SMEE launches its training courses for 2020 on February 8 with its successful Introducing Model Engineering course. Run over three Saturdays it includes basics of setting up a workshop, what essentials to buy (and where to buy cheapest) key model engineering operations and basic workshop safety. It is followed in May by the Part 2 or ‘Polly’ course where students make a working model steam engine and boiler.
SMEE training course can help anyone interested in developing metalworking and simple model engineer skills. Participants have gone on to built a variety of models in different scales.
More than 150 students have taken courses and nearly all have gone on to develop further model making skills. One of the 2019 students, Ian Grant, discovered the course while visiting the London Model Engineering Exhibition at Alexandra Palace. He says: ” Going on the courses was a great help in setting up a workshop so I knew what to buy. I reckon the tips on where to buy tools saved me a large part of the course cost!
“Although I did metalwork at school I had no engineering experience so it was a great help. Even better, SMEE training gave me an impetus to make things. I made the Polly model and am now making another. I plan to make a Stuart engine afterwards. ”
Ian is a civil engineer currently working on the Silvertown Tunnel project. He says the tuition was excellent and he liked the way everything was demonstrated with members around to give one to one advice. He adds “the course is excellent value for money”. Although he now has his own workshop Ian also used the SMEE facilities to make parts including boilers.
Other SMEE training courses this year include an introduction to milling and a ‘hands on’ course for SMEE members only on tool grinding.
SMEE has members from a wide variety of backgrounds and with diverse interests. Interests include a Gauge One Group, an Engine Builders Group and the Digital Group which meet on line or at the society’s headquarters and workshop, Marshall House, in South London.
