A number of toy and model companies have produced a tie-in magazine to promote their products; or an outside publisher has launched a magazine carrying a famous, and well-established, brand name.
Meccano Magazine (promoting Meccano engineering sets, Hornby model railways, and Dinky Toys) was launched in 1916; and Airfix Magazine (promoting Airfix plastic kits, model railways, and later slot cars) followed in 1960.
There was also a magazine carrying the Tri-ang name, but this only lasted for ten issues, between October 1964 and July 1965. It was published by Outward Publications Limited, on the fourth Thursday of each month, and sold for 1/6 (one shilling and sixpence, or 7 1/2 New Pence in post-1971 decimal currency).
It was available from newsagents, and also toy shops, or by subscription. Very few copies appear to have survived the decades, at least judging by the lack of sales listings on-line.
A feature of the magazine was a double-page centrefold - a bit like the Eagle cut-aways, but not as detailed, and only in black and white. Only the front and back covers appear to have been in colour.
These pages show the front covers of all ten issues. The magazine covered a wide range of subjects, and was clearly aimed at boys.
The Editor was Douglas McHard. According to this article he had previously worked for Meccano.
Lines Brothers acquired Meccano in 1964, and soon set about merging various aspects of the two companies, to avoid duplication. Tri-ang Railways and Hornby Dublo became Tri-ang Hornby in 1965.
This also meant the end of Tri-ang Magazine, with the July 1965 issue. The August 1965 issue of Meccano Magazine announced that there was now just 'one BIG monthly hobby journal - The Meccano Magazine'.
The editorial stated that the black and white centrefolds had been one of the most popular features of the Tri-ang Magazine. It appeared to imply that the centrefolds would continue – or is that just my reading ?
In the event the centrefold in the August issue, depicting the Apollo Saturn C.5 rocket, was the only one to appear in Meccano Magazine. Obviously just using up a piece of artwork that had already been paid for.
This issue of Meccano Magazine can be found on the excellent Internet Archive site. Unfortunately, they do not have any copies of the Tri-ang Magazine.
Paul Adams from New Zealand
