Movies and Television

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Great British Railway Journeys - Liverpool to Dolgarrog

Michael Portillo's Edwardian railway guide takes him to the city of Liverpool, where King Edward VII had recently laid the foundation stone for a grand Anglican cathedral at the top of St James's Mount. The young winner of a competition to design the building was a Roman Catholic from a family of architects. His name was Giles Gilbert Scott. Michael takes a trip down his own memory lane in Maghull on the outskirts of Liverpool, where he discovers a childhood favourite - a miniature tank engine with three carriages in dark red - made by Frank Hornby.

Credit: BBC

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The Toys That Made Christmas

Spirograph, Fuzzy Felt, Barbie, Meccano - Robert Webb tells the story of our Christmases through the toys we played with and loved.

Credit BBC

 

Videos

Credit: Plum Pictures via Little Dot Studios

An excellent Vlog from Sept 2023 by children’s author Susan Brownrigg aimed at youngsters filmed in Maghull and at our Heritage Centre - Timetunnellers.blogspot.com

James May explores the potential and versatility behind Meccano, and pays a visit to Jim Gamble.

Credit:

A short film introducing Marc Rebibo as the new owner of Meccano in 1985. The film highlights the new manufacturing facility in Calais and the approach to manufacturing returning to metal punched parts as opposed to the recent introduction of plastic parts.

Credit: Keith Lloyd

Footage from the Binns Road Factory depicting the production lines (circa 1930-40).

Credit: British Pathé

Footage by British Pathé in 1967 reviewing the Pathé News Camera car being made at the Binns Road Factory Liverpool.

Credit: Chris Chute

A film from 1986 (VHS copy) outlining the history of Hornby products and displaying the possible configurations of said products. The film shows a large amount of Meccano builds by enthusiasts.

News Articles

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Worlds largest Liver Bird lifted into Position

The worlds largest statue of a Liver bird is lifted into position in the Liverpool shopping park (which was built on the original site of the Meccano Factory). The statue is constructed from Meccano pieces and commemorates the contribution that the Meccano factory played in Liverpool’s Economy and Culture. It was commissioned by: The Derwent Group, Liverpool City Council and Spin Master.

Credit: The Telegraph [19/10/2017]

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Google Doodle for Frank Hornby’s 150th Birthday

Google commemorates Frank Hornby’s 150th Birthday

Credit: Google, via liverpoolconfidential.co.uk [15/05/2013]

Credit: ITV News Meridian [23/02/2013]

Toy Story: Frank Hornby's Anniversary

Celebrations were underway to mark the 150th anniversary (in 2013) of the birth of famous toymaker, Frank Hornby. Some of his best work is on display in Brighton.