Harrogate show

Hi again,

I visited Harrogate on Friday and enjoyed seeing the wonderful range of exhibitors and exhibits on show, the huge numbers of people attending on the first day must show that the hobby engineer is not in decline.

I was extremely fortunate and happy to meet my all time hero in model engineering; Barry Jordan. I have long admired his work and been inspired to follow in his wake (although some considerable distance behind) in aspiring to make models of the engineering machinery we all use.

After being encouraged (nagged) by she who must be obeyed, I took along my first effort in making such a model machine. I had intended to enter it for competition but suffered an attack of "it won't be good enough" nerves. I dared myself to show it to Barry after meeting him initially and managed to locate him in the teeming halls. He was very complimentary toward my efforts and I left with a mile wide grin and a promise that I would enter the item next year.

I am so glad I took the model along now and thank my better half for her persistance in getting me to "man up" and seek peer review. As a non-club member with no engineering mates it is hard to get a steer on whether what you are up to is hitting the mark and I would encourage anyone to take their work along to a show for some help and advice.

Many thanks to Barry Jordan and Mike Chrisp for their kind comments and to the organisers of the Harrogate show for yet another great model making spectacle.

Regards T.

What was the model you took, tractorman? Could you post a photo here maybe?

Thanks JD

I would guess its the linisher in Tractorman's album, nothing to be ashamed of there, looks a very nice job.

J

JasonB,

tis indeed the linisher in my album, totally forgot I had put a photo in there.

Thanks for the kind comment, when you see it up close you can spot the problems.

We will see if it can win anything at Leamington come October.

Regards T

Very good show except for the very rude man who shouted at the kids, to keep their hands off. This was outside,the model lorry and organ.

Mike

Tractor man,

Blimey! it looks as good as a commercially made job. Nothing to worry about - I would say workmanship well up to scratch!

John

I went to Harrogate, Fri. + Sat. Thoroughly enjoyed it, wonderful show. Well done, organisers.

Thanks John,

there are some bits I am a bit doubtful on but its a learning curve so the next one will be better.

Got my sights set on my Benchmaster power hacksaw as the next project, along with a few hemmingway kits that need finishing.

Regards T

Went to Harrogate with SWMBO on Sat. absolutely amazed at the standard of model engineering on display.Have been in engineering all my working life & looking at some of the models made by so called amateurs puts my skills to shame I must admit.

I was really impressed by the scale model of a Bently engine setup (can't recall the name of the chap but have video shot) but on asking him how long it took to build ..10 years, made me applaud his skill & patience. the place was packed out & I felt like a kiddie in a sweetie shop (my first time at one of these exhibitions) didn't know where to look next! will certainly be attending again.

The crowninig glory of the day was I purchased a Warco WM250-VF & a WM16 variable speed mill,(usual disclaimer) with kind permission of SWMBO, so the next project is to convert garage into workshop.A great show & a well done to the organisers.

George