Liberty London on Regent Street has transformed its window displays with a colourful selection of interstellar Meccano space models to celebrate the launch of its new ‘Little Liberty’ children’s wear department. The store also specially commissioned an amazing 500 piece Meccano chandelier that now lights up the new children’s department.

Stars of the out of this world space themed window displays are three iconic intergalactic models – a Tie-Fighter and the Millennium Falcon from Star Wars and the lunar landing module – all created by Meccano modeller Philip Webb. Also keeping a watchful eye on the window displays’ ‘big fashion for little people’ is a magnificent Meccano robot shipped in from France specially for Liberty.

Meccano models in Liberty London window display

Sue Barratt said: “It was very exciting to be invited by Liberty to be involved in the launch of its new children’s department. The store is famous for creating wonderful window displays that always attract a lot of attention and this one is no exception.”

Meccano features in two windows at the store on Great Marlborough Street, just off Oxford Circus.

Meccano unleashes its Gears of War3 range in August 2012, featuring a selection of highly detailed models of the C.O.G Armadillo APC, C.O.G Centaur Tank and C.O.G King Raven, plus a highly detailed diarama of Locust vs Delta Squad Battleset. Gears of War3  is Microsoft’s best pre-selling game of all time, surpassing pre-sales of Halo with over 1.3M pre-sold.

Gears of War

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 around.

“We’ve taken a step in a completely new direction with the epic gaming Gears of War3 – perfect for boys young and old. And to enhance play value, we’ve created mini figurines of the games’ favourite characters and their weapons, which are included in the model sets.

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

The C.O.G Armadillo is designed for fast transportation and features three rotating gun turrets, a trap door, six wheels and a mobile front tread. The set comes with two figurines (2 inches tall) and three weapons. Building instructions, stickers and tools are included and with more than 80 parts the model is suitable for children from 8 years old and collectors. RRP £24.99.

The authentic C.O.G Centaur Tank recreate battles between the Delta Squad and the Locusts. The Centaur is a battle and assault tank. It has a hood-mounted 360° rotating turret with a mobile cannon, four real-working large wheels and a mobile front tread.

The set comes with four figurines (2 inches tall) and four weapons: Marcus Fenix and Augustus Cole from the Delta Squad and two locust drones. Building instructions, stickers and tools are included and with more than 120 pieces the model is suitable for children from 8 years old and collectors. RRP £34.99.

The C.O.G King Raven is a transportation and assault helicopter for the C.O.G army. The helicopter features rotating propellers, two mobile doors and retractable landing gear. It is equipped with a machine gun for air attacks. The set comes with four figurines (Marcus Fenix and Clayton Carmine from the Delta Squad, a Locust Drone and a Locust sniper) and six weapons. Building instructions, tools and stickers are included and the model is suitable for children from 8 years old and collectors. RRP £39.99.

Recreate a battle scene between the C.O.G Delta Squad and the Locusts, including a watchtower, tanks and crates. Then choose your side : the COG army with the Armadillo and enter the battle! Set comes with six figurines (Anya Stroud, Damon Baird, Marcus Fenix, two locusts Sniper and a locust drone) and eight weapons. Building instructions, tools and stickers are included. For children from 8 years old and collectors! The set comprises around 200 parts. RRP TBC.

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.

Turbo Evolution red racing car

New for 2012 is Meccano’s Turbo Evolution Red and Blue racing cars, each featuring  ‘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.

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.

Created in 2006, the wacky, zany Rabbids have attracted more than 41 million fans on YouTube with their hilarious viral videos and, having sold more than 11 million video games worldwide.

After a licensing deal was brokered by Tom Roe of CPLG on behalf of licensor Ubisoft, Meccano has developed a range that recreates popular and iconic elements that will be highly familiar to gamers. The new range includes the Rabbids’ crazy toilet complete with flushing sound effects and pullback motor, time travelling washing machine with motorised spin, a working catapult with splat mat target and surreal racing shopping trolley complete with a variety of Rabbids figures.

Meccano teams up with Rabbids

Sue Barratt, Country Manager, Meccano Toys (UK) Limited, says: “Rabbids are without doubt a quirky addition to our licensed portfolio and express wonderfully the fun aspect of creating with Meccano. Rabbids have recruited a committed fanbase already and is set to explode on the wider consciousness with the arrival of the Rabbids^® cartoon worldwide in 2013.”

Meccano’s imaginative collection starts at RRP £19.99 for the Rabbids’ Racing Trolley, with the Crazy Toilet at RRP £24.99, Infernal Catapult at RRP £29.99 and Time Washing Machine at RRP £34.99. 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 revealed its first licensed property in late 2011 with ‘The Adventures of Tintin’. At Toy Fair the company is unveiling its new major licensed properties, appealing to children and adults alike on stand B150.

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 around.

“Sonic enjoys evergreen popularity. It’s a licence that parents and children both instantly recognise. Sonic The Hedgehog for SEGA Mega Drive was many parents first taste of video gaming. But it’s not just nostalgia that we’re selling. We’ve taken a step in a completely new direction with the epic gaming Gears of War – perfect for boys young and old. Then there’s Rabbids – a crazy rabbit that’s a big hit in the playground.”

Sonic the Hedgehog

Sissel Henno, SEGA’s Head of Brand Licensing (Europe) states: “We’re very excited to be teaming up with Meccano for this license. They have great experience in the area of construction toys, and there is lots of scope for a range of fun construction toys based on Sonic and his universe. The range is set to engage both young and older fans and we look forward to the launch with great anticipation.”

Twenty years since the introduction of the world’s fastest video game character, Sonic the Hedgehog is still up to his usual tricks, with a few new ones thrown in for good measure. Defined by his super-fast speed, his cool, edgy character and a readiness for all types of adventure, Meccano’s collection include Sonic & Speedstar and Knuckles & Landbreaker, plus a range of added value playsets – Sonic & Ramp Green Hill Playset and Sonic & Casino Night Environment Playset.

Meccano also unleashes its Gears of War range which includes a selection of highly detailed models of an Armadillo APC, Centaur Tank and King Raven, plus two battle sets – Locust vs Delta Squad Battleset and Lambert vs Delta Squad Battleset.

Sue Barratt continues: “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.

Meccano’s Advanced Toolbox was unveiled as the winning entry in the Construction category of The Toy Fair Best New Toy Awards, beating off competition from a number of other high profile construction category toy manufacturers. The awards, organised by the British Toy and Hobby Association, invite entries from exhibitors at January’s Toy Fair at Olympia in London.

Sue Barratt, Country Manager, Meccano (UK) Toys Limited, enthused: “This is a great way to start Toy Fair and deserved recognition for one of our core ranges.

The award winning Construction Advanced Toolbox from Meccano

“Our Construction Toolboxes are designed to engage beginners through to advanced builders, getting incrementally more complex as you work your way through the four sets from Easy to Expert. Add to this the exceptionally useful toolbox itself, which keeps everything in one place, and you have a product that ticks all the boxes.

“In 2012 we are pursuing a new product development strategy that is focused on popular licensed properties, which will add new appeal to our ranges, whilst continuing to invest in our core ranges that are the heartland of Meccano enthusiasts.”

The winning Construction Toolbox is on show on Meccano’s new exhibition stand at Toy Fair, along with perennial favourites including Build & Play, Turbo, Space Chaos and Multi Models ranges. New licensed ranges include Gears of War and Sonic the Hedgehog.

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.