Erector Sets

Erector sets are models made of steel strips, screws, bolts, pulleys, gears and even engines. You can build almost anything you can think of, from cars and trucks to helicopters and airplanes to models of the Empire State Building and the Eiffel Tower. Long before the days of video game consoles or Transformers, Erector sets were one of the most popular toys in the world. Today's Erector sets include models similar to the ones made hundreds of years ago, as well as new ones featuring a radio-controlled Hummers and robots.

Erector Sets - Design Your Own

If you like building things and have an engineer's mind, why not design an Erector set yourself. Erector sets and Boy's Life Magazine have created a contest for kids aged 6-17 to Design the Next Erector Model. Each contestant must design and build a new Erector model from existing Erector parts or draw out their design on paper. The winning model design will be used to create a new Erector set that will be developed in 2006. The winnner will also win a trip for four to France to tour the factory where Erector sets are made! The contest will run until September 30, 2005. For more info, head to www.erector-sets.com.

Erector Sets - Fun Facts

The Erector set was invented by A.C. Gilbert in 1913.

During World War II, all steel toys, including Erector sets, stopped being made because of a steel shortage.

The world's largest Erector model is at the A.C. Gilbert Discovery Center in Salem, Oregon. The 54-foot tower includes three slides and a weather station.

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