Editing Model engineering (section)

==Scope of model engineering==
[[File:Midland Model Engineering 2007 159 (1678271829).jpg|thumb|right|2" Scale [[Steamroller|Steam roller]] and [[traction engine]] models on display at Midland Model Engineering 2007]]
The 'classic' areas of model engineering interest are [[live steam]] models (typically steam [[locomotives]], [[stationary engines]], [[marine steam engines]], [[Showman's road locomotive|Showman's engines]], and [[traction engine]]s),<ref>{{cite book|last1=Gordon|first1=Bob|title=Model steam engines|date=1987|publisher=Shire Publications|location=Aylesbury, UK|isbn=9780852639061}}</ref> [[Internal combustion|internal combustion engines]],<ref>{{cite book|last1=Stride|first1=Malcolm|title=Miniature internal combustion engines|date=2007|publisher=Crowood Press|location=Ramsbury, UK|isbn=978-1861269218}}</ref> and [[clock making]].<ref>{{cite book|last1=Thorne|first1=Colin|title=Clockmaking for the model engineer|date=2004|publisher=Camden Miniature Steam Services|location=Frome, UK|isbn=0954713117}}</ref> Other popular subjects are [[Stirling engines]],<ref>{{cite book|last1=Darlington|first1=Roy|last2=Strong|first2=Keith|title=Stirling and Hot Air Engines|date=2005|publisher=Crowood|location=Ramsbury, UK|isbn=9781861266880}}</ref> workshop equipment, miniature machine tools and [[ornamental turning]]. These constitute stable genres which are often reflected in competition categories at model engineering exhibitions. In the past, amateur electrical experimentation (the precursor to hobby electronics) and [[ship model]]ling were considered as part of model engineering, but these are no longer regarded as core genres.

Model engineers typically make models by machining working parts from stock metal and metal castings. Some models are intended as utilitarian working models, others as highly meticulous display models, or sometimes a combination of both. The most elaborate models involve hand manufacture of thousands of parts, taking thousands of hours to complete, often over a number of years or even decades. The model engineer is often guided by commercially available drawings, however some draw their own designs, or even work without drawings. Similarly, most model engineers will buy [[Casting (metalworking)|castings]] when required, but some buy or make [[foundry]] equipment to cast metal themselves.

Increasingly, 'modern' technologies such as [[Computer aided design]], [[cnc]] (computer numerical control) equipment, [[laser cutting]], [[3D printing]] and [[embedded systems]] are becoming part of the hobby as more and more of its practitioners have developed skills and familiarity with these techniques through their work, whilst younger people familiar with newer processes discover the potential of traditional machining, narrowing the gap between 'model engineering' and '[[maker culture]]'.

As an activity that involves extensive use of metalwork [[Machine tooling|machine tools]] in a home workshop-based context, model engineering overlaps with other artisanal machine-tool based and allied metalwork pursuits including [[gunsmithing]] (particularly in the USA), manufacture of home metalworking tools and accessories, home [[cnc]] equipment building, antique machine tool collecting, antique vehicle and machine restoration, home welding and hobby metalcasting. Model engineering is closely associated with the hobby of running live steam locomotives, and overlaps to a degree with the making of non-working models, particularly those of mechanical subjects. Products such as ''[[Meccano]]'' and low-pressure [[Model steam engine|toy steam engines]] have a loose affinity with model engineering, stemming from the production of scientific and mechanical toys beginning in the late 18th century.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=van Riemsdijk|first1=J.T.|title=Scientific and Mechanical Toys|journal=New Scientist|date=1962|volume=16|issue=318|pages=690–693|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XxLtBWSWR9YC}}</ref> [[Steam punk|Steam Punk]], a post-industrial sculptural art style picking up on the aesthetic and kinetic qualities of old machinery, shares some overlap.{{citation needed|date=April 2022}}

There is some debate about the appropriateness of the term 'model engineering'. Some argue that the term '[[engineer]]' should be reserved solely for those professionally qualified as such. However, the historic meaning of 'engineer' is one who constructs or tends engines, and as such is a fitting epithet for those who make working models as a hobby. In any case, since the term 'model engineer' was employed by 1888, the precedent for its use has long been a ''fait accompli''.