Welcome to Model Engineer

Model Engineer is the premier UK model engineering magazine. It has been published for over 100 years. Content includes constructional articles, interesting articles on engineering related topics and many other varied subjects about models and model engineering.

Model Engineers' Workshop is a relative newcomer, first published in 1990. It is much more concerned with machines, both manual and CNC, tools, methods and processes. Historically, it does not include articles on the construction of models. It usually contains drawings for the construction of a machine, a tool or a machine accessory.

Model Engineer Exhibition 2011

DID YOU VISIT THE UK's BEST MODEL ENGINEERING SHOW?

The 2011 Model Engineer Exhibition was held at Sandown Park Racecourse on 9, 10 and 11 December 2011. This year's exhibition celebrated 104 years of the very best of Model Engineering, in conjunction with Model Engineer, Model Engineers' Workshop and www.model-engineer.co.uk. This three day extravaganza once again included the most highly respected model engineers' competition in the world and attracted competition entries and visitors from across Europe.

A new dedicated website www.modelengineershow.co.uk is still live and will remain live for contact details for clubs and traders.

MyHobbyStore were delighted to have Mike Law and Steve Eaton on the team this year. Both Mike and Steve are themsleves respected model engineers and have been section judges in previous years' competitions. They were responsible for organising the competition classes and loan models as well as co-ordinating clubs and societies and what a terrific job they did. The whole event was, as always, a big team effort and this year it really did have something special!

The dates for the 2012 Exhibition are still to be confirmed. Our apologies for previous publication of dates in error. This has been due to changes at the venue caused by the Queen's Jubilee Celebrations which have had a knock-on effect throughout the events calendar.

On display on the SMEE stand were many very fine models of stationary engines. Mitch Barnes was amongst the SMEE team with his one-twelvth scale model 'maquette' of an early 19th Century Beam Engine. This model is absolutely faithful to scale in every respect which not only makes for a beautiful thing in its own right but forms a part of the extensive research for his ultimate ambition; a quarter scale model of an engine of similar design. This model is the builder's first to his own design and demonstrates a progression from a kit built engine and, as such, an inspiration to all.

Duke of Edinburgh Competition rule change

After consultation with the judges, it has been decided that the rules for the Duke of Edinburgh Challenge Trophy will be modified. Rule 5 has been altered to allow models to enter more than once so if they don't win the first year, they may win on a a succeding year. The new entry form can be downloaded at
MEX 2011 Entry

Social networking

We are now on Facebook and Twitter.
See left-hand column.

I am new to Facebook so it is a learning curve so please be patient as I get to grips with it. I will upload photos and useful information as often as I can.

Twitter will be used to keep you up-to-date with entries and traders to the Model Engineer Exhibtion and I will update it as it happens.

So, please join us, both on Facebook and Twitter.

Coming soon, The editor's Newsletter.

A round-up of hints, tips and news from the world of model engineering.

Watch this space.

Check out our new Model Engineer Exhibition website as well.

Harrogate Exhibition 2011

The 2011 National Model Engineering and Modelling Exhibition opened in Harrogate on Friday 13th May but there was no bad luck in store for the visitors! This show, the 18th, was yet another tremendous success and credit must go to the organising team. The editorial staff of M.E. and M.E.W. spent an enjoyable time meeting exhibitors, contributors and advertisers and the days passed in a blurr, as usual! The photograph above shows this year's winner of the Barry Jordan Trophy for 'Best Model in the Show', this year won by Mr I Glading for his 7qtr in. gauge model of a Western Region 'diesel' locomotive. The judges were impressed by the mass of home-engineered electrical components within the finely detailed body.

This year there was a strong Junior section for model makers aged under 16 years. This photograph shows a highly detailed electrically powered model of the L&M Railway's famous 'Lion' built by Joe Addis who started it aged only 13 years under the guidance of his grandfather. Joe spent four years on the model and it is a tremendous achivement.

Keep a look out on this website for a feature on the junior section... coming soon!

New locomotive classes at the Sandown Park Model Engineer Exhibition

New kit built locomotive classes at the Sandown Park Model Engineer Exhibition

Class B-K1 sponsored by Polly Engineering Ltd.
B-K1 Working steam locomotives built from a commercial kit.
Entries were not judged in the medal classes but were eligible to receive commended certificates. This year the new Polly Engineering Ltd. shield and a Polly gift Certificate was awarded to Rod Ainsworth for his beautifully finished 5in. gauge Britannia 'Sir Christopher Wren'. The competition was open to any kit built working steam locomotive of any scale or gauge.

BR Standard, 70039, 'Sir Christopher Wren' based on a Winson kit.

Darjeeling Reference Photos

The Editor visited the Leighton Buzzard Light Railway about 3-years ago to see the Darjeeling Himalayan railway locomotive that was on loan from a private estate railway in Oxfordshire. He took many photos and, as a similar locomotive is being serialised in Model Engineer, it has been decided to put the photos on display to help prospective builders. Follow links below for the complete collection: