Now on the market for children's educational toys there are a large number of types and types of various construction sets. Each option has its own pros and cons.
Of interest to boys of all ages are construction sets whose parts are made of metal. With the help of such kits you can create both small cars or helicopters and professional models Vehicle, as well as buildings and architectural monuments.
Construction is a useful game at any age
As a rule, the construction set includes various metal parts with slots for fastening elements. The set also includes: screws, nuts, bolts, technical components, wheels that help to fasten the iron parts into a single game model.
From it you can assemble a car, a helicopter, a construction crane, a tank and other toys that are interesting for a boy, which can actually drive and perform their initially specified functions.
Small car with rotating wheels (photo)
You will find detailed information about wooden construction sets in.
The main kit always comes with assembly instructions. If the constructor is universal, then the book will indicate several possible options assemblies to stimulate the boy’s creative and engineering thinking.
The toy helps children unobtrusively and with interest study the basic laws of physics, understand the essence of phenomena, and model new versions of things that are interesting to them. If something is done incorrectly, the car will not move and the crane will not be able to lift the load.
For a boy, a construction set made from iron parts is a storehouse of household knowledge needed in the future. He will learn to tighten nuts, tighten bolts, and come up with designs that will undoubtedly fulfill their assigned role.
Iron tank from Eitech (Track Vehicles Metal Building)
Varieties
Designers made of iron can be classified as follows:
- By size. Play sets are divided into large ones, which have an impressive number of parts (their assembly takes considerable time) and small ones, made from a small number of parts (they are easily assembled by a child in a short period of time).
- According to age restrictions. They are divided into sets for boys 5-6 years old, 7-8 years old, 9-10 years old. The older the expected age of the child assembling the construction set, the smaller the parts and the more elaborate the assembled model can be. From age characteristics The complexity of the assembly process also depends.
- According to the presented models. Thematic ones are characterized by 1 or 2 specific models of equipment of a certain subject assembled from a construction set. Universal ones involve a large number of assembled models, and the same part can serve various parts in different mechanisms.
If parents buy their son his first metal construction set in his life, it’s better to start with a more simple options with a small number of parts. More complex and larger sets may be intimidating for children.
Powerful sports car
Constructor from metal parts has its own special features (both positive and negative) that distinguish it from other similar toys.
Advantages of a metal constructor:
- Develops fine motor skills of the hands and instills perseverance.
- Stimulates constructive and spatial thinking, the construction of logical chains by the child, and develops mental abilities.
- Metal parts can withstand multiple assemblies. If desired, they can be bent and bent back.
- Large range of models. Each child will be able to choose from a wide range of options the option that he or she likes best.
- The kits introduce the child to elementary men's work around the house: working with a screwdriver, nuts, screws, threads.
- Pronounced male character toys.
Loader
Flaws:
- Age restrictions - intended for boys from 5 years old.
- Increased risk of injury - iron parts carry not only wear resistance, but also a real possibility of injury. Therefore, the assembly of a set of parts by a child 5-6 years old should occur under the careful supervision of an adult.
- Metal construction sets are less bright and attractive than their plastic counterparts.
If, after purchasing an iron construction set, the boy has not shown sufficient interest in it, you should not force it on him. Put the set aside, and after a little time has passed, offer the play set again.
Locomotive with carriage
Probably every boy in the USSR had a metal construction set. It was a boring plastic box in which various iron parts with round holes(slats) various sizes and shapes, bolts, washers, nuts, wheels, hinge elements and a wrench.
The metal was of good quality, was not coated with anything, and therefore had a natural color. The models from the play set could hardly be called cheerful and bright, and it was not created for these purposes. The toy served exclusively to develop the first engineering skills of boys.
A large number of parts made it possible to make from the designer everything that a boy’s soul desired: various airplanes, cars, helicopters, steam locomotives and other equipment. The instructions for assembling the models were complex and confusing, so initially adults helped the children in constructing.
Modern ones, presented in a huge assortment for every taste and budget, are suitable for adults and little boys.
Soviet kids who were passionate about constructing with metal construction kits in the USSR grew into excellent engineers and mechanics.
Set from Soviet era
Manufacturers and prices
In the line of metal construction sets, there are several of the most popular manufacturers:
- "Samodelkin." Externally very similar to the old Soviet metal set. It has universal parts that can be assembled into a variety of models that are not similar to each other. There are series “Baby”, “Junior”, “Technician”, “Samodelkin”, “Genius”, designed for boys of different ages and different level technical complexity. Metal parts are colored. Production - Russia.
- "Tenth Kingdom". This manufacturer creates both universal (numbered) and thematic sets (“Truck”, “Jeep”, “Retro-Car”, “Steam Locomotive”, etc.). Designed for both labor lessons and independent child play. The parts are painted in standard colors. Assembly instructions included. Production - Russia.
- Rinzo. Themed from metal parts with the addition of bright plastic elements. Compatible with similar play sets other manufacturers. Two models can be assembled from one set, carefully described in the assembly manual. Completed wrench and a screwdriver. Production - Great Britain.
- Meccano. A designer with a high degree of detail and elaboration of the technical components of his models. Has painted parts. The assembled equipment is distinguished by spectacular realism. Made in Canada.
The Meccano company produces some of the most expensive metal construction sets. The fact is that the models made from it are much larger in size than those produced by other companies and are as similar as possible to real prototypes.
Race car from Meccano
Helicopter from the “Tenth Kingdom” brand
Transport from Rinzo
Game set from the brand “Samodelkin”
Table - approximate cost metal construction sets
| Brand | Name | Recommended age, years | Number of parts, pcs | Approximate price, |
| Meccano | Combat helicopter | from 10 | 374 | 5450 |
| Samodelkin | Baby | from 4 | 74 | 400 |
| Junior | from 4 | 124 | 450 | |
| Samodelkin S-30 | from 6 | 184 | 580 | |
| Young genius No. 2 | from 6 | 228 | 700 | |
| Rinzo | Truck | from 6 | 224 | 820 |
| Excavator and lift | from 6 | 132 | 660 | |
| Tenth Kingdom | Set No. 5 | 6-10 | – | 250 |
| Jeep | from 7 | 383 | 680 |
When choosing a metal construction set, consider not only the age category for which it is designed, but also the individual characteristics of your child.
Children under 3 years old should choose construction toys made from safe, large textile or plastic elements, and funny children's toys will help bring them maximum joy.
Despite the great popularity of plastic sets like "LEGO", metal sets for boys are becoming more and more in demand every year. Manufacturers come up with new models and make them more realistic, which invariably affects sales. And at a cost, metal construction sets are much more affordable than their plastic counterparts.
In Soviet times, children's metal construction sets - sets of strips and plates - were very popular. different sizes, with holes and mounting screws. Although the expression “iron toys” was at one time pronounced with ridicule, life has shown that plastic toys are much worse. Especially if it is cheap toxic material from China. It is not surprising that many parents prefer environmentally friendly wooden or iron ones. Therefore, silumin car models cost 2-3 times more than plastic ones. But let's return to the designer from this review. In the photo below, half of the elements are already missing (let's go to work), but the essence is clear.
It was bought by friends through an online store, for only 600 rubles, as a gift for his son. The set is called “Super Universal”, and believe me, it fully justifies its “super” prefix! Moreover, such a thing is, as it were, preparatory stage mastering electronics for kids, showing how complex structures are made from individual simple parts.
In a convenient plastic box there are a lot of all sorts of parts, not just simple cadmium-plated ones, and painted in various colors durable powder paint. The developers even provided such useful little things, like a crane hook, nylon rope, rollers and several types of wheels.
Constructor kit
- 1. Plank - 36 pcs.
- 2. Corner - 10 pcs.
- 3. Plate - 25 pcs.
- 4. Hood - 1 pc.
- 5. Plate - 3 pcs.
- 6. Fork - 5 pcs.
- 7. Bracket - 11 pcs.
- 8. Disc - 2 pcs.
- 9. Roller - 7 pcs.
- 10. Large wheel - 4 pcs.
- 11. Small wheel - 2 pcs.
- 12. Wheel - 4 pcs.
- 13. Tire - 4 pcs.
- 14. Hairpin - 5 pcs.
- 15. Axle - 4 pcs.
- 16. Cord - 2m.
- 17. Handle - 2 pcs.
- 18. Screw - 74 pcs.
- 19. Nut - 96 pcs.
- 20. Key - 3 pcs.
- 21. Screwdriver - 1 pc.
- 21. Instructions
The instructions contain a dozen samples of what can be assembled from such a set, but it is clear that with a little imagination, the amount possible design unlimited. Here is just a small part of what I managed to photograph during the process:
Photos of crafts made from an iron constructor
Machine
Helicopter
Airplane
Self-propelled gun
Tank
Lantern with lamps
Motorbike
Tractor
Sofa
Crane
In general, at such a ridiculous price, we get not just one car or tank, but a whole bunch of all kinds of toys. I got tired of one - they took it apart and put a new one, and so on at least every day. And the main thing is that they cannot be broken, unlike delicate plastic ones. You can only bend it, but this can be fixed :)
Discuss the article CHILDREN'S IRON CONSTRUCTION TOY
Hello friends. I haven't done a craft review for a long time. creative personalities. I still couldn’t find time for this, conducting my master classes, traveling to IT exhibitions () and starting my mini-journey and changes, which I wrote about in my blog.
I will send descriptions of the pictures and the works themselves, and the author will announce himself in the comments if he wants.
The first sets began to be made in 1901 in England.
Initially, the idea was to create working models to demonstrate projects, such as bridges.
But the material from which the models were assembled must be universal. This is how the idea of using perforated strips was born. Therefore, their models are unique in terms of the complexity of their mechanical solutions and design beauty.
Motor:
Lift (stacker) control unit:
It's like a Tiger tank.
AN-2. It seems similar.
Mini model. The idea was taken from foreigners, but all the details are ours.
Cubism. Corner sides of large and small cubes. The large one was assembled from the standard corners of the designer, and in the small cube he placed his own parts to connect the sides. The gap turned out to be minimal.
I took a retro car from Meccano (red) and assembled it from our parts except for the wheels, headlights and hood cover.
I made templates for making cover sheets from different companies. For now, only from the Yunost 4 set converted to the millimeter standard. And sheets from the GDR Construction 100 set. There are some duplicate drawings, this is to fill out the sheet. Some parts resemble those from a Mercur kit.
Drew in Word program. It seems that it turned out not bad, but it is better to make templates on graph paper. This will be more accurate.
I will take the material from the covers of accounting folders. There are folders with normal thickness. I would like to have more, but we will use what we have..
I punch holes with a set of punches for pressing holes in the rubber. It is not expensive, costs about 300 rubles
This is how the retro truck turned out from memory. Eat homemade parts, these are door hinges, wheels and many other converted parts from our kits. Trial version make improvised headlights from ketchup caps. In principle, LEDs can be installed in these caps and power the headlights. It is possible to add this model with hinges on the body and a lifting mechanism for the body. Although lifting mechanism this is for a different type of truck. Or put a roof on the body or put an awning on it. I think from Legos, add colored ones parking lights. You can paint the wheels black, this will highlight the outer shoes, as if the model had rubber wheels.
What do people think can be recommended to manufacturers for creating such a set?
How I make loops.
Yes, the task is long, tedious and thankless. I got a little distracted and that’s it... the ejection loop.
And so, we take a 5x5 or 5x10 panel; 5x10 is better; the thinner metal is easier to bend. We unfold the turns on the panel on the anvil and outline future blanks for the loops. Everything is visible in the photo.
Well, then it’s a matter of technique... mode, bend, saw, nails mode, and drive the loops towards each other.
Trying to make gear sets.
It turned out to be such an impromptu... no famous model aircraft... Objections and comments are accepted. 🙂
I decided to continue the collection of old tanks from the war. This time it is the English tank Cromvell Mk 4 (A27M). This is the first version of the model so far. I will clarify some small parts, maybe I'll add some small details on the tower. I won’t install caterpillars yet. Perhaps I’ll put them on after disassembling the KV-1. We need to space the wheels out a little more. The tank's gun was made from a telescopic antenna.
Where two tanks are together you can clearly see how the iron coating oxidizes in air. It becomes pale, matte, then begins to darken. The iron on the second tank had been in the packaging all this time. Design kits were purchased almost simultaneously. Conclusion: our coatings are poor quality, although not all construction kit manufacturers have them. Still a shame!
Trying to make big wheels Option 3 and 4
Part of my instrument.
Here is the continuation of the retro series. This is a Parisian taxi from the beginning of the last century. This is not a complete analogue of any model. In those days there were a lot of models of this type, and the series of cars were very small.
Mecano has decent models for re-building; our material and technical base is very small and depends on the amateur’s wallet. Not everyone wants to spend several thousand rubles on 3-4 dozen parts.
In short, the model is not yet the final version. We need to make a front bumper and a rear one too. Maybe it's worth hanging a spare tire in the back. Make fences for suitcases on the roof.
In short, accept for criticism another model for assembly from domestic parts. I tried to paint wheels from regular aerosol can With alkyd enamel for internal and external works, it turned out not bad, in my opinion.
All children, starting from the very beginning early age, and also many adults love to build various structures from construction sets. Currently, there are a huge number of different variations of this game - the well-known Lego sets and its analogues from Russian and foreign manufacturers, a metal construction set that came to us from Soviet times, magnetic, wooden and others. Most toys of this kind are equipped with a set of diagrams that show which models can be put together from the existing figures. In this article we will tell you about what can be made from construction kit parts by putting the diagram aside and showing just a little imagination.
What can you make from Lego?
Lego is one of the most popular brands designers. There are an incredible number of different sets on sale for children of all ages, both boys and girls. In addition, there are quite a lot of similar logic games from Russian and foreign manufacturers.
From Lego figures, children can build simply amazing figures - buildings, cars, planes, trains. Large sets are designed to build entire cities or farms. In addition, from a small number of parts you can make something useful and, undoubtedly, original, for example, a cup for toothbrushes or a box for wrapping a gift.
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What to make of
No less popular at all times remains the metal construction set, often used in labor lessons at school. Usually the guys use its parts to assemble models of tanks, airplanes and helicopters, cars and ATVs. By showing your imagination, you can build anything from the parts of a metal construction set - from small elements to full-size models.
The metal construction set is considered a complex toy and embodies the dream of any boy to “work” with tools similar to adults.
Cold metal fascinates, allows you to create the most complex models using a screwdriver, keys, bolts and screws. The activity of assembling a model will seem interesting not only to children, but also to adults. Metal intellectual toys are a real excursion into the world of children's thinking and imagination.
The main idea of the toy
The complete set of each product consists of components similar to those that dad keeps in his tool box: nuts, brackets, screws, and other fasteners. All this appears to the child as real, only performed in miniature.
Metal objects are fastened together by screwing in bolts of suitable diameter. The plates can be straight, curved, narrow or wide, each element of the plate is perforated with holes.
This makes the designer universal and makes it possible to create models guided only by imagination. Sets with a variety of elements allow you to assemble structures of all possible sizes and varying degrees of complexity.
Samples of finished products are shown on the packaging, accompanied by an assembly diagram and instructions for use. A boy can successfully create unique mechanisms and structures, collect crafts for school and preschool activities, and play assembled models in games.
Self-made toys are a source of pride for a boy, so children’s interests should not be ignored; it is important to introduce a child to construction from an early age.
A smart toy will allow parents to captivate their child for a long time and go about their business.
Before starting the game, it is important to explain to the child that the initial design may not work out, but correcting errors will allow the desired results to be achieved in the future. Solving set and non-standard problems is the main purpose of the team game.
Differences from other species
It is difficult to call a metal construction set a toy; rather, it refers to serious intellectual work associated with creativity. Assembling the constituent elements, the child constantly refers to the instructions, develops ingenuity, patience and receives the result of his hard work in the form of a finished car or construction crane.
The game has many small elements that need to be carefully connected to each other not with grooves, which is typical for other types of assembly toys, but with bolts, washers and nuts using special tools. During design, parts must be constantly recalculated so as not to make mistakes when installing the necessary elements.
The assembly structure has moving components that can be loosened or tightened depending on the nature of the finished product. From metal elements One model can be used to create others, and you don’t always need to act according to the instructions. This will allow the child to develop and improve the logical line of imagination.
By establishing the interaction of objects according to the type of connection, the baby builds his own approach to the process, forms personal preferences, and raises self-esteem. By correctly constructing complex parts into a finished structure, the boys feel indescribable pride in their invention.
Advantages of the game build:
- Versatility and the ability to deviate from instructions;
- Parts of different modifications and special tools complement each other;
- Suitable for classes for children of different sexes;
- Divided by age and intellectual development.
For preschoolers, such a construction set is suitable as preparation for school and labor lessons. Interest in assembling metal products changes the behavior of many children, developing in them perseverance, concentration, and contact with adults at the level of discussing the action associated with assembling the necessary product.
It has been proven that assembling a construction set develops a boy’s clear and beautiful handwriting, which is important when depicting clear lines and letter symbols.
The benefits of a smart toy
Metal plates with perforations for construction became known in the last century. Manufacturers of construction sets in those years were hardly guided by serious pedagogical motives, because the world of bright plastic had not yet been conquered, and wood and metal were basic materials for making children's toys.
The popularity of logic toys made of metal has not slowed down, but on the contrary, interest in it is increasing every year.
The gaming assembly toy is designed to collect not only the parts from the instructions, but also others that can only come to mind. This allows you to develop imagination and logic.
Metal assembly toys are designed for children aged 5-6 years. In some cases, they are used in labor lessons in kindergarten and school, for making crafts.
In the process of diligent study, the boy:
- receives the basics of technical thinking and logic;
- develops fine motor skills of the hands;
- develops concentration;
- development of creative potential and systematic thinking;
- increases alertness and coordination of movements.
On the mental side, a feeling of self-satisfaction and adequate self-esteem develops after collecting the model.
Assembly and design have always been considered in a good way relieve tension and stress, develop a personal opinion about yourself, learn to set achievable goals and overcome difficult tasks.
These abilities will help boys in the future, since many technical specialties in higher education are widely available to them. educational institutions. Proper systems thinking can improve school performance.
Types of metal constructors
Nowadays, metal construction sets have many modifications, and the most unusual models can be assembled. Classic cars, cranes, steam locomotives - today have been greatly modernized beyond recognition.
The kid can assemble a real plane, a tower, or a truck with a large body. The sizes of the construction set vary from medium to large, and the number of parts in the kit always differs from each other.
Many modern views designers are equipped with electronics. This is very exciting, as it creates the illusion of a real game: with tanks, cars, signal flares and so on. Once assembled, technical devices can produce characteristic sounds, light up, and some moving parts can be controlled remotely.
If the designer is classic, without additional accessories, then the baby controls the finished product himself.
A logic game made of metal can be produced for small children from three years old and for older children. They differ in some complexity of assembly and the level of intellectual perception in children.
Mini-constructors are suitable for beginners. It is typical for them a small amount of details, simplest assembly and instruction diagram.
Set of metal construction sets
Items undergo strict quality control from manufacturing to packaging. Depending on the type and type of assembly, fragments of the construction set may include cords, plastic or rubber parts. The kit comes with a set of assembly tools and instructions.
If necessary, special notes and a diagram of a non-standard combination of fragments, the use of elements with electronics, and safety rules during the game are indicated.
How to choose a metal construction set
The purchase of a logic toy made of metal should be considered, since the type of activity is serious. It is worth considering some nuances that will not discourage the child from further design and self-development.
- Markings on packaging about mandatory quality certification;
- Age limit indication on packaging;
- When inspected, metal plates must be smooth, without sharp points or rough protrusions;
- The fasteners must have clear cuts and threads without visible defects;
- Toy parts for children under 5 years old should not be less than 50 mm;
- The product should not emit the smell of paint or rust;
- All constituent fragments must comply with safety requirements.
Thematic areas
When purchasing a play assembly toy, parents are often guided by the child's preferences. It is impossible to attract his attention with uninteresting activities, so manufacturers develop models of metal construction sets taking into account the interests of young inventors. Accepted trends include designers in a technical and futuristic style.
Technical style
Aimed at creating classic models of combat and specialized vehicles: armored vehicles, tanks, military aircraft, guns, fire engines and signal vehicles with beacons, police crews and motorized vehicles, tower and cranes.
This type of assembly game is suitable for older children, so that they can later use the finished product as an addition to their own collection of toys.
Futuristic style
The direction is characteristic of creation famous heroes from cartoons. These assembly games include: additional details made of high-quality bright plastic, cords, elastic bands.
This game is suitable for younger age groups; it has large, bright pieces. color solutions. Children associate cartoon characters with positivity. Finished products can be used as a toy or room decoration.
