Next Step: Machined Parts

I went to the N.A.M.E.S. show recently, that's North American Miniature Engineering Society.  Another aspect of the modeling hobby, these builders focus on working scale engines made from machined metal.  I was fascinated with the sound of a running small block Chevy in 1/4 scale with its loping idle. There were steam engines, back-driven on compressed air, and I saw a working flat sixteen cylinder engine, about 10 inches long.  "What's the valve lift?"  "Oh, fifty thousandths."  And it actually ran on fuel.  The NAMES modelers are true precision craftsmen and their work is an extraordinary mix of skill, art, and engineering.

At the show, I stopped by the Sherline booth and made a life changing decision:  I bought a lathe.  I've wanted one for years and believe that it's really my next step as a car modeler.  Ajano fully supports it and I'm glad to be challenged with a new aspect of scale model building.  You'll see some new Calnaga items very soon that were mastered on my new Sherline lathe.