A technology building set that is not LEGO Technic, K'NEX, or Meccano. Can you help me with the name?

Question

I remember a building/technology set from years ago and I'm trying to recall its name.

The parts were plastic and could be joined by slots down their sides. A stud on the end of other pieces fitted into the slot and could slide along.

The set also had pneumatic components.

Here is a sketch of my best memory of a typical brick.

Can you name it for me?

Thanks. Done with the old 2D Microsoft Paint! Only real error was I forgot to show the ends of the hidden slots - Grrr. — chasly - supports Monica, Commented Sep 14, 2020 at 8:51
Great, now you've reminded me of my childhood loves: Girder& Panel and the companion Bridge& Turnpike; and ErectorSets. Turns out the former is still being manufactured! The latter, in a modified form, is Meccano — Carl Witthoft, Commented Sep 14, 2020 at 13:14
You got the actual answer but my first inclination was to say "that's T-slot aluminum! That's not a toy, it's real engineering system!" Of course what you are describing actually is the toy; but the version with aluminum beams and metal or plastic brackets exists too, and is used to make somewhat similar real-world constructions. — Chris Stratton, Commented Sep 15, 2020 at 19:14
@Chris Stratton - Fischer Technik is actually sometimes used for prototyping and they make longer compatible beams of aluminium - ebay.co.uk/i/… — chasly - supports Monica, Commented Sep 15, 2020 at 20:33

jncraton · Accepted Answer · 2020-09-13 17:54:42Z

30

Based on your description, this sounds like Fischertechnik:

answered Sep 13, 2020 at 17:54

jncraton♦

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2

That's it - Thanks
– chasly - supports Monica
Commented Sep 13, 2020 at 18:21
1

Definitely Fischertechnik. Used to be quite popular, next to Meccano.
– Mast
Commented Sep 14, 2020 at 7:32
5

Very popular in Germany, used not only by hobbyists, but also by professionals building functional models of industrial equipment.
– Ralf Kleberhoff
Commented Sep 14, 2020 at 13:48
7

@RalfKleberhoff Being able to build functional models is part of the idea behind it. Fisher is a big company in plastic extrusion and molding technology. (Most people probably know them best from plugs for screws, washers and other plastic fasteners). They originally made the first FisherTechnic set in 1964 partly as a technology demo and partly as a Christimas customer relations gift. It proved to be so popular it became a separate business division.
– Tonny
Commented Sep 14, 2020 at 15:46
2

I owned a set in the 1970s. They are fun and high quality -- these bricks are made from nylon.
– Peter - Reinstate Monica
Commented Sep 15, 2020 at 12:39

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