003 Master Mechanic Set
General Information
The following information has been collected from original newspapers, catalogs, and magazines, some of which are freely available for reference below. The rest can be found in the site’s gallery. No aggregate catalogs (BrickLink, Brickset, etc.) were used.
Instructions: At least one 001 Gears instruction as well as one from the 002 Motor Pak. There are multiple versions of both.
The Sears catalog version also came with an exclusive instruction manual with models from the 003's colorful box. It has not yet been archived, but I've seen images of it out there.
Advertised Part Count(s): 418 pieces, 419 pieces
1966 Eaton's Christmas Catalog
First Year Confirmed Available: 1965 (USA)
I’ve written an extensive article about the 1965 wave in particular.
1966 (Canada)
1966 Eaton's Christmas Catalog
Most Likely Retirement Date: 1968 (USA)
The 107 Reversible Power Unit, which replaced the 002, released in 1968. Even so, as the 002 and 003 was not removed from the 1968 idea book when the 042 Pull Toy was, nor the 1968 dealer catalog, it's likely production on the 003 continued into 1968 until stock ran out.
1968? (Canada)
Despite the 1970 appearance below, the 003 makes its final appearance in the 1967 Eaton's Christmas Catalog. I'm currently writing that off as a discounted set that has been sitting on the shelf for several years. At the very least, a later retirement in Canada wouldn't be too unreasonable.
Last Year Seen Available: 1970
Edmonton Journal, December 29th, 1970
Aliases: Master Mechanic Set
Retail Price(s): $17.95 (USA) / $23.95 (Canada)
Discounted Example(s): $14.88 (1967), $9.88 (1969)
Rarity Score (Rarity Index): 3/7
Known Box/Packing Variants
Similar to other 1965+ sets, a plain mailer box variant exists. The particular one below is from Sears (known via the catalog number):
There are also two variants of the outer box. This is the 1965-66 version:
Then in ~1967-68, the box changed "AGES 6 – 12" to "FOR ALL AGES":
As this set uses the Motor Pak's inserts, there are also at least two versions of those, with variations in color. Bottom is 1965-66, top is 1966+:
This Bozo the Clown press photo is the best image I have of the Canadian version of the 003's box:
Box/Overview
The 003 Master Mechanic stands uniquely among the rest of the 1965 line, as it was the only set to contain a motor alongside basic parts for several years (until 1967's 113 Motorized Train Set). Of course the 002 existed, but that only included the motor. Here the box contained an 001 Gears, an 002 Motor Pak, and ~370 pieces. Comparatively, it was $1 cheaper to purchase the 003 than an 001, 002, and 375.
Beyond that note, however, the 003 had mostly the same design found on 1965+ basic sets:
Though I'd like to call special attention to the models featured on the back of the box, as they are a bit more creative with their use of the gears and are some of my favorites from this wave:
Contents
Below is a sealed example of the set. Notice the tires are not packaged with the 001's tray but instead are mixed below. Not a big deal, just thought that was interesting. I'm not sure if the 003 included more wheels or that was a decision to make packing simpler:
Historical Examples
All the 1965 sets have prototypes, but most are just a matter of patent placement. Not too much to note.
The 003 Master Mechanic is different, however, as that was not its original name. It was originally called the "Motor Gear" set. It makes sense given its contents, but I think the name they settled on(associating it as a companion of sorts with the 004 Master Builder Set) is much better:
Should I collect this set?
I feel compelled to write an entry for this set even though I told myself I wouldn't for most of the 1965 sets. After all, there's not much to say about a basic set beyond the box art usually, as 1965+ sets don't typically have nearly the amount of intrigue around it as other sets, so it's not worth including. It's a much better way of expressing my interest than anything I could write.
This one, however, I do not own. It's not a problem of rarity—the 003 is not too common of a set but it shows up pretty frequently. It's one of those things; I feel like I need it but I don't necessarily want it.
Though that's not to impress I'm writing off the set entirely. It's just a matter of personal preference. So should you collect this set? Does it interest you?