99), Helicopter  and Buggy (RRP £17.99) already available in the ever growing, award winning Build & Play range of simple to build models.

The Galaxy is in turmoil. The Silver Force is battling against the Dark Pirates to save the universe.  Now their battle enters a new phase as they unleash the powers of the awesome new Silver Force Destroyer battleship. This magnificent model is made up of more than 270 parts. 

You can create two different versions of the Silver Force Destroyer, each designed to provide protection against the forces of darkness. Hidden in its secret armoury is a powerful missile launcher intended to maximize damage to the threatening Dark Pirates. Stunning light effects let your model light up the darkness of deep space, whilst realistic sound effects add to the hours of play value. 

Silver Force Destroyer

The Silver Force Destroyer also comes complete with three trading cards, which can be swapped with friends or used  online at www.spacechaos.meccano.com RRP £39.99. 

Enter a whole new dimension with Meccano’s exciting new online Space Chaos game, which will be launched in September  2011 on the Space Chaos website www.spacechaos.meccano.com. Suitable for children aged 7+years.

The Galaxy is in turmoil. The Dark Pirates have now received a boost with the arrival of the mighty new Commander battleship. This monster model is made up of more than 150 parts. You can create two different versions of the Commander, equally threatening and equipped for destruction. Sinister lights and realistic sound effects strike fear into all that have the misfortune to meet the Commander in the infinite darkness of deep space. 

Dark Pirate Commander

The Dark Pirates Commander also comes complete with three trading cards, which can be swapped with friends or used online at www.spacechaos.meccano.com RRP £24.99. 

Enter a whole new dimension with Meccano’s exciting new online Space Chaos game, which will be launched in September  2011 on the Space Chaos website www.spacechaos.meccano.com. Suitable for children aged 7+years.

Silver Force Fighter

Meccano’s out-of-this-world magic has now been applied to its Space Chaos starship collection, with the addition of the awesome new Silver Force and Dark Pirates Fighters. 

The Silver Force is charged with protecting the forces of good across the Galaxy from the Dark Pirates. You can build your choice of favourite fighter as each transforms into two different models, providing hours of additional entertainment. 

The Silver Force Fighter comprises over 110 parts and is equipped with dazzling light effects for added play value. Dark Pirates Fighter has over 140 parts and its realistic space sound effects are designed to strike fear into even the bravest pilot of the Universal Union. Each model also comes complete with three trading cards which can be swapped with friends or used online at www.spacechaos.meccano.com RRP £19.99.

Dark Pirate fighter

 You can keep up to date with all the excitement of Meccano at www.meccanouk.co.uk join www.facebook.com/MeccanoToys or follow us at www.twitter.com/meccano_uk

You can lift, dig, scoop and sit back and watch your machines move around your building yard. Plentiful parts build 10 different models, so the fun can just keep on going! Flip open the handy tool box and create all the vehicles you’ll find on a building site including a digger, bulldozer and excavator. You can even add stickers to customise your magnificent Meccano machines!

Meccano's new Motorised Tool Box

The new Motorised Tool Box features 70+ flexible plastic parts, whilst a powerful 6 Volt Motor (included) gives the machines lifelike movement. The Tool Box contains tools, parts and building instructions for five models. Building instructions for a further five models are available at www.meccanouk.co.uk Make one model at a time, take it apart and start again. Perfect for little builders aged 5+ RRP £26.99.

The new Motorised Tool Box is part of Meccano’s ever expanding Construction Tool Box collection, including Easy, Mechanics, Police and Girls Toolbox.

You can keep up to date with all the excitement of Meccano at www.meccanouk.co.uk join www.facebook.com/MeccanoToys or follow us at www.twitter.com/meccano_uk

The models are due for release in the UK, France and Benelux in October.  In its desire for precision and verisimilitude, Meccano has paid very close attention to the detail of the replica vehicles from the film, creating three beautiful models from its traditional metal nuts and bolts construction.  The models include a Seaplane (320 pieces), a 4 x 4 vehicle (270 pieces), and the Unicorn sailing ship (630 pieces), all of which figure prominently in the film. The models are priced from £29.99-49.99.

These replicas are particularly suitable for children from eight years but will equally appeal to older Tintin enthusiasts, and will take pride of place in any display. The three construction sets will be manufactured by Meccano in Calais, France.

Directed and produced by Steven Spielberg (Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park, E.T., Saving Private Ryan) and produced by Peter Jackson (The Lord of the Rings, The Lovely Bones, King Kong) and Kathleen Kennedy (The Curious Life of Benjamin Button, Back to the Future, E.T.), The Adventures of Tintin features groundbreaking, never-before-seen Performance capture technology from Jackson’s visionary company, Weta Digital, sister company of Weta Workshop.  The film is based on the classic comic and characters created by the legendary Belgian artist Hergé, which has been translated into more than 80 languages with more than 230 million books sold to date.

You can keep up to date with all the excitement of Meccano at www.meccanouk.co.uk join www.facebook.com/MeccanoToys or follow us at www.twitter.com/meccano_uk.

About Paramount Licensing
Headquartered in Hollywood, Paramount Licensing Inc. represents the film properties of Paramount Pictures for consumer products opportunities worldwide.  In addition to developing licensing programs for theatrical feature film releases, Paramount Licensing maintains active brand management of classic films in the studio’s legendary motion picture library.

TM, ® & © Paramount Pictures

About Meccano
In 1898, the world’s oldest toy company was created in Liverpool UK when Franck Hornby invented the first toy pattern ever made.  Twenty years later the classic nuts and bolts became internationally famous with three big toy factories in England, Germany and France.  The Meccano Fan club is so important that a monthly Meccano magazine is being published in French and English.

In 1965 the fun becomes available for the younger ones; Meccano launches its first plastic system for four year old kids.  Our toy company became world wide in 1992 when it acquired one of its competitors, the Erector American brand.  We continue to delight the young ones thanks to new toy patterns such as our flexible metal invented in 2003 and other recent easy building systems.

Nowadays, Meccano continues to innovate with new products and robotics.  The group has a presence in over 80 countries and earns 70% of its revenue outside of France. MECCANO is the only French manufacturer of toys that are internationally recognized, manufacturing part of its line in France.  Our motto:  You can build anything with Meccano!