Does anybody remember owning or playing with Minibrix?
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| Minibrix |
For those who don't know, Minibrix is a now defunct
but fabulously satisfying construction toy made from rubber. It came in a regular brick format and also in Tudor black and white.
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| Minibrix - Catalogue/Instructions |
According to Minibrix.com,
it first entered production in the 1930s before it's final demise in the
late1970s when the last remaining factory stock was dumped in a skip -
like miniature builder's rubble! There were probably a number of reasons for its downfall although I expect the ascendancy of other
construction toys (Lego in particular) would have been a significant factor. This is a shame as it was a well designed product. The bricks fit
together strongly and are also very tactile. Furthermore, they make a hugely
satisfying pop when you press them together or pull them apart. Another great
feature is that unlike Lego they seem to get better with age. The bricks
in the set I grew up with have acquired a white chalky looking patina
where the rubber has started to slowly break down.
Anyway, enough words - here are some things I built recently, clearly demonstrating my formidable construction skills and architectural vision.
Lets start with a bunker...
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| Nic Pehkonen, Bunker |
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| Nic Pehkonen, Bunker (another view) |
Continuing the military theme with a pillbox.
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| Nic Pehkonen, Pillbox |
And then an observation tower.
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| Nic Pehkonen, Observation Tower |
Another tower - this time it could be a water tower...
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| Nic Pehkonen - Water Tower |
A factory
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| Nic Pehkonen, Factory |
A chapel maybe...
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| Nic Pehkonen, Chapel |
And then a ruined building.
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| Nic Pehkonen, Ruined building |
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| Looking inside |
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| ...from another angle |
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| ...and another |
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| One final interior shot |
Lastly, here are a couple of buildings you can make from actual instructions, assuming you have the correct set/s. I think there were seven Minibrix and three Tudor sets in all.
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| Minibrix - Modern Flats |
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| Minibrix - The Moot Hall, Aldeburgh |
Good to find another Minibrix fan! I've just bought a set on ebay and it took me straight back to my childhood. I had been telling people about them and boring them with my enthusiasm for years, but was unable to track them down, as I was spelling it Mini Bricks. Now my grandsons are totally absorbed!
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you found a set and that you have found some new converts too!
ReplyDeleteWe had the grandchildren round yesterday, and I dug out the 1930s minibrix set that I'd enjoyed playing with as a child when visiting MY grandfather in the 1960s. The grandchildren, and my husband were gripped!
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