If you were a kid in the 70s or 80s, you probably remember Kenner’s iconic Girder and Panel building sets. These classic toys consisted of plastic girders, panels, wheels and other parts that could be slotted together to construct elaborate imaginative structures.

In their heyday, Girder and Panel sets were a hugely popular toy, advertised on TV and allowing kids an engaging, open-ended building experience. But by the mid-80s, the sets were discontinued as video games and Lego emerged as hot new toys.

While Kenner no longer makes them, the creative spirit of Girder and Panel lives on through modern compatible pieces and building sets. In this post, we take a nostalgic look back at the history and legacy of these fondly remembered construction toys. Relive the magic of slots and beams!