Seeing L.A. in Perspective

Any child inspired by the new Erector Set sculpture, being dedicated today outside the L.A. Children’s Museum, could conceivably build this replica of Los Angeles landmarks--though it took the professionals from France 3,000 hours to construct. Parents who would love to see their child so occupied for 125 days should also note that it took 120,000 pieces to finish off this “Cityscape.” The largest Erector Set sold in stores has 675 pieces.

The sculpture, donated and built by the Meccano Erector company in honor of its 80th anniversary, was designed by children in the L.A.’s Best program, kids from South-Central and East L.A. elementary schools. They were asked, “What represents L.A.?” and came up with City Hall, Griffith Observatory, a school bus, the Chinatown gates, Watts Towers, the Capitol Records building and the Plaza de la Raza pyramid. It was also their idea to put the faces of children of various ethnic backgrounds in the windows of the approximately 8-by-2-foot school bus.

For more manageable examples of what the average Erector Set enthusiast can build, the Southern California Meccano Erector Club will hold a model exhibition at the museum, 310 N. Main St., from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. There will be a pile of Erector pieces to practice on at a building workshop, along with the exhibits, some with moving parts. Museum admission $5. Information: (213) 687-8800.