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Betta Bilda

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Betta Bilda (often mistaken for 'Better Builder') was a cheaper version of Lego with little white bricks and small squares of plastic that you clicked together to make "slate" roofs. Although Lego took over the universe, I personally preferred Betta Builder as the small bricks enabled you to make more detailed models.

I remember seeing a model in Woolworths of Big Ben that was about 8 foot tall. Although I never managed anything needing so many bricks I did build a cathedral.

Although suitable for children of all ages, Betta Bilda sets were notoriously challenging and instructions recommended that you got used to how the bricks worked together to provide the best 'structural support' before endeavouring to set out to construct a bigger object.

Betta Bilda was part of the Airfix range. House and vehicles, like lorries were the most popular sets.

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Do You Remember Betta Bilda?

Do You Remember Betta Bilda?

  • Anonymous user
    on
    Sorting Lego & other brands I find I've some slightly smaller bricks from primary school, asked on 1 other website with no answer as to what it =. Mixed batch included green tile that I remember. Just now saw batch of it on eBay, final got answer. Seen some in a mixed batch, but wouldn't let me bid. I'd make a toy camera at school, see through hole then push bricks across to block view.
  • Anonymous user
    on
    I had this also. Me and my mate used to build cable cars and send them from the top of the stairs to the bottom on a wire. The one whose cable car stayed intact won. They were well made and sturdy to stand that.
  • Anonymous user
    on
    I liked the fact that you could make sloped roofs with little tiles. But in the end LEGO won. :(
  • Anonymous user
    on
    I had this in the late 50's and thought it far superior to lego especially because of the "slate roof and gable ends. Margaret
    • Anonymous user
      on
      I also had this in the late 50s. My grandparents gave it me for Christmas when I was about 8 or 9. I loved it and spent hours and hours designing fantastic houses. I too loved the slate roofs. I progressed on from there as I got older as I was ill in bed a lot, to designing houses, villas etc., on paper. Lovely memories looking back.
  • Anonymous user
    on
    I used to have Betta Bilda. I too preferred it to Lego. I'd forgotten all about it but loved it at the time. Built loads of castles with it.
  • Anonymous user
    on
    I loved Betta Builder and never bothered with Lego at all. The bricks fitted together better and I loved the curved pieces that allowed you to make turrets etc. Would love to know where to get hold of some today. Thanks for reminding me of one of my all-time faves!
  • Anonymous user
    on
    I had this in the sixties and built castles mainly but many other things including a church. I much prefered it to lego but my kids and grandkids refused to belive me. until I showed them this site. Thanks
  • Anonymous user
    on
    This was much better than Lego. It was my brothers, but I think I played with it more than him. Does anyone remember the Smell of it?
  • Anonymous user
    on
    this must have been my most chreerished memorys as a child,i spent hours plus building,houses buildings anything,it was great for me
  • Anonymous user
    on
    After reading the comments here I decided to try and relive a little of my youth as Betta Bilda had been my favourite toy as a child (I am now 55) anyway searched for and bid and won a heap of it on eBay and now really enjoy playing with it all over again.

Do you remember these?