Is it model engineering ?

Visiting model engineering exhibitions one sees models built from Meccano with movement provided by motors powering chain drives and complex gear trains.

On searching You Tube one finds models built from Lego Technic again models using movement powered in a simiar manner. The difference between the two is Meccano uses preformed metal components whist Lego uses preformed plastic components.

Can Lego be called "model engineering" and will we see Technic models exhibited in the future.

I would say a BIG yes. Never liked Meccano much (perhaps more to do with my age than anthing else), but was hooked on Lego for a long time - and still would be if I could get away with it! I think the Technic sets introduce many great ideas to young minds and should be viewed as a way to attract youngsters to engineering.

You see magnificent pieces such as the Rolls Royce Trent, Forth Rail Bridge etc......all very impressive, but to me it's things like this (i.e. buildable by a kid from his/her Lego box) that should be admired more:

http://youtu.be/de4xdOVVROQ

Edited By MAC on 19/11/2012 10:31:30

Does it matter, if they have taken time, care and ingenuity in making them?

Edited By David Colwill on 19/11/2012 11:59:14

I suppose the real question is "What is model engineering?"

A question that I would dare not answer.

Is it engineering?...

Well ...... many of us built to kits of castings and drawings , some scratch build to own designs, some wouldn't even use bought in fastners...

So to some its not engineering but It is to ME ( let the purists go fell the trees and make the charcoal and refine their own metals). all of us "stand on the shoulders of giants"......

Scenic modeling isn't for me either but it shows patience and skill, I would love to have.

Regards

Hi, I guess you have to first understand the definitions of the two words. In our case.

MODEL: "1. A representation, usually smaller but built to scale, of a building or other structure. 2. A preliminary pattern or representation of an item not yet constructed, serving as the plan from which the finished work, usually larger, will be produced."

ENGINEERING: "1. The application of scientific principles to such practical ends as the design, construction, and operation of efficient and economical structures, equipment, and systems. 2. The profession of or the work performed by an engineer."

ENGINEER: "1. A person trained in, skilled at, or professionally engaged in a branch of engineering."

These quotes are taken from my dictionary, and are not totally exhuastive. I reckon if whatever you make, and with whatever from, as long as it can be recognised as meeting the definitions of Model and Engineering within the correct criteria, then I guess it can be classed as "model engineering"

Regards Nick.

Edited By Nicholas Farr on 19/11/2012 20:18:34

It is a bit like the question of whether messing about with Excel is computer programming.

Logically if it's not 12" to the foot then it's model.

Not sure if Meccano models are really model engineering, but if it can inspire youngsters (without any real safety problems) then I'm all for it.

But I'd certainly class the item which Terryd gives a link to in a parallel thread as engineering, though it can't really be called a model. It certainly shows "ingenuity", a word which comes from the same root as "engineering".

Andy

do you rememebr the sketch from Blackadder about how much ground had been captured in the last campaign?

CAPT Darling had a model of the captured terrain about the size of a dinner table.

Asked about the scale, he replied 1:1

Good show, just introduced my teenagers to a bit last night. they loved it.

Dave

Edited By David Paterson 4 on 20/11/2012 06:57:19

Many socities include experimental, as well as model engineering, I consider my hot air engines as small engines, not models, and they are built for experimental work. Are Stuart Turner engines models. or small , and some not so small engines. The same would go for free lance Locomotives. Ian S C

Ian,

ISTR that during WW2 Stuart Turner made some steam engine generator sets for SOE operatives to take to France so that they could power their radios in locations remote from any power supply. From memory of the photos I saw, they looked very similar to some of the current range of verticals (not the tiny ones obviously).

Also, some of the larger verticals are specifically sold as being capable of powering sizeable boats, and I think there are some on Windemere (or therabouts) which do actually use them.

David

I think it was the SIRRUS vertical twin that was used on the generator for SOE radio gear, I think that one boiler that was used, was an army pressure cooker, the other onewas cast aluminium I think. Ian S C

Sirius. It was the late Ian Bradley who actaully designed the generator set, using standard Stuart castings.

Neil

I would not classify myself as a model engineer. I guess I am more of an amateur engineer (and a radio amateur - but that's another story). There is nothing wrong with lego and meccano. A lot of professional engineers use both to try out ideas.

What i find a little worrying about a lot of the Model Engineering community is that it has very fixed ideas about what it is. Like a lot of traditional "craft" hobbies such as vintage motorcycle restoration, amateur radio and aeromodelling it is mostly done by people in their 50s and older many of who are very set in their ways. Before anyone asks I am 60, my father is a keen model engineer and he is in his 80s. I have a huge regard for the skills people have in building, say, a working scale model steam loco. But the average person will not have the time, money or workshop to do this. And for those that do there seems to be an inbuilt resistance to using "new technology" in their projects or any change to the hobby. The belief that "if it isn't made of metal and isn't mechanical it ain't engineering" persists.

This really is a golden age for the amateur engineer. The advent of microcontrollers and inexpensive sensors along with plastics and other modern materials has revolutionised what is possible. If you want to try out 3D printing you can build a printer from plans and parts available over the Internet. If you want to make a robot you can build one for less than £100, You can build a robot model aircraft for less than £300. Yes, it can fly itself. But to do all of these things you are going to have to learn some electronics and computer programming. Which after all are the backbone of modern engineering. And to be honest it's not that hard with modern systems and the setup costs for an modest workshop are small.

If you want to see what is happening in modern amateur engineering take a look at this link http://makeprojects.com . Notice the number of young people involved, the simplicity of some of the projects, the creativity and the use of recycled materials. I think these activities are the future for "model engineering". I fear that if the hobby does not change it will dissappear.

Thats enough ranting from me, I am now going to duck

Regards,

Steve