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Part 12c: Obtuse Angle Bracket

One of the few parts in the Meccano system to use a 45° angle, this part wasn't introduced until the lettered outfits in 1934.

12c	Obtuse angle bracket	1934	-	n/a	4	12	N°4

The parts

Unusually rare in early outfits, there were only four of these included in the famous L outfit of the 30's. More were included in the later numbered outfits, a dozen in the outfit 10.

Chronological variations

Apart from the changes in finish documented below, it is possible to detect the very slightest of changes in the manufacture of this part over the years. From around the start of the zinc period (1966 or so), the crease in these parts is noticeably sharper. I think you will see from the photograph above that the earliest examples are effectively curved where the angle is formed, but the zinc and later ones have a sharp line on the inside rather than a radiused bend.  It is possible we may be able to use this in order to differentiate between Korean (1951-52) blackened steel examples and the much later Army Multikit (1973-) blackened steel parts.

Variations and oddities

None known

Dealer spare parts boxes

Not a very interesting picture, sorry! The blue label on the box to the right shows that this is from the silver/yellow/black period (or possibly even later), late 60's.

Left, a more interesting picture of obtuse angle brackets, dating from between 1954 (after the introduction of part number codes) and 1964 (when the box to the right would have taken over).

Individual part numbers

Part numbers for the parts on this page are as follows:    Unique part numbers
For 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	12c
Nickel-plated steel, stamped Meccano	34	.ni1
Nickel-plated steel, unstamped	37	.ni
Blackened steel †	51-52	.bs
Zinc plated	66	.zn
Blackened steel † (Army Multikit)	73	.bs1
Matt brass	76	.mb
Iridescent	79	.ir
		ALL

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

Anon      (at 6:24pm, Thu 15th Dec, 16)

Is it possible to distinguish betweeen Korean War brackets and Army Multikit brackets?

T Gant      (at 12:52pm, Wed 23rd Sep, 09)

Hi Charles There were two distinctly different angles of this bracket in the late 70's (prob 1978/9) and from memory two different gauges of metal used. The more obtuse angle ones being thinner gauge, i seem to recall. These were from new sets - i.e. not ones that had been 'changed'. Richard P probably has samples as well.

George      (at 10:10am, Tue 4th Sep, 07)

Thanks. The omission was driving me round the bend.

Charles      (at 10:05am, Tue 4th Sep, 07)

There you go George, it's done at last!

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