Category:Primus Big Wheel Outfit

1923 Catalogue listing [image info]

Catalogue listing, Primus Big Wheel Outfit (1924) [image info]

Motor Reaping Machine, Model No.1015 [image info]

Power Driving Wheel and Fan, Model No. 1003 [image info]

A model of a Roundabout. Not a Big Wheel [image info]

A Primus Big Wheel Outfit" made by Primus Engineering in the early 1920s.

About the "Big Wheel Outfit"

Although some might expect a "Big Wheel" Outfit to be a kit for making models of fairground attractions, the Primus product was, quite literally, an outfit for making large wheels (e.g. for model field guns, or traction engines, or wagons). An interesting distinction between this outfit and the "Meccano" approach was that in this set, instead of being "given" large wheels ready-made, or having to laboriously make them completely from scratch using standard parts in a way that didn't replicate the engineering of most real wheels, the Primus set had dedicated parts for making larger wheels.

The set includes three main types of part: rim pieces, central hubs with edge holes, and a large number of wire "spokes" that let the user build up comparatively large lightweight wheels similar to those found on a bicycle or motorbike.

1924 Catalogue text:

So many working models give twice the pleasure when wheels are incorporated. This useful outfit has been designed for this purpose, and enormously increases the scope of standard Primus Outfits. Each Outfit has ample parts to build four wheels of 4 in. dia., or two of 6 in. dia., or two of 8 in. dia.
— , -, , Bassett-Lowke Catalogue "B", , 1924

Instruction Manual text:

PRIMUS BIG-WHEEL OUTFIT

THE BIG WHEEL OUTFIT consists of a series of new and ingenious parts with which "Primus Engineers" can build wheels of 4-in., 6-in. and 8-in. diameter, to be used in connection with many of the Models shown in the Primus Manual, or for other special Models.
The wheels are built up in sections, and when made are suitable for Cart Wheels, Fly Wheels, Pulley Wheels, Traction Wheels, Paddle Wheels, in fact, Wheels for every conceivable purpose. In addition composite Wheels for Steam Rollers, sectional parts for Towers, Lighthouses and Roundabouts can be made. The Big Wheel Outfit has been designed specially for use in conjunction with regular Primus parts as contained in the Standard Primus Sets, and its introduction enables more varied and attractive Models to be built.
The Wheel sections are fully patented and in themselves are strikingly novel. They may be easily bent to almost any curve or they can be made straight. It would therefore be evident at once how useful they will prove in the building of Models. The Spokes are of three different sizes and may be used as Stays, Supports, Levers, etc., and while their introduction makes models look more real they also offer a pleasing alternative to the use of perforated strips.
The Hubs also contained in the Big Wheel Set can be put to many uses.

— , W.Butcher and Sons, , Primus Big Wheel Outfit manual,