Preface

Model Engineering is a branch of the mechanical arts that has received but a scanty share of literary treatment. The subject seems, however, to be particularly suited for such discussion, it being so closely associated with experimental work.

The reader of this Handbook is assumed to have some practical experience in handling tools, and some knowledge of mechanical manipulation, such as can be gleaned from other volumes in this series; turning, filing, fitting, soldering, etc., having been already treated upon.

This Handbook contains a large number of carefully engraved Illustrations, accurately reduced from working drawings of model engines that have been made under my own supervision. The value of these accurate illustrations will be appreciated by those who are interested in models of the kind they represent. I may remind readers that their value is not to be estimated by any number of pages of letterpress. A single drawing often shows at a glance what could not be so clearly explained in volumes of type.

Large extracts from some articles written originally by me for the Boy's Own Paper are incorporated in this Handbook. I am indebted to the kindness of Mr. G. A. Hutchison, the Editor of that paper, for permission to reproduce them here.

P. N. HASLUCK.

London,
December, 1888