North Eastern Meccano Society
Virtual "Darlington" - October 2020 (Page 1)
The club should have held an exhibition at Darlington on October 24th 2020. Unfortunately due to the Coronavirus epidemic this (together with all our other exhibitions and meetings) have been cancelled. We therefore decided to again put on a 'virtual' exhibition to allow members to display the models they would normally have displayed at Darlington. Twenty members have entered this virtual exhibition and photos of their models are spread over two pages on this website.
The models here are an interesting lot. Some are brand new, and having there first exposure here. Others are older models which have not been seen for some years and all shades in between. We hope that you enjoy them.
A random selection of models from this 'Virtual Exhibition' appear at the top of this page, but they can all be seen over the two pages of photo galleries.
In addition some of our members have provided videos of their models working. These videos can be seen further down the page.
ENJOY
High resolution versions of the photos are also available to view or download if desired. In most browsers clicking on a thumbnail, will make that image stay on the webpage and you can then click on the link to get the high resolution version.

Photo - Alex Robson
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - Models built by Alex Robson for the Darlington Virtual Exhibition.
- Truck Chassis - MAN TGM 10.240 18 Tonne BB Rigid Truck Chassis. Freelance design from engineering drawings by Alex Robson.
- Robot man – model 9.7 from the 1962 to 1969 Meccano set 9 book of models
- Fork Lift Truck – model 9.12 from the 1959 to 1961 Meccano set 9 book of models
- Steam Tractor – model 8.19 from the 1948 – 1953 Meccano set 8 book of models
(10/10/2020)
Click here to see higher resolution photo
Photo - Alex Robson
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - Models built by Alex Robson for the Darlington Virtual Exhibition.
- Truck Chassis - MAN TGM 10.240 18 Tonne BB Rigid Truck Chassis. Freelance design from engineering drawings by Alex Robson.
- Robot man – model 9.7 from the 1962 to 1969 Meccano set 9 book of models
- Fork Lift Truck – model 9.12 from the 1959 to 1961 Meccano set 9 book of models
- Steam Tractor – model 8.19 from the 1948 – 1953 Meccano set 8 book of models
(10/10/2020)Click here to see higher resolution photo
Photo - Alex Robson
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - MAN–TGM 10.240 18 Tonne BB Rigid Truck Chassis – designed and built by Alex Robson.
Designed and built from engineering drawings. Includes working model diesel engine, a modified version of Eric Taylors Crawler Tractor gearbox. The chassis incorporates a cab with detailed interior, a heavy duty rear differential, leaf spring suspension and the 6" ashtray tyre wheels include wheel bearings.
There are other photos of the truck and videos of the gearbox and diesel engine in the 2020 'virtual' Shildon section of the website. (10/10/2020)Click here to see higher resolution photo
Photo - Alex Robson
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - MAN–TGM 10.240 18 Tonne BB Rigid Truck Chassis - Rear view.
Designed and built from engineering drawings by Alex Robson (10/10/2020)Click here to see higher resolution photo
Photo - Alex Robson
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - MA–TGM 10.240 18 Tonne BB Rigid Truck Chassis - The inside of the cab
Designed and built from engineering drawings by Alex Robson (10/10/2020)Click here to see higher resolution photo
Photo - Alex Robson
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - MAN–TGM 10.240 18 Tonne BB Rigid Truck Chassis - Gearbox
A modified version of Eric Taylors Crawler Tractor gearbox. Modified Gear selection mechanism and gate, added my own design clutch and added a motor making it a self contained powered unit. Separate from the main engine in the truck.
There are other photos and videos of the gearbox and diesel engine in the 2020 'Virtual Shildon' exhibition section of the website. (10/10/2020)Click here to see higher resolution photo
Photo - Alex Robson
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - MAN–TGM 10.240 18 Tonne BB Rigid Truck Chassis – diesel engine
Mounted in the chassis, designed and built by Alex Robson. (10/10/2020)Click here to see higher resolution photo
Photo - Alex Robson
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - MAN–TGM 10.240 18 Tonne BB Rigid Truck Chassis – rear heavy duty differential.
Designed and built by Alex Robson. (10/10/2020)Click here to see higher resolution photo
Photo - Alex Robson
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - MAN–TGM 10.240 18 Tonne BB Rigid Truck Chassis – diesel engine
Right hand side view of the working model diesel engine, designed and built by Alex Robson.
There are other photos and videos of the gearbox and diesel engine in the 2020 'Virtual Shildon' exhibition section of the website. (10/10/2020)Click here to see higher resolution photo
Photo - Alex Robson
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - MAN–TGM 10.240 18 Tonne BB Rigid Truck Chassis – diesel engine
Left hand side view of the working model diesel engine, designed and built by Alex Robson.
There are other photos and videos of the gearbox and diesel engine in the 2020 'Virtual Shildon' exhibition section of the website. (10/10/2020)Click here to see higher resolution photo
Photo - Alex Robson
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - Robot Man - Model 9.7 from the 1962 to 1969 Meccano set 9, book of models. Built by Alex Robson. A video showing the model in operation is lower down on this page (10/10/2020)
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Photo - Alex Robson
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - Fork Lift Truck – model 9.12 from the 1959 to 1961 Meccano set 9 book of models. Built by Alex Robson. A video showing the model in operation is lower down on this page (10/10/2020)
Click here to see higher resolution photo
Photo - Alex Robson
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - Steam Tractor – model 8.19 from the 1948 – 1953 Meccano set 8 book of models. Built by Alex Robson in mostly 1930’s Blue/Gold – but I used a few 1970's blue parts. (26/09/2020)
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Photo - Barry Richardson
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - A model built by Barry Richardson of a large double beam pumping engine used by Sunderland water company for many years. A video showing the model in operation is lower down on this page. (16/09/2020)
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Photo - Barry Richardson
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - A model built by Barry Richardson of an old windmill built in pre-war Blue & Gold (07/08/2010)
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Photo - Barry Richardson
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - A model built by Barry Richardson of Kientz’s 19th century Single Cylinder Oscillating Engine (original is in the London Science museum I believe) (24/10/2020)
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Photo - Barry Richardson
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - A model built by Barry Richardson of Benson's Vertical Steam Engine with unusual design incorporating only one central column (28/06/2019)
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Photo - Barry Richardson
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - Barry Richardson's faithful Meccanograph. It has appeared in many exhibitions and is loved by the public. (24/10/2020)
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Photo - Bob Watson
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - A Beam Engine built by Bob Watson (25/04/2020)
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Photo - Bob Watson
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - A Beam Engine built by Bob Watson (25/04/2020)
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Photo - Bob Watson
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - A Beam Engine built by Bob Watson (25/04/2020)
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Photo - Bob Watson
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - A Steam Traction Engine built by Bob Watson (27/05/2020)
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Photo - Bob Watson
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - AThe side of a steam engine mounted on a board with operating wheel/piston (22/07/2020)
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Photo - Bob Watson
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - The side of a steam engine mounted on a board showing the operating mechanism (22/07/2020)
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Photo - Bob Watson
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - A Citroen Car built by Bob Watson (22/07/2020)
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Photo - Bob Watson
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - A 'National' tanker built by Bob Watson (22/07/2020)
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Photo - Bob Watson
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - An 'Easy Rider' Bus built by Bob Watson (02/07/2020)
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Photo - Bob Watson
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - An 'Easy Rider' Bus built by Bob Watson (02/07/2020)
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Photo - David Dalton
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - Power hacksaw built by David Dalton. I needed to make some captive nuts and thought the power saw might be a good idea then I could get on with something else....
In spite of all the weights it was still very slow to cut the brass pieces.
I now have a full-size power hacksaw in the workshop ....! (15/12/2014)Click here to see higher resolution photo
Photo - David Dalton
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - Prototype off road type vehicle built by David Dalton using a selection of Meccano parts from some recent sets (Aug 2017).
I was trying to make use of the geared motor with two output shafts.
I'm sure it has potential and the vehicle was put to one side for some future date.. (05/05/2017)Click here to see higher resolution photo
Photo - David Dalton
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - Prototype off road type vehicle built by David Dalton using a selection of Meccano parts from some recent sets (Aug 2017).
I was trying to make use of the geared motor with two output shafts.
I'm sure it has potential and the vehicle was put to one side for some future date.. (05/05/2017)Click here to see higher resolution photo
Photo - David Dalton
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - A 1950's Land Rover chassis built by David Dalton to as close to the design of the original within the limits of scale. This chassis actually ran for a while and was taken to the 'Enginuity' exhibition in April 2016. (06/08/2014)
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Photo - David Dalton
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - A 1950's Land Rover chassis built by David Dalton to as close to the design of the original within the limits of scale. This chassis actually ran for a while and was taken to the 'Enginuity' exhibition in April 2016. (08/08/2014)
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Photo - David Dalton
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - 'Sprue car' built by David Dalton, a short lived model but it did work. I was determined to find a use for the orange moulding sprue that came with the Bowden cable Excavator set... (21/08/2014)
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Photo - David Dalton
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - January 2020 redesign of the John Deere model chassis by David Dalton to make room for a motor and steering. (13/01/2020)
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Photo - David Dalton
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - The completed model following a redesign of the John Deere model chassis by David Dalton to make room for a motor and steering. (07/03/2020)
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Photo - David Dalton
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - A Reliant Regal van built by David Dalton made famous by a television comedy series. (21/10/2020)
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Photo - David Dalton
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - The chassis of a Reliant Regal van built by David Dalton made famous by a television comedy series. (21/10/2020)
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Photo - David Owst
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - The dragline built by David Owst was inspired by a recent visit to his support bubble near Corby, when they had a picnic next to the bucket of one of these machines! The model you will recognise from a MM. It has long interested him. The E20R has been replaced by a PDU running off 6V, the walking shaft bearings and gears have been beefed up, and all motions work well. It just needs a lot of practice controlling all the levers! (22/10/2020)
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Photo - David Owst
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - The centipede is all David Owst's. It uses drifts for legs. It walks well, with a pleasing wave motion down the side.
Two videos of this model can be seen below. (22/10/2020)Click here to see higher resolution photo
Photo - David Owst
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - The tortoise and the camel built by David Owst are both Bernhard Perrier creations he thinks (22/10/2020)
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Photo - Dave Stanford
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - Yellow Tanker Lorry built by Dave Stanford.
This lorry has a British cab fitted with evolution parts to give a vertical radiator grill. The tank structure is a modified version of the tank in manual model 8.9 (1966). The fittings on the tank are taken from internet photos. (19/10/2020)Click here to see higher resolution photo
Photo - Dave Stanford
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - Lorries with oil and gas industry loads built by Dave Stanford.
These three flat bed lorries have a variety of oil and gas industry loads, many destined for offshore. There are two sizes of chemical tanks, a general-purpose container, and a bank of 16 nitrogen bottles. The black object with several pistons (rams) on either side is a blowout preventer (BOP). The brown pallets carry several different types of PIGS for cleaning and inspecting pipelines. They also carry a cable drum and some exhaust stacks. The articulated Lorry has a French cab the other two lorries have British cabs. (19/10/2020)Click here to see higher resolution photo
Photo - Dave Stanford
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - Timber Lorry built by Dave Stanford.
This timber lorry with trailer is of a type that is regularly seen on my local roads. Some have a crane on the rear of the tractor unit to load the timber. Others are like this model and cannot be self-loaded. (19/10/2020)Click here to see higher resolution photo
Photo - Dave Stanford
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - Helicopters built by Dave Stanford.
Five manual models from the 2016 Aerial Rescue Set. These sets were sold off for a very reasonable price at a local shop. I must have bought five sets!! (19/10/2020)Click here to see higher resolution photo
Photo - John Witchard
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - Dennis Edward's Doxford Opposed - Piston Marine Diesel Engine (c1955) (10/04/2010)
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Photo - John Witchard
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - Dennis Edward's model of the Tyne Swing Bridge between Newcastle and Gateshead (12/04/2014)
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Photo - John Witchard
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - Dennis Edward's model of the Tyne Swing Bridge between Newcastle and Gateshead (12/04/2014)
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Photo - John Witchard
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - This model by Dennis Edward is of the first Steam Turbine driven vessel which is presently preserved at the Newcastle Discovery Museum. The model has actually appeared in front of the vessel at an exhibition which NEMS held there several years ago. The model is over six feet long and the propellers are driven by an electric motor. (22/07/2017)
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Photo - George Roy
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - A Pickup built by George Roy – an enhanced model based on the off-road racer set. Features improved bonnet, seating, steering wheel and re-designed back end. (22/10/2020)
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Photo - George Roy
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - A Pickup built by George Roy – an enhanced model based on the off-road racer set. Features improved bonnet, seating, steering wheel and re-designed back end. (22/10/2020)
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Photo - George Roy
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - Gamekeepers buggy built by George Roy using parts from the Supercar set + others. Features working steering and seating. (22/10/2020)
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Photo - George Roy
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - Gamekeepers buggy built by George Roy using parts from the Supercar set + others. Features working steering and seating. (22/10/2020)
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Photo - George Roy
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - Skip lorry built by George Roy based on MP 107 by Tony James. It is a 10 set model but enhance with improvements. Features steering, accelerator, clutch, 2 speed and reverse gearbox, differential and fully operating skip raising, lowering and tipping. (22/10/2020)
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Photo - George Roy
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - Skip lorry built by George Roy based on MP 107 by Tony James. It is a 10 set model but enhance with improvements. Features steering, accelerator, clutch, 2 speed and reverse gearbox, differential and fully operating skip raising, lowering and tipping. (22/10/2020)
Click here to see higher resolution photo
Photo - George Roy
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - Skip lorry built by George Roy based on MP 107 by Tony James. It is a 10 set model but enhance with improvements. Features steering, accelerator, clutch, 2 speed and reverse gearbox, differential and fully operating skip raising, lowering and tipping. (22/10/2020)
Click here to see higher resolution photo
Photo - George Roy
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - Skip lorry with skip fully lowered built by George Roy based on MP 107 by Tony James. It is a 10 set model but enhance with improvements. Features steering, accelerator, clutch, 2 speed and reverse gearbox, differential and fully operating skip raising, lowering and tipping. (22/10/2020)
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Photo - George Roy
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - Detail of the gearing of the Skip lorry built by George Roy based on MP 107 by Tony James. It is a 10 set model but enhance with improvements. Features steering, accelerator, clutch, 2 speed and reverse gearbox, differential and fully operating skip raising, lowering and tipping. (22/10/2020)
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Photo - George Roy
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - A Tower Crane built by George Roy. Built to 1.5 times the size of the outfit model using contents from 2 Tower Crane sets. Main amendments/improvements are:
Tower bracing changed to be protypical of real cranes.
Trolley design changed to get smooth running.
Cordage changed to improve lift capacity and maintain load level along length of jib.
(22/10/2020)Click here to see higher resolution photo
Photo - George Roy
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - A Tower Crane built by George Roy. Built to 1.5 times the size of the outfit model using contents from 2 Tower Crane sets. Main amendments/improvements are:
Tower bracing changed to be protypical of real cranes.
Trolley design changed to get smooth running.
Cordage changed to improve lift capacity and maintain load level along length of jib.
(22/10/2020)Click here to see higher resolution photo
Photo - George Roy
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - A Tower Crane built by George Roy. Built to 1.5 times the size of the outfit model using contents from 2 Tower Crane sets. Main amendments/improvements are:
Tower bracing changed to be protypical of real cranes.
Trolley design changed to get smooth running.
Cordage changed to improve lift capacity and maintain load level along length of jib.
(22/10/2020)Click here to see higher resolution photo
Photo - George Roy
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - A Tower Crane built by George Roy. Built to 1.5 times the size of the outfit model using contents from 2 Tower Crane sets. Main amendments/improvements are:
Tower bracing changed to be protypical of real cranes.
Trolley design changed to get smooth running.
Cordage changed to improve lift capacity and maintain load level along length of jib.
(22/10/2020)Click here to see higher resolution photo
Photo - John Witchard
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - Ian Brennand's model of a half-track vehicle built by the French Engineer Adolphe Kégress. In 1922 five of these vehicles made the first ever crossing of the Sahara Desert by a motor vehicle. (25/05/2014)
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Photo - John Witchard
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - Ian Brennand built this model of Citroën's 'Petite Rosalie'. In 1933 it clocked up 300,000 kilometres, in 134 days to set a world endurance record. (13/05/2017)
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Photo - Ian Grayson
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - Linde Fork Lift Truck built by Ian Grayson - design by Tronico (14/10/2020)
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Photo - Ian Grayson
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - Miniature block setter crane built by Ian Grayson made with the vintage anniversary set (from a design by Alan Esplen) (14/10/2020)
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Photo - Ian Grayson
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - Liebherr Tower Crane built by Ian Grayson - design by Tronico (14/10/2020)
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Photo - Joe Etheridge
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - Joe Etheridge's version of the Mouse Trap Game which he called "Catch a Thief" (24/10/2020)
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Photo - Joe Etheridge
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - Joe Etheridge's "Catch a Thief" game, showing the Thief in the trap. (24/10/2020)
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Photo - Joe Etheridge
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - A model of a Fergie Tractor built by Joe Etheridge. This was based on the 1950s Little Grey Fergie tractor (24/10/2020)
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Photo - Joe Etheridge
'Virtual Darlington' Exhibition October 2020 - A model of a Shelvoke & Drewry Dualdrive Freightlifter built by Joe Etheridge. These machines were introduced in the 1950s, re-designed in 1962 and discontinued in 1874. An additional driving cab was provided for use on public roads. (24/10/2020)
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Robot Man by Alex Robson
Fork Lift by Alex Robson
Double Beam Pumping Engine by Barry Richardson
Centipede by David Owst
Centipede mechanism by David Owst
The video can go full screen by pressing the bottom right hand icon on the video display window.
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