Two significant changes were introduced in 1970. First, the black Plates of the previous series were replaced by blue Plates. Secondly, the range of sets was reduced by deleting the No. 9 Set and advancing all other set numbers by one. The No. 10 Set remained essentially unaltered. The Elektrikit was teamed with a No. 4 Set to become the 4EL Set. A rather basic Electronic Set was introduced in 1970, and was also packaged with a standard No. 5 Set to become the 5ME Set. The Multi-purpose Wheel and the Large Toothed Quadrant and Pinion were also introduced. Meccano set packaging was now in dark blue boxes containing formed expanded polystyrene inserts, with lift-off lids. Instruction Manual diagrams were of the same exploded type as earlier, but were now in full representative colour. The Caterpillar Track Pack, comprising plastic links and plastic sprockets was introduced, to be followed in 1971 by the Pocket Meccano Set.

1972 saw the introduction of the first "single-model" sets since the Windmill Set of 1913! - the No. 1 and the No. 2 Clock kits. Both suffered from extremely short running times and disappointing timekeeping.

The monthly Meccano Magazine ceased at the end of 1972, to be replaced by the Meccano Magazine Quarterly whose first issue appeared in April 1973.

The Army Multikit, and the Highway Multikit appeared in 1973. The Multikits proved very popular, and an improved Super Highway Multikit was released in 1974. A scaled-down version of the Army Multikit, the Combat Multikit, appeared in 1975.

The oak finish on No. 10 Set cabinets now changed to teak - and extruded aluminium alloy handles replaced the earlier white plastic knobs.

The Crane Multikit appeared in 1976, along with the compact and useful Crane motor. An unsuccessful "unisex" packaging exercise for Meccano sets was introduced, and abandoned, during 1977. The E15R motor was phased out, to be replaced by two Marklin motors.