The origin of the name is uncertain but it is now over 100 years since Frank Hornby first used the word Meccano for the toy he invented to amuse his sons. Like the product it described, it is now known all over the world and has entered the dictionary as a term in common usage. Frank Hornby's vision of an educational toy became the basis of perhaps the most successful British Toy manufacturer of the 20th century.

Meccano's success, which even surprised its inventor, supported the development of many other high quality products. As well as the famous Hornby trains and Dinky Toys,...