Over 200 people have now enjoyed SMEE’s training courses learning the basics of model engineering. They’re running more courses starting in February 2019 to help beginners set up a workshop and understand the basics of using machines and hand tools.

Each day session consists of lectures, discussion and demonstrations held at the Society’s base in South London with its meeting room, library and well equipped workshop.

Course organiser Alastair Wright from Doncaster says “We’ve had people come from as far as Ireland and Yorkshire to join classes. Participants are interested in all sorts of engineering, making models and tooling, even restoring classic motorbikes.”

He says “Although I was apprentice trained, I’ve been off the tools for years. The course was a good refresher approaching retirement. Training was excellent and helped me set up my workshop. I enjoyed it so much that I signed up for the next course and now organise the courses for SMEE!

All SMEE’s volunteer tutors are keen model engineers or toolmakers. Some have won prizes at model engineering exhibitions. Alastair adds “ Instructors were very knowledgeable and could put across ideas and advice in an easy to understand way. The accompanying book of training notes was excellent. It’s easy to get to Marshall House too “

SMEE’s second course starts in May 2019 and runs over six monthly sessions showing construction of a small steam engine and boiler demonstrating different metal working techniques. After each session students make model parts in their own workshops. Techniques described help many small engineering projects including Gauge 1 and 0 Gauge live steam.

Volunteer but experienced tutors demonstrate basic metal work techniques not now taught in schools. Alastair says “They aren’t ‘hands on’ courses but participants go on to enjoy model engineering and making metal components”. Techniques described or demonstrated include safe use of hand tools, turning parts, drilling and reaming, sheet metal work, soft soldering, silver soldering for strong joints and using a milling machine to cut slots and shape metal.

More information

For more information about SMEE courses see their website http://www.sm-ee.co.uk or write to SMEE Courses, Marshall House, 28 Wanless Road, London, SE24 0HW.