This is Model Engineering

[Text for a flyer or handout introducing the hobby of Model Engineering.]

Imagine

Imagine a working model steam engine that can be held in one hand, or a working model steam locomotive weighing hundreds of pounds and capable of drawing model railroad cars and carrying passengers, or a working engine so small it can only be seen clearly with a magnifying glass. Imagine a fully operational miniature multicylinder aircraft engine, or a functional scale "hit and miss" ignition engine, diesel engine, or traction engine. Imagine a working model of a toolroom lathe that can itself make parts, or an operational model of an entire 19th century machine shop. Imagine a kinetic sculpture, or a reproduction of an important scientific instrument, or a mechanical clock. Imagine a Stirling cycle engine that can run for hours on the heat from a cup of coffee, or a steam or gas turbine, or even a jet engine.

Then become involved in model engineering and see - and build - what before you only imagined.

Model Engineering

Whether it is called "model engineering," "home shop machining," "amateur metalworking," or something else, this is the hobby devoted to understanding and reproducing engineering technology in the home workshop. It is an international hobby without limits. There are model engineers from all continents, countries, ethnicities, ages, genders, and types of backgrounds. No experience in engineering or the machine shop is required. While some model engineers are professional engineers or machinists, others start with no technical background at all - just an enthusiasm for understanding and making machines.

History

Working models have been an important part of engineering since its beginnings. Perhaps the most famous example is the model Newcomen type steam engine that James Watt examined in 1763. Watt's work with this model led to his research on the steam engine and through this to an important part of the Industrial Revolution. Since at least the 19th century, amateurs have been creating working models for their own enjoyment. The hobby received a considerable boost in 1898 when Percival Marshall founded the magazine The Model Engineer in the U.K. and helped to start the first model engineering society. In North America, model engineering societies have been operating since at least 1932 (Toronto). More recently, a number of fine model engineering, home metal shop, steam engine, and internal combustion engine oriented magazines have appeared in the U.S. and elsewhere.

The hobby is characterized by a rich history of people sharing information, techniques, plans, shop tips, etc. The current and back issues of the magazines offer considerable information, as do the many books kept in print by several publishers devoted to supporting this hobby. The model engineering shows in the US, UK, and elsewhere offer opportunities to see the work of others - these should not be missed. More recently, the World Wide Web sites on the Internet of many clubs, individuals, and organizations have begun to offer significant information.

Getting Started

It takes much less to get started than you might think. All you really need is enthusiasm. It is possible to build a working model engine, running on the compressed air from a toy balloon, using only common hand tools. For more complex work, there are many entry-level machine tools. A small but functional shop can be arranged which occupies no more space than a desk. From there, amateur machinists' shops range in scale up to extensive shops with capacities equal to professional machine shops or toolrooms. The hobby of model engineering is open at any level of space, time, and income.

The best way to get started is to find other model engineers and to start asking them questions. If there's a club near you, join it. Subscribe to one or more of the magazines which serve the hobby (these include: The Home Shop Machinist (US), Machinist's Workshop (US), and Live Steam (US), Model Engineer (UK), Model Engineer's Workshop (UK), Engineering in Miniature (UK), and Australian Model Engineering). Attend a model engineering show such as the North American Model Engineering Society ("NAMES") Exposition. Browse the World Wide Web for information, or join one of the online e-mail lists such as the "modeleng-list".

For basic machining skills, consider taking a course from a local Community College (in the U.S., or the equivalent worldwide). Often these provide excellent training as well as access to full sized machine tools.

Although it is now in its third century, and it has many thousands of enthusiasts worldwide, model engineering is still a relatively unknown hobby. Many prospective model engineers aren't aware that others share their interests. Yet now more than any time in the history of this hobby there are extensive resources available in print, through clubs, and on the Internet.

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