Since a model is a representation of something, and computer modelling and people who do it are computer modellers is a term in VERY common usage, I can’t say it’s something I personally lose sleep over. Language evolves.

The magazine has been called Model Engineer for decades probably since the good old days whenever that was. I much prefer the term Scale Model when talking about a scaled model of a prototype. A model maker used to be one of the top trades in many companies. miniature suggests to me dolls houses etc and reminds me of steam fairs and the miniature parade with the explanation that whitworth threads live on as camera tripod mounts when it has been UNC for years.

it was natural when MEW was spun off from model engineering to call it Model engineers workshop to try and keep the original readers. Most of the famous old names, Thomas, Radford, Etc etc. We're making tools to improve there models.

Since the spin off others have come in, some such as the famous Sir John (I want my 2 quid back) have brought a whole new range on tools customised for home workshop use through Arc and others. So things evolve and change but I don't expect the publisher to play with the brand name, remember Royal Mails new name??

Steve

Does that make me a miniature engineer? I know I'm small but …..

Russell

> Why use a title that suggests the magazine focuses on model making which it does not.

Only yesterday I had a message complaining about non-modelling engineering in MEW!

The name reflects the origin of the magazine. Changing it is a major step, and there are risks as well as benefits.

Neil

Who once changed the name of an organisation because of the 'negative' connotations of the word 'urban'. Ten or fifteen years later 'urban' is even being added to the names of foods to make them more appealing :-/

Whatever we make large or small we as 'hobbyists' derive a great deal of satisfaction that we have made something from nothing and I as a novice ( at 56) take great satisfaction that I am part of something that is shared by others skilled or not.

Brian

When the magazine was founded 'Model' still had connotations of its earlier meaning – namely 'an exemplary example of ' something. Hence 'model village' 'model factory' etc not in miniature but full size set up by great Victorian philanthopists to show other industrialists how it should be done. Alongside this a miniature or model might be made to show the artisans who could not read drawings or written instructions how to do the work.in full size.

.

Nor does it exclude models equal to full size

MichaelG.

Rather a derogatory notion of people who don't happen to share your point of view.

Not necessarily in the publishing field but more than one company has gone out of business while trying (unsuccessfully) to appeal to a new demographic and alienating their existing customer base in doing so.

Edited By Bandersnatch on 24/08/2014 01:58:41

I love this statement "

Mission Statement

To inspire personal, intellectual, and creative growth in children by means of hands-on engineering projects, and to promote resourcefulness, troubleshooting, and a practical understanding of physics.

Learn More »"ty"

This one is even more I feel in the statement on this page

Is this argument about status or lack of it?

I have neither!! For I am now retired on medical grounds.

Now this is my Hobby among many others which cross over.

In my life time I have met and learnt from many who were regarded as engineers in a variety of fields. Some were what I class as suit n tie engineers others hands on down and dirty many willing to pass on their knowledge and practical skill if I was willing to watch listen or even participate.

Yes there are those who safely guarded the secrets being afraid for what ever reason known to them.

Across the board I have witnessed Modeling of what they were to work on in another form be it a building, engine or idea at home as well as in the workplace, even some of their failures.

As a young boy wide eyed with excitement at seeing steam rollers I my street in Stanley UK or the mines and gear at which my dad and grandad's and uncles worked lite a spark it glows still and often bursts into a flame. This is called passion it raises my heart beat, my mind goes into a whirl of thoughts and ideas and possibilities still even with modern technology.

My point being would a name change to MEW or ME change that NO.

I think the question should be would it change the readers who buy the magazines ideal of it or whats inside???

The distinction is if they can do the calculation and analysis not if they have a Degree. I stopped my education at HNC as by then I was married and had a mortgage. I currently spend a fair amount of my time developing sizing tools for our equipment based on the results of validation reports. These reports are usually done by Engineers with masters or PhDs yet still I keep finding them full of errors.

The degree only proves that they are clever enough to pass the test not give them an automatic right to engineer staus. Having started off in a Drawing office where all the Designers were HNC / HND and doing all the design and stress calculations, whilst the Engineers sat in a separate office as project managers and couldn't organise a Pi$$ up in a brewery.

Steve

I Like the name model engineers workshop.

if there is so many motorbike and car fans that want garage articles why haven't they got there own magazine?

Sorry Bill

Your understanding differs from the dictionary definition of "Engineer" :-

ENGINEER

1 A person who designs, builds, or maintains engines, machines, or structures.

2 A person qualified in a branch of engineering, especially as a professional: eg. an aeronautical engineer

3 A person who controls an engine, especially on an aircraft or ship.

( but, as I've said before, what's in a name!)

Regards

Norman

I have no wish to take odds with any opinion already expressed in this thread.
Here’s my opinion.

I have made in card or paper models of archimedian solids.
Probability shells for atoms. (peel models).
Boats

All for a purpose behold a table ornament.

I make models smaller than the “real” thing..sometimes smaller to save time/cost ( a1foot model of athirty foot boat )
Sometimes bigger …if the atom is too small model it large enough to see…
I generally have no intrest in making copies ( larger or smaller than) of objects that teach me nothing….
I might model part ( say the valve gear) of a loco but don’t want the whole thing..
Weather I model in voxcels or wood or plastic or brass or card…doesn’t matter..The purpose is generally the same..to in form

Any way thats my purpose.