Restoration of a Meccano clockwork motor from 1920s–1930s

This Meccano prewar clockwork motor (later type number 1A) was quite clean but totally dry of any lubricants. The motor was noisy and running time was 28 seconds with free load.

The spring is very powerful. It is important to protect hands and eyes when working with it. At first, I tried to secure the spring with strong nylon cable ties but they broke suddenly, without warning. I eventually ended up using a steel hose clamp.

I used brake fluid for the first time to clean the unpainted parts. It wasn’t very effective, so finally I cleaned the gears and small parts with benzine. Painted surfaces were vulnerable and I cleaned them with universal cleaning wipes and mild soapy water.