These photos were taken by Nick Jones and John Downie at the 2005 Midland Model Engineeing Exhibition. The 2005 show was particularly noteworthy as it gave visitors a Last Chance To See the Gerald Smith Collection before it was put to auction. This collection was certainly deserving of its own page, so be sure to click the link, or the photo of the dual bank 18 cylinder radial to see more of Gerald's work.

The engines below show the diversity (and popularity) of IC engines this year. My "staff photographers" made no special attempt to capture details about the constructors--which saves me a lot of writing and mark-up work! But not knowing details does not diminish appreciation of the work and talent displayed. Just visible is the DOHC V8 by the late Prof. Dennis Chaddock. The story goes that the need to make cutters to build this engine was the spark that lead to the Quorn.

Also present was Barry Hares' quarter scale RR Merlin. Although this engine has appeared on these pages before, the photos below show the fine detail and completeness of the engine. So much so that it is difficult to believe one is lookking at a model. Some exhibition visitors, clearly overwhelmed by what they were seeing, were heard to mutter things about computers and CNC. I think the completion date of 1982 on the plaque is an adequate answer to that notion.

These photographs have concentrated in IC engines, but naturally the show contained a lot more than is seen here, as those lucky enough to attend will know.