North American Model Engineering Expo

April 28, before the Exposition opened to the general public. This
year the students were exposed to learning experiences that
included classroom discussions, graphics, cut-a-ways, video tapes,
running engines, hands-on opportunities, and machining
demonstrations where the young people experienced machine tools
making a model steam engine. Nearly fifty grade school, middle
school, and high school students, and scouts, were exposed to
subjects such as the Stirling cycle hot air engine, the steam
engine, the gasoline engine, and demonstrations of lathe and
milling machine operations. The day’s activities proved very
rewarding for the young people and for those who conducted the
sessions. In addition to explaining the general operation of the
different engines, and machining tools, we shared plans for
construction of a simple hot air and steam engine with the young
people, in hopes of increasing their interest in model engineering.
One of the best endorsements of our Education Day is that teachers
and scout leaders continue to bring us their students to
participate in this unique event.

For the third year The North American Model Engineering Society
sponsored a four-day course. The Study of Steam Power, held April
24-27 at Domino’s Farm in Ann Arbor, Michigan, was conducted by
N.A.M.E.S. board member Tom Stockton. The course is an in-depth
study of all aspects of steam power and emphasizes fundamentals
that apply to other heat engines. The fee of $125 included two
books, lunch, coffee breaks and one year’s N.A.M.E.S.
membership. On Sunday, April 23, the class enjoyed a ride in the
steam launch Arbor Queen on the nearby Huron River. The
steam engine and boiler in the Arbor Queen were made by Tom
Stockton.

During the two-day Exposition, six very informative model
engineering seminars were conducted with many people attending the
sessions. The seminars were: Electronic Discharge Machining, Model
Building, Computer Controlled Machining, Model Shop and Tools,
Pattern Making for Modelers, and Model ‘T’ Wheels and Tires
in scale. The seminars provided an excellent learning experience
for all who attended. Several model-related demonstrations were
held on the floor during the exposition and were aimed at the
general public to inform them and answer any questions they had
concerning the model engineering craft.

Two hundred seventy three exhibitors displayed more than nine
hundred models, many of museum quality. The variety of models
included hot air, steam, and gasoline running and operating scale
model machinery, vehicles and other equipment. The engines were in
the form of antique farm, industrial, automotive, marine, aircraft,
tractors, railway and military. About 1,000 feet of compressed air
line was used to operate the wide array of steam engines. In
addition, scale model construction equipment, machine tools
including lathes and milling machines, and clocks were displayed
and enjoyed by the more than 4,000 spectators who attended the
two-day exposition.

The interaction of the general public and the model builder
allows the modeler to explain his model and his craft and for the
general public to obtain valuable knowledge and a much better
understanding and appreciation of model building.

Several model boats were on display and were of great interest
to the general public. These included tugs, pleasure, river and
military boats. The attention to detail by the builders made these
scale models one of the highlights of the Exposition.

Sixty model engineering vendors displayed a full range of
quality merchandise including casting kits, machine tools, lathes
and milling machines, magazines and other literature and a wide
range of modeling supplies.

The North American Model Engineering Society would like to thank
everyone involved with the 2000 Exposition, for making it an
outstanding show. We are looking forward to seeing everyone again
next year at our 12th Exposition on April 28 and 29, 2001, at Yack
Arena in Wyandotte, Michigan.