I have liked Traction engines ever since I saw good old Fred Dibnah restoring his beloved engine on the television a few years ago.

I was lucky enough to buy my first - and not to be the last, miniature Traction Engine project, a partially built 1” Minnie about a year ago. It was in a real state with only the boiler and horn plates completed - well sort of! I bought the engine well knowing this, as it was and still is my intention to use it as part of my learning curve and a stepping stone into the vast reaches of model engineering. I have completed a couple of Stuart Turner engines to date and will probably complete more before I am done. But I digress!

I guess the real challenge for me has been to find time for my workshop, as I am now based in Scotland. I have turned a bit here and milled a bit there and now the Minnie is coming along nicely. I have to admit that for every part that I have successfully completed, there are probably two or three more in the scrap bin! But I accept this as I am only a beginner. The hardest part for me so far has been making the rear wheels and more infuriatingly the eccentric rods. I will get there though.

I find that problem solving is what makes our hobby so interesting. On occasions, I have looked at this little engine, trying to solve a problem with no result and then when I am having my tea or I am in the shower, it is suddenly a case of “Eureka I’ve got it”. My wife thinks I am mad!

I am really looking forward to our exhibition so that you can all see it and hopefully give me some more helpful advice which I am always grateful to have. I am already thinking of my next project which will either be a 3 1/2” Loco or a 2” Traction Engine. The Fowler Superba has really caught my eye. I know these engines would be a real challenge but I am as keen as mustard!

I would like to take this opportunity of thanking Nigel for supplying me with a cracking good Boxford Lathe and good old Tom for coming up with an excellent milling machine—which is getting good use. Without these two machines I would be lost…..so thanks to them both.