Workshops to return in 2022 for SMEE

Following a year of restrictions, the Society of Model and Experimental Engineers (SMEE) plans to restart its training courses for model engineering newcomers, in 2022.

The SMEE is based in Lambeth, South London, a few minutes' walk from Loughborough Junction station.

Part 1 of its meets will see a three-day course running on Saturdays, February to April, designed to introduce newcomers to the hobby, and to help with decisions on the setting up of a workshop, and the purchase of machines and tools as well as introducing their use. The course is also to cover silver brazing, tool sharpening, measuring and marking out.

Part 2 is its Polly course, which covers the building of a simple model boiler and engine. This is to be spread over six, monthly, Saturdays. In each session the SMEE is to demonstrate making a different part of the project which students complete in their home workshops between sessions, ending up with a working steam model.

The Polly project involves sheet metal work, soft soldering, silver brazing, turning, milling and painting, and will equip students with all they need to undertake further engineering projects and develop their skills.

Roger Backhouse of York City and District Society of Model Engineers said, "Using some of the skills I learned on the  course I have recently made a live steam 16mm scale (32mm gauge track) Ellie tram engine to an Australian design by Andrew Allison. SMEE runs a first class course that could help anyone thinking of scratch modelling in 0 gauge and above, and quite probably modelling in smaller scales too."

Although aimed at model engineering, previous students have also been involved in restoration of classic cars and motorcycles. The Society also runs one day courses in milling and in tool grinding. Full details of the courses can be found on the SMEE website.

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