News

Prizes now Offered for each 40th Anniversary Challenge

By RMG Challenge Committee • Published on Thursday 3 September 2026, 2:30pm

RMG is delighted to announce that a Prize will now be awarded to the Winner of each of the Guild's 40th Anniversary Challenges, thanks to generosity and ingenious thinking on the part of two loyal RMG members.

We hope the prizes will encourage even more of our members to repay the generosity and confidence of our donors, by taking up screwdrivers and building Challenge Entries for RMG's 40th Anniversary Meeting at our usual Liphook venue on Saturday 3rd October.

The competition rules remain unchanged, and can be found by scrolling down a little on this page: https://runnymedemeccanoguild.org.uk/news

Prize for the winner of the RMG Cord Creativity Challenge is a copy of the book Heath Robinson's Helpful Solutions by Simon Heneage.  This book has been generously donated by the wonderful Heath Robinson Museum, located in Pinner.  Huge thanks to RMG member Mike Gleen for recognising the common ground with Heath Robinson's renowned contraptions, overly complicated and usually heavily dependent on knotted string.

In addition to the Winner's prize, every Entrant will receive a free Museum entry, and the Museum hopes Entrants will consider loaning their Entries for a temporary display there.  Better still would be to co-ordinate this so the Museum can stage an Event Day of their own with Entrants attending en masse with their models.

Prize for the RMG Ramp of Forty-tude Challenge is a Meccano Clock Kit 1, in new condition, except that it is no longer shrink wrapped.  Given that the winner will be decided against the clock, this seems a fitting prize (even if it will probably be more convenient on the day to use the stopwatch feature of a smartphone).

This prize is generously donated by a longstanding UK member of RMG who is more distant than most and wishes to remain anonymous.

Announcing RMG's 40th Anniversary Challenges

By RMG Challenge Committee • Published on Monday 24 August 2026, 4:55pm

Our next meeting, on Saturday 3rd October at Liphook, will mark Runnymede Meccano Guild's 40th Anniversary.

To make this more of an occasion, we will be contesting two completely distinct Challenges.

Although the Challenges are primarily for fun, the winner of each Challenge will receive a covetable Prize, generously donated by RMG members.

As the formal rules, below, are somewhat wordy (we're fine with cheating so long as it stays within the rules!), let's start with an introductory outline of the two Challenges.

Strings Attached: the RMG Cord Creativity Challenge

This Challenge takes inspiration from part 40 being the Hank of Cord.

We are inviting members to devise a Meccano construction highlighting the humble Hank of Cord to most inspired effect.

Given that judging must be entirely subjective, the winner will be decided by votes cast by members attending the meeting.

The Prize for winning this Challenge is a copy of the book Heath Robinson's Helpful Solutions by Simon Heneage.  This book has been generously donated by the wonderful Heath Robinson Museum, located in Pinner.  Our thanks to RMG member Mike Gleen for recognising the common ground with Heath Robinson's renowned contraptions, overly complicated and usually heavily dependent on knotted string.

In addition to the Winner's prize, every Entrant will receive a free Museum entry, and the Museum hopes Entrants will consider loaning their Entries for a temporary display there.  Better still would be to co-ordinate this so the Museum can stage an Event Day of their own with Entrants attending en masse with their models.

The RMG Ramp of Forty-tude Challenge

This Challenge invites members to build something in Meccano to reach a distance of 40 inches up a 40 degree ramp in the shortest possible time.

To improve grip, the surface of the Challenge course will be covered in baize cloth.

The Prize for winning this challenge is a Meccano Clock Kit 1, in new condition, except that it is no longer shrink wrapped.  Given that the winner will be decided against the clock, this seems a fitting prize (even if it will probably be more convenient on the day to use the stopwatch feature of a smartphone).

This prize is generously donated by a longstanding UK member of RMG who is more distant than most and wishes to remain anonymous

Helpful Hints about the Ramp Challenge

In case anyone hasn't already realised, 40 degrees is pretty steep, but that's what makes it a Challenge, although the course's covering of baize cloth should provide extra grip.

Once the course has been set up, it will be available for experimentation until 15 minutes before the Challenge start time, providing opportunity for Entries to be trialled and refined.

If you want to practice at home, a rough and ready way to set up a ramp which will probably be about 40 degrees is to lay a length of wood touching the treads of a convenient flight of stairs.  UK building regulations say a staircase cannot be steeper than 42 degrees, and in practice most domestic stairs are close to this, to make best use of space.

A more accurate way to set up your own trial ramp at almost exactly 40 degrees is to construct a triangle from strips, joined as necessary to be 10, 12 and 15 holes long.

If the 12 hole strip is placed on a level surface, the 15 hole strip will be very close to a 40 degree ramp.

Note that the 10 hole strip will not be exactly vertical (but only a couple of degrees off).

The triangle can be scaled to larger sizes, so long as you remember that what matters is the distance between the end holes of the strips, which for the above triangle are 4-1/2" 5-1/2" and 7" respectively.

So larger triangles should be 19, 23, 29 holes / 28, 34, 43 holes / 37, 45, 57 holes and so on.

One convenient way to give your own trial ramp a fabric surface might be to put a length of wood (maybe a piece of shelving or even a tea tray) inside a pillow case ... but maybe first ask your household authority to pick out one that is no longer fit for front line service.

Strings Attached: the RMG Cord Creativity Challenge - Formal Rules

The inspiration for this Challenge is that Meccano part 40 is the Hank of Cord.

Members are invited to devise a model highlighting Meccano's humble Hank of Cord to most inspired effect.

• Entries may be models of any subject, real or imaginary.
• Entries should be constructed entirely from Meccano parts (or exact reproductions) from any eras.  In addition, paint saver washers and batteries are also permitted.
• Challenge is open to all members who have paid the subscription for 2026-27 membership year (there will be ample opportunity to renew at the meeting BEFORE the Challenge starts).
• Judging will be by secret ballot of members who have paid subscription for 2026-27 membership year.  Votes should be cast for the model which appeals to the voter for most inspired use of Cord.
• Members of the RMG Committee ARE entitled to enter this Challenge (given judging is by all members' votes, there seems no reason to exclude the Committee).
• Maximum of two Entries from a single builder.
• Entries should be accompanied by a description sheet showing the Entry's name (dafter the better), but NOT the builder's name.
• Don’t take it too seriously.
• Queries to clarify these rules should be submitted to Robin Schoolar / robin.schoolar@rmguild.org.uk
• The Challenge Committee reserves the right to circulate changes to these rules as needed, primarily to reflect clarifications.

The RMG Ramp of Forty-tude Challenge - Formal Rules

This Challenge is for members to build something in Meccano to reach a distance of 40 inches up a 40 degree ramp in the shortest possible time.

• The ramp has a uniform gradient of 40 degrees above horizontal, preceded by a level starting area, 40 inches long.
• The transition between start area and ramp is eased by a Strip Plate (ie 2-1/2" wide) transversely across the course.
• The whole course from start area to finish line will be covered with baize cloth to improve grip.
• The start line is where the ramp starts to transition from the level starting area base.
• To start, Entries must be placed in the starting area, with the whole Entry behind the start line.
• The finish line is 40 inches from the start line, measured along the slope of the ramp.
• An Entry completes the course when any part of the Entry passes the finish line, winner determined by fastest to pass the line.
• Entries which do not cross the line within 3 minutes, will be ranked by distance up the ramp after that time.  (This is to keep overall time taken by Challenge reasonable.)
• There should be no manual intervention once an Entry has been set in motion, EXCEPT that for Entries which are steerable, AND whose steering is operated by pushing a tiller sideways, brief manual adjustments to steering ARE permitted, up to a maximum of three times.  In event of any other manual intervention, the Challenge Committee will decide whether to disqualify or allow with a time penalty.
• Entries to be constructed entirely from Meccano parts (or exact reproductions) from any eras.  In addition, paint saver washers and batteries are also permitted.
• The only source of power must be EITHER a single Meccano No1 Clockwork Motor OR a single Meccano Electric Motor of any type, so long as motor is NOT in a Radio Control chassis, and so long as motor's power supply does NOT exceed 7 volts.  (This is to allow for certain brands of disposable battery which, when fresh, slightly exceed 1.5V.)
• Electric power may be either carried on the Entry or supplied via trailing leads.
• For avoidance of doubt: any weight in any form which on balance is lower at the finish than the start will result in disqualifiaction because gravity does contravene the "only source of power" rule.
• Entries may not exceed ten inches wide.
• An Entry is not permitted to separate into disconnected sections, and Cord, Chain, Spring Cord etc do NOT suffice to connect separate sections (ie no shooting a grapnel over the finish line.)
• Challenge is open to members who have paid the subscription for 2026-27 membership year (there will be ample opportunity to renew at the meeting BEFORE the Challenge starts.)
• Members of RMG Challenge Committee (Robin Schoolar, Pete Wood & Craig Longhurst) are NOT permitted to enter (due to their close involvement in devising these rules.)
• Maximum of two Entries from a single builder.
• Entries must have an appropriate name, dafter the better.
• Don’t take it too seriously.
• Queries to clarify these rules should be submitted to Robin Schoolar / robin.schoolar@rmguild.org.uk
• The Challenge Committee reserve the right to circulate changes to these rules as needed, primarily to reflect clarifications.

Best of luck, and May The Fortieth Be With You as you enjoy Rising to the Challenges.

Auction of Meccano from the late Mike Rhoades

By Robin Schoolar • Published on Wednesday 15 July 2026, 3:00pm

Some time has passed since well known Meccano dealer Mike Rhoades died.

Mike's Meccano is now being auctioned by Gilbert Baitson Auctioneers in Hull.

Details of all their upcoming auctions can be found here: https://bid.gilbert-baitson.co.uk/auctions

Apologies that by the time this is published, the first auction will be over (it comprised hundreds of lots, but almost all were routine parts in inconveniently large quantities).

The second auction, with bidding closing on 23rd July, currently comprises just 11 lots, this time all relatively collectable items.  The auction house may decide to extend this second auction with further lots and/or schedule additional auctions with more Mike Rhoades items.

Bidding online is possible, but the auction house requires bidders to register first, which involves using a credit card to pay a returnable (they say!) deposit of £50 by credit card.  Don't leave registration until the last moment, as I gather it doesn't always go smoothly so may involve phoning them to get past the digital gremlins.

Details of the first auction of Mike Rhoades items (along with many other finished auctions) can be found here: https://bid.gilbert-baitson.co.uk/past-auctions

Spring 2026 magazines are now in the post

By Robin Schoolar • Published on Sunday 19 April 2026, 11:59pm

It is my pleasure to announce that I have just finished mailing out copies of the Spring 2026 magazine to all paid up members.  Editor Craig and printer Vikki have once more excelled themselves, and it contains is packed with articles from many RMG members, so we all hope you enjoy reading it.  Once your copy opf the magazine arrives, we are always interested to hear what you think of it - just reply to this email.

UK magazines should, generally arrive within a week, whereas overseas often take up to three weeks.  If you believe you are a paid up member, and your magazine still hasn't arrived within that timescale , please let me know (eg by replying to this email).  Please provide your full postal address as an important cross check when I'm trying to put things right.

Those with "Electronic Membership" should already have received an email containing a link to download their copy of the magazine as a PDF file.

Emails via RMG website, such as this one, are NOT restricted to fully paid up members - these emails are sent to everyone who has subscribed via the website for News.

Any non-members reading this are missing out on a fantastic trove of Meccano tips, news and views and if only you paid the (very modest) subscription, both the Autumn 2025 and Spring 2026 magazines will be posted to you, plus in a few months time, the Summer 2026 magazine, the last covered by the current membership year.

Details of rates and how to subscribe or renew can be found here:
https://runnymedemeccanoguild.org.uk/shop/sections/membership/products/runnymede-meccano-guild-annual-membership 

If you're unsure whether or not you are fully paid up for the fresh 2025-26 membership year, simply check with me by replying to this email.

Keep making the most of your Meccano

Regards    Robin Schoolar

(Treasurer and Membership Secretary, Runnymede Meccano Guild)

Final Preview Pictures of Items for Auction this Saturday

By Robin Schoolar • Published on Thursday 5 February 2026, 4:24pm

Below are the last two pictures of Auction Lots which have been provided in advance.

Although it's now too late to send more pictures, lots can still be accepted on the day (Sat 7th Feb) between 11am and 1pm.

Looking forward to seeing a good turn out of members at Liphook, and non-members welcome as well.

For details of the auction, refer to emails previously sent with the full rules, or you can find them here ... https://runnymedemeccanoguild.org.uk/news

Set 9 (blue/yellow/zinc) in wooden box with many extra parts

Vertical Steam Engine built by the late Mike Dennis

Meccano Auction & Runnymede Guild Meeting Sat 7th Feb 2026

By Robin Schoolar • Published on Monday 2 February 2026, 5:35pm

Apologies for another reminder about RMG auction and meeting this Saturday 7th February, but I've added five more pictures of lots that are now expected.

If anyone wishes to send more pictures of tempting lots, there's still time!  I shall share them, so long as you get them to me by lunchtime on Thursday (eg by replying to his email)

I've also made sure that both the models built by Terry Bullingham are visible this time (one was messed up in the previous email), and tried to improve some phrasing that wasn't clear first time around

So far there are only a few pre-arranged lots (seven pictured below), so we are relying on members to bring plenty of attractive Meccano items to sell in the auction.

Please note practicalities of this auction as follows

• Auction cashier (Robin Schoolar) can only accept lots between 11am and 1pm.
• Payment in cash preferred, cheques accepted.  Electronic payment will not be possible.  (There is a cash dispenser across the car park outside Sainsburys)
• To keep the auction manageable, there is limit of three lots per member for lots which are not notified in advance.
• We'd like to encourage members to provide photographs of lots to be sent out in advance, if you provide one photograph of each lot by lunchtime Thu 5th Feb, we will accept four lots from you.
• Note that lots where all proceeds go to RMG funds will not be counted towards the above limits.
• At RMG Auctioneer's discretion, the above limits may be relaxed, but this decision will only be made after 1pm
• RMG auctioneer will be encouraging brisk bidding.  Anyone who is slow deciding to bid, or who doesn't call out their bid loudly and clearly, is at risk of missing out.
• Sellers may set a reserve price, but the 10% fee for this must be paid in exact cash to the Auction Cashier when the lot is accepted for auction.  If lot doesn't sell, fee will be retained for RMG funds.  If lots sells, seller will be refunded the fee and receive the proceeds with the usual 10% commission deducted.  So a reserve of £50 would need £5 initial fee.  If this lot sells for £70, seller will have the £5 refunded plus receive £63 (ie 90% of proceeds), leaving the usual £7 commission for RMG funds. 
• Before any lots can be removed at end of auction, buyers must pay their dues to the Auction Cashier.  Cash preferred, but cheques can be accepted.
• Before sellers visit the Auction Cashier for their proceeds, they should wait until the majority of buyers have paid their dues.  (This reduces likelihood of a cash flow crisis) 

Timetable for the Day

10:30 Doors open for setting up tables, mains leads and table covers.  Extra hands welcome for set up.  Please do NOT bring in models or auction lots until all tables have been set up and covered.

11:00 Auction lots and models may be brought in

13:00 No further auction lots can be accepted (unless deadline is extended, entirely at discretion of RMG Auctioneer)

14:15 Business meeting followed immediately by Auction

Extra hands always appreciated with putting away and tidying 

17:00 Hall must be cleared, everyone should be on their way, and hall to be locked

Six Drawer Cabinet

Clock Kit 1

Marks & Spencer Classic Red & Green Set 0530

Medium Red/Green Set 7

Mission the Universe Space Xplorer Set

Auction of two models built by the late Terry Bullingham 

Sadly Terry Bullingham passed away a few months ago.  Terry and his superb models will be much missed, all the more so because Terry did not let the complete loss of his sight stop him from building models to the highest possible standards and accuracy.

His widow Maria has decided on RMG Auction as the best way to pass two of Terry's models to appreciative new owners.

Terry's Railway Steam Crane

Terry's 0-6-0 Tank Locomotive

Autumn 2025 magazines are now in the post

By Robin Schoolar • Published on Tuesday 25 November 2025, 5:30pm

I am delighted to announce that I have just finished mailing out copies of the Autumn 2025 magazine (the first in the fresh 2025-26 membership year) to all paid up members.

For this Magazine, the approach to buying postage has changed slightly again, mainly to make things a bit quicker and simpler for myself.  Again it would be helpful and informative if members could kindly let me know when their magazine arrives (eg by replying to this email).

If you believe you are a paid up UK member, and your magazine still hasn't arrived by 6th December, please let me know (eg by replying to this email).  Please provide your postal address as an important cross check when I'm trying to put things right.

For paid up overseas members, I'd advise allowing another week, maybe even a little longer for those beyond Europe.

Anyone receiving the Autumn 2025 Magazine can take its arrival as confirmation that they are paid up for the fresh (2025-26) membership year, which means you are also due to receive Spring 2026 and Summer 2026 magazines before renewals will be upon us once more.

The half dozen who have not yet renewed will find that rather than receiving the magazine, their slim envelope will contain a friendly reminder, setting out the ways to renew membership, illustrating what they are missing.

Details of how to renew can also be found here:
https://runnymedemeccanoguild.org.uk/shop/sections/membership/products/runnymede-meccano-guild-annual-membership 

Of course, anyone receiving this message who is not already a member, would be most welcome to use the above link to join and receive magazines on a regular basis.

If you're unsure whether or not you are fully paid up for the fresh 2025-26 membership year, simply check with me by replying to this email.

Keep making the most of your Meccano

Regards    Robin Schoolar

(Treasurer and Membership Secretary, Runnymede Meccano Guild)

Renewals Reminder and Reflections from Liphook

By Robin Schoolar • Published on Saturday 18 October 2025, 5:00pm

Thanks to all who helped make the RMG meeting at Liphook a couple of weeks ago so enjoyable, especially those who assisted with set-up and tear-down.

Plus a special thank-you to Maria Plicio for again co-ordinating refreshments.

Thanks to everyone who has already renewed membership, either in person at Liphook or by sending payment.

For the couple of dozen who have yet to renew, please note that the next three magazines will be sent ONLY to paid up members.

Anyone unsure whether you have renewed should check with me (eg by replying to this email).

Renewal by cheque costs £35(UK) / £45(Europe) / £50(Rest of World)
Cheques payable to "Runnymede Meccano Guild" should be sent to
    Robin Schoolar
    11 Cranleigh Road
    London SW19 3LX

To renew by card or by PayPal, visit RMG website here ... https://rmguild.org.uk/shop/sections/membership
(Note that website automatically adds an extra £1, to help with processing fees)

For renewal (avoiding the £1 mark-up) by electronic (BACS) transfer direct to RMG bank account - UK currency only - let me know (eg by replying to this email) and I'll provide account details

Finally if anyone promised editor Craig something for the next magazine, the sooner material reaches him, the more quickly the magazine can be produced 

Help urgently needed this Saturday and Bill Roberts Memorial Trophy

By Robin Schoolar • Published on Wednesday 1 October 2025, 5:01pm

Given that this Saturday's RMG meeting at Liphook is also the AGM, the committee will be even busier than usual.  So more than ever, RMG needs a volunteer to write the model report, or better still, two or three pals to divide up the room, each writing about their portion. Please consider this seriously. If nobody volunteers, the next magazine's Liphook resort will be both dull and brief, and the magazine may end up with fewer than the usual 60 pages. 

While on the subject of volunteers, the AGM means RMG officers are due to be voted in.  Although an acting committee is currently in place, if anyone else would like to volunteer for one of the roles, it would be great to have some alternatives once we reach the vote, so anyone would be welcome to volunteer and be nominated on the day.

If anyone has ideas that may extend beyond what RMG currently does, please volunteer and the committee would welcome you aboard as an additional member.

The acting committee, who are willing to continue (if they have to) are ... 
Editor: Craig Longhurst
Publications Officer: Pete Wood
Treasurer: Robin Schoolar
Membership Secretary: Robin Schoolar

Nick Rodgers will continue as President, because that role remains his indefinitely, unless he (or fate) decides differently.

As usual the October meeting will also include the award of the Bill Roberts Memorial Trophy, decided from a vote by paid up members present on the day.  Collect your voting slip from Robin, who may also encourage you to be sure you have renewed your membership.  (£35 in cash or by cheque) 

Liphook Sat 4 Oct: Still Space for More Railway Themed Offerings

By Robin Schoolar • Published on Tuesday 30 September 2025, 5:00pm

As advised in earlier mass email, as bonus feature to complement Runnymede AGM at Liphook this Saturday, Murray Russell is co-ordinating a Grand Railway Extravaganza.

One of the island table blocks will be set aside for Murray's large oval of Gauge OO track (20x8 feet), where anyone can bring their own trains and run them, taking turns with Murray's own Transcontinental Streamliner.

There is still space to spare on this island block, an ideal opportunity for others to bring Gauge O, Gauge 1 or G-Scale track, plus trains to run on them.

If you have anything suitable, please try to let us know beforehand (eg by replying to this email), so we can plan how best to accommodate everybody.

Track of other gauges doesn't necessarily have to be a large oval ... whatever track you can offer, we'll find a way to use it advantageously. 

Meccano models and historical displays are as welcome as ever, but there may be slightly less table space for them.  However with a bit of give and take, we'll find space everyone bringing something to show.

However anyone whose display needs more than one table, should reply to this message giving details so we can do our best to fit you in.