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| Individual Projects | Club Projects |
	We have a lot of very active members, working in numerous areas of model engineering.
	listed below is just a small sample of the type of work carried out by members, but it would be possible to spend a lot of your hobby time just helping to maintain the railway.
	Locomotives.
	Whilst the club encourages all forms for model engineering, most members at some time build a locomotive. The scope in this area is vast, with over a hundred different designs to choose from, there are standard gauge, and the narrow gauge industrial and passenger railways, and trams from home and abroad.
	Then there is a choice of steam, electric or internal combustion as the motive power. The list is endless. Most members seem to have more than one project on the go at one time as building a locomotive can be a very long job, although some of the electric locos can be turned out in a fairly short period of weeks.
	Traction Engines.
	Here again the choice of drawings is very wide. You can choose from a model that will measure 12" long and weigh about 40 - 50lbs in 3/4" scale, right through to a monster 4" scale, which can weigh in at around 15 hundredweight. These of course need much larger machining facilities (which the club possess) and a fairly hefty trailer to move it about. It would be wise to take advice before attempting such a project.
	The main advantage of a traction engine is that you do not require a track to run on, any space will do. There are now many miniature traction engine rallies up and down the country, at which you will receive a warm welcome.
	Stationary Engines.
	This is often a good place to start if you are a beginner or just a bit rusty, and want to get into engineering. There are many kits of parts on the market, ranging from a simple set of casting and drawings, to a fully machined kit, which needs very limited tools to assemble. The choice is once again endless ranging from the simple single cylinder to the complicated triple expansion engines. They can all be run on steam, air or just kept as a showpiece. There will always be a member only too willing to advise or assist with any problems.
	Clocks.
	Although this is a specialized area of modelling we do have several members that have tried their hand at these challenging and beautiful items. From the ornate, all brass version under a glass dome, to the full long case variety which not only challenges your metal working ability but also your woodworking skills.
	Of course, there are lots of kits, books and drawings available for the beginner right through to those for the more advanced. Whatever you choose you will have made a fine addition to any room.
	Boats.
	Fully working radio controlled vessels, both powered and sailing, specially designed high speed racing boats and static (non working) models are just some of the areas in model boat building carried out by club members.
	Although the club does not have it's own lake, several members are also members of model boat clubs and enter boating competitions, so again if this is the area you would like to work in, you will be able to get a lot of help and advise.
	Tools.
	A lot of time is spent making small tools and jigs to assist in the construction of your model, however, some members find pleasure in building the machines themselves, such as drilling machines, spark eroders, bending rolls, cutter grinders, even small lathes. The list is only limited by your imagination.
	Miniature Railways. | Club Track |
	The club has two tracks, one ground level and one raised, covering three gauges - 71/4, 5 and 31/2 inch, which are used to give train rides for the public.
	These tracks, locomotives and rolling stock need a lot of maintenance, which goes on all year round, so this is another area of interest and a number of members spend a great deal of their spare time 'Playing Trains'.
	Individual & Club Projects. | Individual Projects | Club Projects |
	There are always several projects of one form or another underway and as of the end of 2003, one of the club projects is a 5" gauge Steam Locomotive - "Nigel Gresley"
	Re building a 5" gauge "Speedy" Steam Locomotive.
	and a Fowler Showmans Traction Engine.
	As the club has many very experienced model engineers, even seemingly difficult projects can be undertaken as there will always be other members willing to pass on their knowledge and help with the 'Tricky Bits'.
	Locomotive Driver Training.
	To enable us to comply with the Strict Insurance and Health & Safety Operating Procedures, all Drivers of trains on public running days, must be qualified, so the club has a full driver training program which involves a lot of practical driving tuition and a written and practical test.
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© Chingford & District Model Engineering Club 2007
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