While interpreting mining and its related industries in the American West, WMMI has made great use of scale models in exhibits and educational programming. These models have been built by staff and volunteers or were donated to the Museum. The large mine model, the stamp mill and dredge models, and the model steam engines on permanent exhibit inform and delight visitors of all ages. One of the distinctive classes of models in the museum's collection is the model steam engine. Since 1975, approximately 40 model engines have been donated to WMMI. Examples of these are the beam, vertical, and horizontal model steam engines in the main lobby. These operable models highlight the importance steam power played in mining.

Model, operable single-cylinder horizontal steam engine, 1995.14.5. Note the U.S. quarter in the foreground for scale. This operable model steam engine was constructed by Irving E. August. Mr. August worked for the Worthington Pump Company in Denver, CO for many years.

While these models are important aids to our educational programming, they are also interesting in themselves. The hobby of building model engines is an old one, yet one that still has a dedicated following today.

One of the oldest companies offering kits for building a variety of steam engines and requiring a range of machining abilities is Stuart, located in the Channel Islands of the United Kingdom. Beginning in 1898, Stuart Turner drew his first patterns, sent them out to be cast, then machined and assembled the castings to create his first operating steam engine.

Wanting even more of a challenge than kit models, many hobbyists armed with milling machines, drill presses, and lathes, work from scratch and a scrap-pile. One of these individuals and donors is Irving E. August, who in 1995 donated six models to the museum. Mr. August's operating models reveal his amazing artistry. The model boiler he fabricated features miniature functioning dials while his beam engine features exquisite detailing.

The museum will be exhibiting more of its model collection during our annual Model Engineering and Historic Power Show. A glimpse of some of these modelers' amazing creations can be seen on the internet by going to www.metal-club.org.

Terry Girouard,
Previous Curator of Collections