Because we are a world wide community of enthusiasts there will be different answers for each location...
Does anyone know of good quality courses for model engineers to gain knowledge and experience - especially in the use of machinery (lathes, milling machines etc.), techniques (casting, painting etc.) and material choices.
The range of skills and exceptional degrees of accomplishment shown by many here cannot often have been acquired by simple osmosis and experiment, though I do appreciate that there are some professional engineers amongst our number.
What about books, video/DVD or internet resources?
A large part of the fun in this hobby is learning and improving. I'm still in the foothills of the learning curve and the scope for improvement is, shall we say, substantial...
Gaining skills and experience
-
Steven Ford
- Posts: 154
- Joined: Tue Jul 17, 2007 9:41 pm
- Location: Northern England
- Has liked: 7 times
- Been liked: 5 times
-
Adrian Harris
- Posts: 5126
- Joined: Thu Jul 12, 2007 10:46 pm
- Location: Berkshire (UK)
- Has liked: 1480 times
- Been liked: 1685 times
My local college used to run evening courses in machining.
In speaking to the lecturer who ran the course, it wasn't structured as such, but allowed people to bring in their own projects or ideas and the course time was available for instruction on how to solve problems or improve skills.
From the College's point of view, it generated revenue whilst also allowing access to large machines at a time when they would otherwise be laying idle.
Unfortunately, in the current economic climate, I don't believe many Colleges will have the luxury of keeping a workshop full of lathes and milling machines available, when a lab full of PCs will service many more courses.
Adrian.
In speaking to the lecturer who ran the course, it wasn't structured as such, but allowed people to bring in their own projects or ideas and the course time was available for instruction on how to solve problems or improve skills.
From the College's point of view, it generated revenue whilst also allowing access to large machines at a time when they would otherwise be laying idle.
Unfortunately, in the current economic climate, I don't believe many Colleges will have the luxury of keeping a workshop full of lathes and milling machines available, when a lab full of PCs will service many more courses.
Adrian.
-
Stephen White
- Site Admin
- Posts: 3114
- Joined: Sat Oct 11, 2008 7:05 pm
- Location: Dorset
- Has liked: 1038 times
- Been liked: 2111 times
- Contact:
Steven
Teaching yourself to use a mill and a lathe are not difficult if you're prepared to do a lot of studying and take things easy. I've read a lot, used Youtube which has some instructional stuff and tried things out.
I did buy some useful DVD from Camden, here:
http://www.camdenmin.co.uk/engineering- ... 0_366.html
But be warned, Rudy Kouhoupt is not going to win any Oscars and he's helped me sleep on some long flights ..... He does know what he's talking about.
Axminster Tools run courses, although I can't vouch for them:
http://www.axminsterskillcentre.co.uk/
Finally, I would recommend Model Engineer Workshop, here:
http://www.model-engineer.co.uk/
The magazine has some good instructional articles and I think you can get back numbers if you join the website.
I've had a lot of satisfaction from learning skills on machine tools. I take a lot of care, although I will confess to sending one or two pieces of work across the workshop by not holding them correctly. I've found that it often takes longer to get the set up right than to do a machining task. Don't be put off, it's very rewarding.
Good luck from another beginner.
Stephen
Teaching yourself to use a mill and a lathe are not difficult if you're prepared to do a lot of studying and take things easy. I've read a lot, used Youtube which has some instructional stuff and tried things out.
I did buy some useful DVD from Camden, here:
http://www.camdenmin.co.uk/engineering- ... 0_366.html
But be warned, Rudy Kouhoupt is not going to win any Oscars and he's helped me sleep on some long flights ..... He does know what he's talking about.
Axminster Tools run courses, although I can't vouch for them:
http://www.axminsterskillcentre.co.uk/
Finally, I would recommend Model Engineer Workshop, here:
http://www.model-engineer.co.uk/
The magazine has some good instructional articles and I think you can get back numbers if you join the website.
I've had a lot of satisfaction from learning skills on machine tools. I take a lot of care, although I will confess to sending one or two pieces of work across the workshop by not holding them correctly. I've found that it often takes longer to get the set up right than to do a machining task. Don't be put off, it's very rewarding.
Good luck from another beginner.
Stephen
-
Fabrice Le Roux
- Posts: 394
- Joined: Thu Jul 12, 2007 8:57 pm
- Location: London UK
- Been liked: 14 times
Hi Steven,
Like you I realized that I had to gain model engineering skills to realize the model I aspired to. Yes, it is quite possible to make an Armortek model "out of the box" with hand tools and a bit of de-burring and filing, just as Mark has designed them, but the unique attraction of these kits is that they can be enhanced, customised and detailed. This is possible because the basic engineering is sound and consistant.
I own other supplier's models, and by comparison the basic engineering is crude and bodged. Yes, their products can also be detailed and customised, but this is *required* to disguise the shoddy engineering, rather than to add to the pleasure of building/running the model.
Congratulations on choosing an Armortek model. My advice to you is to seek out a local Model Engineering Society (try Google), join one with workshops, and learn from anyone who will teach you to use a lathe or mill safely, before considering buying your own machine tools. Yes there are still a few colleges offering evening courses, but they are being killed off by "elf 'n safety" risk paranoid jobsworths. A Society, even if run mainly for the Steam crowd, will offer more support, more wisdom and more camaraderie than a college. Though it is the other end of the UK and not of help to you, joining the Malden and District Society of Model Engineers (www.malden-dsme.co.uk), in Surrey, was the best decision I made to embrace this new hobby. I have learned a great deal from many kind and helpful souls and my unfinished M32B3 ARV even got onto the Club stand at the Sandown Show last month. A great incentive to get it finished for the next one!
Good luck and enjoy the journey.
Kind regards
Fabrice Le Roux
Like you I realized that I had to gain model engineering skills to realize the model I aspired to. Yes, it is quite possible to make an Armortek model "out of the box" with hand tools and a bit of de-burring and filing, just as Mark has designed them, but the unique attraction of these kits is that they can be enhanced, customised and detailed. This is possible because the basic engineering is sound and consistant.
I own other supplier's models, and by comparison the basic engineering is crude and bodged. Yes, their products can also be detailed and customised, but this is *required* to disguise the shoddy engineering, rather than to add to the pleasure of building/running the model.
Congratulations on choosing an Armortek model. My advice to you is to seek out a local Model Engineering Society (try Google), join one with workshops, and learn from anyone who will teach you to use a lathe or mill safely, before considering buying your own machine tools. Yes there are still a few colleges offering evening courses, but they are being killed off by "elf 'n safety" risk paranoid jobsworths. A Society, even if run mainly for the Steam crowd, will offer more support, more wisdom and more camaraderie than a college. Though it is the other end of the UK and not of help to you, joining the Malden and District Society of Model Engineers (www.malden-dsme.co.uk), in Surrey, was the best decision I made to embrace this new hobby. I have learned a great deal from many kind and helpful souls and my unfinished M32B3 ARV even got onto the Club stand at the Sandown Show last month. A great incentive to get it finished for the next one!
Good luck and enjoy the journey.
Kind regards
Fabrice Le Roux
-
Derek Attree
- Posts: 1307
- Joined: Thu Jul 12, 2007 12:44 pm
- Location: london
- Has liked: 219 times
- Been liked: 200 times
Hi Steven
I would try a local model engineering club or even look for a small
local engineering shop that might give some help for a fee.
A model engineering club would also be a big help.
I am chair of the Welwyn Garden City Society of Model Engineers
and I have helped many and been helped by others.
Derek
I would try a local model engineering club or even look for a small
local engineering shop that might give some help for a fee.
A model engineering club would also be a big help.
I am chair of the Welwyn Garden City Society of Model Engineers
and I have helped many and been helped by others.
Derek
we must stop making stupid predictions
-
leesellars
- Posts: 934
- Joined: Thu Jul 12, 2007 11:19 am
- Location: Nottingham
- Has liked: 2 times
- Been liked: 15 times
Hello Steven
I run an Painting and Air Brushing Course from beginners to advanced.
Just a day. Covers Air brushing, weathering and shading and oils.
Lee
I run an Painting and Air Brushing Course from beginners to advanced.
Just a day. Covers Air brushing, weathering and shading and oils.
Lee
http://www.Facebook.com/newthorpemodels
Dont hit me so early in the morning with those negative waves.
Listen carefully i shall say this only once.
If its not broke dont fix it.
Ich Hatt Einen Kameraden
Dont hit me so early in the morning with those negative waves.
Listen carefully i shall say this only once.
If its not broke dont fix it.
Ich Hatt Einen Kameraden
-
duncanallender
- Posts: 287
- Joined: Wed Jul 08, 2009 9:55 am
- Location: Wirral,Merseyside
- Been liked: 8 times
Re courses etc
Steven,
I am also in the foothills when it comes to some aspects of modelling of the tanks,especially the electrical side of things. Sometimes when one of my tanks stops working for one reason or another I sometimes don't know where to start.
But I must say that the guys in the Nord West Kampfgruppe as well as the Armortek Forums are a great help and are seem only to willing to help me out if they can.
So now I feel like I have been on a steep learning curve since aquiring my first tank last year and have learnt a hell of a lot.
I am looking to do a course in basic electrics to increase my (basic) knowledge.
Have you been up to Carnforth where the North West Kampfgruppe meet .
Kind regards aqnd good luck,
Duncan
I am also in the foothills when it comes to some aspects of modelling of the tanks,especially the electrical side of things. Sometimes when one of my tanks stops working for one reason or another I sometimes don't know where to start.
But I must say that the guys in the Nord West Kampfgruppe as well as the Armortek Forums are a great help and are seem only to willing to help me out if they can.
So now I feel like I have been on a steep learning curve since aquiring my first tank last year and have learnt a hell of a lot.
I am looking to do a course in basic electrics to increase my (basic) knowledge.
Have you been up to Carnforth where the North West Kampfgruppe meet .
Kind regards aqnd good luck,
Duncan
-
Paul Morris
- Posts: 1559
- Joined: Thu Jul 12, 2007 4:44 pm
- Location: North Lancs
- Been liked: 68 times
Leighton Hall
Hi Steven.
As Duncan has suggested you should try to come along to see us when we start running at Leighton Hall again we are a friendly bunch with quite a good scattering of various skills amongst us and always willing to lend a helping hand.
Just keep an eye on the events section for Nord west Kampfgruppe and come along or if you like you can P.M. or mail me at pjtigerman@aol.com.
Cheers Paul
Paul's Tank Workshop 01524 720977 pjtigerman@aol.com
As Duncan has suggested you should try to come along to see us when we start running at Leighton Hall again we are a friendly bunch with quite a good scattering of various skills amongst us and always willing to lend a helping hand.
Just keep an eye on the events section for Nord west Kampfgruppe and come along or if you like you can P.M. or mail me at pjtigerman@aol.com.
Cheers Paul
Paul's Tank Workshop 01524 720977 pjtigerman@aol.com
Paul's Tank Workshop. Complete Tank builds and re builds zimmerit and paint to museum quality standard. pjtigerman@aol.com
01524 720977
https://www.facebook.com/PaulsTankWorkshop
01524 720977
https://www.facebook.com/PaulsTankWorkshop
-
Steven Ford
- Posts: 154
- Joined: Tue Jul 17, 2007 9:41 pm
- Location: Northern England
- Has liked: 7 times
- Been liked: 5 times
-
Fredrik Jorgensen
- Posts: 361
- Joined: Fri Jul 11, 2008 7:48 pm
- Location: Stockholm Sweden
- Been liked: 1 time
Godamnit i wish i was a Brit 
.
Our community is way to small and we live scattered (but growing in numbers).
I envy you brits and others who can go out and have a blast just over the weekends.
Besides the historical interest seems greater in britan with shows and memorial days etc.
Wish we had the same here......but on the other hand. Then we would have to go to war in the 1940´s i guess:).
Just wish there were workshops in sweden as the ones Lee and Paul and more is putting together.
Keep it up guys
Freddie
.Our community is way to small and we live scattered (but growing in numbers).
I envy you brits and others who can go out and have a blast just over the weekends.
Besides the historical interest seems greater in britan with shows and memorial days etc.
Wish we had the same here......but on the other hand. Then we would have to go to war in the 1940´s i guess:).
Just wish there were workshops in sweden as the ones Lee and Paul and more is putting together.
Keep it up guys
Freddie
-
Paul Wills
- Posts: 1043
- Joined: Thu Jul 19, 2007 7:56 pm
- Location: The Lake District
- Has liked: 646 times
- Been liked: 143 times
Hi Steven,
Yes come on down. you would be surprised at how many Armortek owners are very close to you, by that I mean within 1 hours travel of your home. you could learn a thing or two from our resident and prolific scratch builders Clive Lockwood and Ian ???, sorry Ian can't remember your last name! Also our Armortek build and paint expert Paul Morris, and our sparky Richie (the Tool Box) Wignall. The rest of us just play at being Commanders or film makers, like Ant and myself!! We aren’t just fixated on Tanks ether, so your model boats would be a talking point with a few!
Paul W
Yes come on down. you would be surprised at how many Armortek owners are very close to you, by that I mean within 1 hours travel of your home. you could learn a thing or two from our resident and prolific scratch builders Clive Lockwood and Ian ???, sorry Ian can't remember your last name! Also our Armortek build and paint expert Paul Morris, and our sparky Richie (the Tool Box) Wignall. The rest of us just play at being Commanders or film makers, like Ant and myself!! We aren’t just fixated on Tanks ether, so your model boats would be a talking point with a few!
Paul W
Last edited by Paul Wills on Mon Jan 11, 2010 7:20 pm, edited 1 time in total.
9 kp pz gren div grossdeutschland Tiger A23, Sd.Kfz. 7 half-track Artl Reg 146 (mot), 16.Infanterie-Division (mot). Flak 36 88mm, Erg-Zug Flak-Stammbatterie Augsburg. King Tiger & Pak41
-
Dennis Jones
- Posts: 893
- Joined: Wed Feb 04, 2009 11:19 am
- Location: Poole, Dorset
- Has liked: 10 times
- Been liked: 224 times
Hi Fabrice, Pity, if I knew you were on the stand at Sandown could have had a chat. I noticed trade stands were down this year, but I did manage to buy a DRO for my combined lathe/milling machine. I don't know whether you saw the 1/6 scale tank down on the IC Engine Builders Society stand with the V8 engine in it, which will be powering it eventually so the builder was telling me. Those guys are something else when it comes to scale building engines particularly the Napier 24 cylinder engine.
Dennis.
Dennis.
-
Fabrice Le Roux
- Posts: 394
- Joined: Thu Jul 12, 2007 8:57 pm
- Location: London UK
- Been liked: 14 times
Hi Dennis,
Glad you made the show. Mike Tull's IC tanks are very impressive. Perhaps we should recruit him to do an Armortek based model next!
I always come away from the shows dazzled by the sheer craftsmanship evident. Humbled and inspired in equal measure, if that makes sense.
Looking forward to getting back into the workshop when the snow melts.
All the best for 2010.
Fabrice
Glad you made the show. Mike Tull's IC tanks are very impressive. Perhaps we should recruit him to do an Armortek based model next!
I always come away from the shows dazzled by the sheer craftsmanship evident. Humbled and inspired in equal measure, if that makes sense.
Looking forward to getting back into the workshop when the snow melts.
All the best for 2010.
Fabrice
-
Dennis Jones
- Posts: 893
- Joined: Wed Feb 04, 2009 11:19 am
- Location: Poole, Dorset
- Has liked: 10 times
- Been liked: 224 times
Hi Fabrice, Yes I feel the same after seeing some of the models. I have been building a Minnie 1" scale steam traction engine from scratch and castings over the last 2 years so was glad to see a few of them on display on the upper floor, managed to take a few photos. I am waiting for the temp to rise to start spraying the PZ111 in the garage/workshop. I think Mike had a PZ111 on order but he cancelled as he couldn't wait so he went to China instead.
Dennis.
Dennis.