Construction Material

I have bought Model Engineers Workshop for the last 4 years and really enjoy it. The only suggestion I would have is if a list of material or stock used could be put in a box on the article. The dimensions and drawings are always there and sometimes a reference to the material used. But I think a small box with the stock material would be really helpful.

Aidan.

Aidan

This request has been brought up a number of times before and I am sure if you hunt you will find the threads, The concensus has always been that it would not be of much use but let's see the response this time

Bob

As a newbie to model engineering in general, I would have to agree with Aiden.Stocks of material take time (years!) to build up, Material costs are not cheap and being able to buy just enough for a particular project helps keep the overall expenditure down.

I went to the recent ME show at Harrogate, with the main intension of purchasing materials, together with some essential tools to be able to start a particular project (and to make a start on my materials stock). Surfice to say my budget went through the roof, I could have spent a fortune, it took a lot of will power to keep my credit card safely tucked away - very frustrating.

While a materials list may not be essential or needed by the more experienced(well endowed stock wise!) among us, Trust me! it is essential for people like me.

I have also been surprised that this is not done.

It seems like a good idea to me. My current project (one of Anthony Mount's engines) has a list of materials as part of the plans. I can't see the problem with compiling this information - surely it is good to have a cutting list? Woodworkers and needle workers have them - why don't we? Even if a good stock of MS is held how about stainless, brass and gunmetal - probably less commonly found under the bench. I must admit to missing previous threads - just what was the arguement against suppling this information?

A list of fasteners would also be valuable - with the cost of postage it's annoying to find that your order for 3doz 8BA bolts is two less than you need! ( As you may judge - I speak from experience!)

Regards

Norman

Hi There

I will ask contributors if they can supply this information but don't hold your breath.

I have included lists when supplied but it does take up 2 or 3 pages sometimes which is why it is not included very often.

If someone buys the kit of say one of Anthony's engines, they get a list of parts with the kit.

regards David

Thanks David

Yes that is quite true - it was a kit for Anthony Mount's engine containing the drawings, castings and a list of materials (although not fixings) needed to complete. I guess it would be more difficult to do for projects in ME/MEW but I still think a list would be useful to take to the next exibition etc.!

Regards

Norman

I think the last time it came up was on one of Stew's Potty engines. The spacing of the text was so large that the parts for this small engine took up about 3 pages, not helped by some errors that crept in along the way. Now just think how many pages would need to be given over to a loco or traction engine.

Myself I would rather see the build article than an endless list of parts & fixings.

Why not do what I do, sit down with the drawings and go through them and list out whats needed, this also helps you get a feel for the model and gives a better understanding of how it all goes together and spot any errors.

If you wish put it all into a simple spreadsheet, print it off and then go down into the workshop to see what you have or what can be used. For example one part may need 7/16 dia stock, if you just go by a supplied list and buy all thats missing it will cost you but if you have enough 1/2" in stock that will do the job.

Maybe if contributors produce a parts list it could be put on the web site rather than in the mag?

J

Edit, yes it was the overcrank that had 2.5pages of parts but the list only gave what the material should be but not sizes. And on the 3-cylinder radial a similar list was published on one page in quite large format, then on the opposite page the same list was produced as part of the drawings, now that is a waste of mag space.

Edited By JasonB on 08/06/2012 08:30:57

That's probably the best suggestion of all. Many magazines of a practical bent, especially electronics mags, have areas of their websites where readers can dowload supporting and ancilliary information, often indexed by magazine issue. It saves space in the magazine while allowing access to, sometimes quite voluminous, extra information. Not to mention the occasional item that doesn't fit in the mag at all (e.g. software .... it could happen).

Often these areas are simple ftp sites that don't need a great deal of design or maintenance.

It can't be a genral rule, but if authors are willing, they could be encouraged to start a thread on here to contain such information and, if required answer questions.

I'd be happy to do this.

Neil