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Part 55/55a: Perforated slotted strips
Part 55 was originally a "rubber band", supplied from 1911 to 1913 in outfits 4 to 6. In 1921 the 5½'' slotted strip was introduced as the replacement part 55, joined by the 2'' slotted strip in 1922.
| 55 | Slotted strip, 5½'' | 1921 | - | 0 | 0 | 0 | n/a | |
| 55a | Slotted strip, 2'' | 1922 | - | 1 | 2 | 2 | N°9 | |
The parts
The slotted strips are a strange Meccano part, one of the very few with long slots allowing placement of bolts in any position. They were presumably designed to be useful in bracing frameworks where it is not possible to find bolt holes at standard spacing. They aren't quite as handy as they might be, as the resulting brace is only as secure as the bolt's ability to grip the edges of the hole.The 5½'' strip is a fairly rare part, as it was never included in outfits. The 2'' strip is more common, and two were supplied in the largest outfits (7 and L), then in the 9 and above after 1937. It is particularly useful in small gearboxes and orreries, allowing non-standard spacing for unusual gear pairs.
EMP reports the 5½'' strip as being introduced in 1909 as part 7, then renumbered in 1921. I can't find any evidence for this. Help anyone?
Chronological variations
The design of both parts has not changed since its introduction. Not many parts this early in the list that we can say that about!
Variations and oddities
None known
Dealer spare parts boxes
Individual part numbers
Part numbers for the parts on this page are as follows: Unique part numbersFor identification, each variation has been given a suffix to the main Meccano part number. These suffixes consist of a two-character code for the colour, and if there are many variations, a further number and sometimes letter code to identify each variation. See the bottom of the 'Parts' page for further details.
You don't need to worry what the codes are, just click on any one for a photograph.
The button above turns on and off the display of DMS numbers (where they are known). The DMS (Development of the Meccano System, Hauton and Hindemarsh) published in 1972 and added to in 75 and 82, suggested part numbers for every variation of every Meccano part. These numbers aren't perfect, but they are recognised and also referenced in the EMP (Encyclopedia of Meccano Parts, Don Blakeborough).
| Description | from | 55 | 55a |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nickel plated | 21 | .ni | .ni |
| Dark green | 27 | .dg | .dg |
| Medium green (pre-war) | 33 | .mg1 | .mg1 |
| Gold | 34 | .go | .go |
| Medium green | 48 | .mg | .mg |
| Light green | 58 | .lg | .lg |
| Nickel (Electrikit part 534) † | 63-78 | .ni1 | |
| Silver painted | 64 | .si | .si |
| Zinc | 66 | .zn | .zn |
| Dark blue | 78 | .db | .db |
| ALL | ALL |
){kind=link}
, Nickel plated.',700,101,'white')){kind=link}
, Nickel plated.',400,165,'white')){kind=link}
, Dark green.',700,115,'white')){kind=link}
, Dark green.',400,170,'white')){kind=link}
, Medium green (pre-war).',750,177,'white')){kind=link}
, Medium green (pre-war).',400,169,'white')){kind=link}
, Gold.',750,107,'white')){kind=link}
, Gold.',1000,384,'white')){kind=link}
, Medium green.',500,88,'white')){kind=link}
, Medium green.',400,175,'white')){kind=link}
, Light green.',700,108,'white')){kind=link}
, Light green.',400,132,'white')){kind=link}
, Nickel (Electrikit part 534) †.',400,135,'white')){kind=link}
, Silver painted.',700,100,'white')){kind=link}
, Silver painted.',400,157,'white')){kind=link}
, Zinc.',700,116,'white')){kind=link}
, Zinc.',400,156,'white')){kind=link}
, Dark blue.',700,117,'white')){kind=link}
, Dark blue.',400,130,'white')){kind=link}
Please send us pictures of missing parts! Hints and tips for pictures
Take a picture of the part in very good light, preferably on a plain yellow background, without a flash but with a tripod.
Ideally, trim the picture to about 150 pixels per inch of the Meccano part (unless the part is particularly big or small), save it as a reasonably good quality jpg file with a filename of exactly the part number, for example 19b.ni1.jpg, and email it to us by clicking on 'Contact us' at the top of the page. Thanks!
- A greyed-out box shows that no part exists for that colour combination.
- Part number codes with a green background have an attached picture of the part, just click once on the code to show a photograph of that part in a separate window.
- Parts marked "†" were temporary or economy parts, or existed only within specific themed outfits. The previous part continued throughout or afterwards.
Further information
Total number of messages on this page: 11. This is page 1 of 2. 
NP (at 10:17pm, Mon 30th Mar, 20) |
Page 1 of these comments has all the details! it reminds me that I too have a manual somewhere or perhaps just a copy? ! |
Dick Watson (at 8:19pm, Mon 30th Mar, 20) |
The 5.5" Strip was introduced for use in a slow forward and quick return mechanism and sometimes still is in more elaborate models. |
Peter Hall (at 2:06pm, Mon 30th Mar, 20) |
The 1909 HMSD Manual has a part #7 Perforated strip (slotted) 14cm long in the price list for additional parts. Price 3d. |
Ted Harris (at 5:50pm, Mon 24th Apr, 17) |
I use one with a rack strip to make rack and pinion steering. |
RobertG (at 3:28pm, Mon 24th Apr, 17) |
Two of these strips 55 are quite handy for bracing. The patterns with two together mean there's always two spots for a screw, at any length. With two screws (+washers) it's a decent brace that way (and useful to be able to make any length.) |
Jeremy Jordan (at 10:55am, Tue 13th Jan, 15) |
I have a perforated slotted strip that looks like the #55, except length of 2-5/8" and only one hole at each end. |