Issue 4512

Two well thought out letters in Postbag are continuing the fascinating discussion on the future of model engineering.

In this issue there are drawings accompanying two continuing articles: Making a Hook Green Street and Otto Four Stroke Engine. These drawings are good examples of both the older style, beautifully hand drawn, and the modern style of equally beautiful CAD production.

Both example do exactly what a good drawings should however they are produced i.e. convey in a clear and unambiguous manner exactly what the draughtsman had in mind. Both authors are to be congratulated for their very effective drawings albeit in very different styles.

I do not think there will be any problems with model engineering in the future - just inevitable changes due to advancing technology.

Yes, I found them interesting. Couple of thoughts.

1. As industry moves further and further towards CNC will we see the availability of second hand manual machines from industry dry up leaving us with the far east production only.

and

2. One aspect of model engineering is what I would term 'practical industrial archeology' or investigating how things were done in the past by doing them ourselves. This I feel will always be with us. I work alongside a chap who turns wood on a pole lathe just because he likes it.

I think we will just adapt and diversify just as the hobby always has.

Martin