8 5 erector set models in action

[@derp-construction3341]

This was an awesome collection of builds. A lot of joy went into these.

[@dongrainer6405]

My parents gave me an erector set for Christmas one year in the early 1950s. Fantastic "toy", built to last. Wish I still had mine. I wasn't much of a builder. If I wanted something complicated my dad would build it for me. At the time I didn't think anything of it, but now I wish he had taken the time for us to build those ones together. Sure would have helped me learn more.

[@mrdavman13]

I didn’t realize how rare they were it was an integral part to my child hood. I grew up in the early 2000s, born in the late 90s and I guess the original erector sets were stopped manufacturing in 1980. We still have it! I’m gonna break it out for my girlfriends kid I think she will get a kick out of it

[@nackyding]

Thank you so much! Almost made me cry. Brings back so many memories of my childhood.

[@isellu]

Nice job. Those take a lot of time to build and you've shown in action what most of us only see as static models in the How to Make 'em books.

[@Bobrichmond2]

I remember building some of these, or wanting to, in the early 1950s. Your set is in a lot better condition than mine is!

[@normjnk]

I repainted many of the originally painted parts, and had many of the girders replated (cadmium) by a local plaiting business. They are all original Gilbert parts.

[@shophone1]

This is a wonderful video, Norm. Thank you! I have never seen some of these models in action. You are quite a builder. Thanks for posting this>

[@mikepasko7493]

VERY GOOD WORK....

[@-DankPanda-]

Building the portable derrick right now. Have no instructions, so this helped me get a sense of how it moves and works. Thanks!

[@howardrosenzweig8645]

One of the best toys-because you could build other toys.I had one as a kid.

[@smudgey1kenobey]

Because I was a girl, I couldn’t have a set, but the neighborhood boys were super nice about playing together with theirs. How I wished I’d had a brother! Now I buy on eBay and make things from vintage sets. When I worked at a science museum, modern kids were fascinated by the old sets, they would rush the stage to see what was in the boxes. These videos help so much to visualize how the models should work. Have you made the parachute jump? The merry go round? Thank You for making these!

[@kamedl3691]

I collect old antiques, and I have over 2000 pounds of old erector sets. About 2 storage garages full

[@jacobsaueressig983]

Nice job man

[@petercardin7774]

Now that Rich is retired I got him some Hot Wheels track for Christmas. We used to have fun with that when we were kids.

[@matthewgriffith2078]

This is impressive. It can be difficult to keep all of the pieces to a single set. Let alone 85 complete sets in immaculate condition. I read below that you had taken the time to paint and have them plaited. Very Nice attention to detail.

[@tonysoares3235]

Oh wow, these are just awesome scale models. This must be the 1950s equivalent of Technic Legos?

[@bchadwick7]

THATS AWSOME!

[@garygullikson6349]

Electro Magnet is powered by2 or 3 D cells in series, or a train transformer for 6-7 volts. Sets come with a 2-cell battery holder.

[@bzap617]

Thank you! Trying to figure out how to power the electromagnet on an old set from the flea market for my kids cooped up due to the shut-down! If you know the voltage of the battery you used, please let me know, going to start with 6v!

[@-DankPanda-]

Out of curiosity, are there actually instructions for these? Because I cannot find them online.

[@briannotafan3368]

my first set had a crude chain +sproket projects ive never sean one on u-yube blue gear reductiom motor with 3 output shafts 3v

[@briannotafan3368]

edit; the blue motor was not steal a blue plastic case w/3 output shafts

[@Bobrichmond2]

Norm, I had no idea you could get Erector girders replated. Tell me more about it.

[@normjnk]

I don't know if you have a metal plating shop in your area; if so, just call and see if they do cadmium. If they do a good job, you have a nice shiny girder again. It works best on the girders made after 1949. My place charged around 1 dollar each.

[@Bobrichmond2]

Most, probably all of mine were made before 1949. - Some of them have some rust - do I need to sand that off first?

[@normjnk]

The girders before 1949 were zinc plated. When they were cadmium plated they came out less shiny than those that had original cadmium plate. I did not remove rust before bringing them in. Their basic procedure was to soak them to remove the old plating then replate. The more rust the less shiny the result.

[@garygullikson6349]

Go to "girders and gears.com" for lots of Erector etc. info and pictures