Exhibitions:

As a subscriber to M.E. Magazine from my High School days (and being caught reading it in class instead of Nanook of the North or some other item of literary note), I have avidly read reports of the M.E. and other Club Exhibitions since those days of the early 1950’s. I have long dreamed that I would be able to copy these fine efforts and take out a Gold Medal or Championship Cup at the M.E. Exhibition. (part way there – managed a Bronze Medal at Ascot this year).

One of the difficulties of holding exhibitions in Australia is the problem of geography. We have 75 Societies registered within the Australian Association of Live Steamers with an average membership per club of just 42. Because of the distance it becomes very difficult to organise anything on a national basis. It has been tried but has lapsed through lack of interest. At the present time there are two major exhibitions held every two years. Both are in Victoria and attract a fair number of interstate visitors. Some of you may have seen reports in Australian Model Engineering Magazine. From my observations over a few years it appears that whilst a lot of model engineers are content to fill up the stands at the various shows, the number of competitive exhibits is relatively small. Here the situation is much the same in regard to the few competitive events we do have. “Don't believe in that nonsense” but when they are singled out as a winner by the judges they “are as pleased as punch”.

Standards:

During my travels I have always looked at what I believe is a creditable, acceptable standards of finish and performance no matter the discipline of the constructor. Coupled with that of course is the enjoyment one gets from the construction and/or operating the finished product be it Gold Medal or a plain old “banger”. From my observation here and in the UK, there seems to be a trend to Narrow Gauge types, especially in 7 1/4” Gauge. This trend seems to have caused some friction between the larger and smaller type operators but there does seem to be a “bigger is better” syndrome creeping in. I prefer standard gauge prototypes but I admire the well built NG types also and believe that both styles can operate together without any problems provided that the track standards are compatible. (No further comment on that subject). Each type should be judged on its merits in the appropriate setting.

General:

Having been fortunate to have travelled a fair bit, I have attempted to judge production of the Model Engineering world in the following way. All countries of the recognised M.E. world have basically three grades:-

a. Top of the list, no matter what discipline they model in – e.g. Cherry Hines plus others from around the world.

b. Those that produce magnificent works of a high standard of finish and fidelity to prototype. These are produced in all countries.

c. The general run of members who produce models which work well and show how it was and keep the spirit of Model Engineering in whatever form alive.

Conclusions:

a. Model Engineers of each country prefer their own. That is what they were brought up with, be it A4's, Kings, PS4's, C38's, J's and K's. Each can appreciate the beauty and quality of each other production.

b. Each one welcomes visitors from other parts of the Globe.

c. In reality, the difference between Model Engineers of the world is ZILCH. We all seem to enjoy a pint on a hot day.

On a personal note, many thanks to TME for the warm welcome each time I have been to your meetings and run days. I look forward to showing your Chairman, Mike, around Illawarra Live Steamers grounds in January 2008 and I expect that the rest of TME will follow in due course. Regards and best wishes to you all and I hope to see you again in May/June 2008.