Meccano's journey took flight in 1898, when inventor Frank Hornby obtained a patent for his "Mechanics Made Easy" sets to inspire and educate youngsters about the principles of mechanical engineering in a hands-on, enjoyable way. The official trademark "Meccano" was introduced in 1907. This British-born toy brand even grappled with wartime shortages and found unconventional ways to operate, including using its production lines for manufacturing parts for military equipment during World War II. A striking fact about Meccano is that it was instrumental in laying the foundation for the modern toy industry, influencing the evolution of educational toys.