I started Model Engineering in 2015, after many years of wanting a lathe, I bought a Myford ML7 lathe, and Dore Westbury milling machine, along with a drill-press, bandsaw and the usual hand-tools associated with hobby engineering. I enjoy making model stationary steam engines and also collecting vintage engines and machines.
Many of my models are scratch-built without drawings, from regular metal bar-stock, starting from an initial idea or photo, and allowing the design to evolve throughout the build, I sometimes use engine drawings as a basis for a design, and then modify it to suit my projects.
I spend countless hours in my workshop, working on a single project, but often have several on the go, and much pain and frustration can be involved, but all this is eventually offset by the excitement of seeing my model engines take shape and eventually come to life.
More recently I have been running model petrol engines, and plan to scratch-build my own petrol engine in the future.
Ade