[SEL] What do you think? Get rid of my engines or not?

[Ed Herreid]

I wouldnt get too excited about selling them yet.  My boys are 14 and 16 and 
are just getting an interest in the engines.  They both have  enjoyed 
attending shows and help operating engines but just now are getting into the 
understanding and learning how they work.  When they ask about why the mini 
bike has no spark or runs bad I start with the basics.  It is much easier to 
see how the four cycles happen on an open crank exposed pushrod engine than 
a shrouded modern engine.  Or how an ignition system makes a spark if they 
can see all the parts exposed.  I also use my Regimota New Holland model at 
my day job.  Gets good discussions going and who knows - it may lead to some 
leads on finding some new stuff someday.

I dont know if the merit badge system is the same down under but you can 
become a merit badge counselor for the scouts.  Auto mechanics, Farm 
mechanics and Blacksmithing(Metalwork)are some that I do and engines can 
become props for explaining them too.  All the diagrams and drawings in the 
book wont grab attention like a running engine. (for boys of any age)

Ed Herreid
Trevor Wisconsin



----Original Message Follows----
From: Paul Pavlinovich <pjp at steamengine.com.au>
Reply-To: The SEL email discussion list <sel at lists.stationary-engine.com>
To: stationary-engine at oldengine.org,        The SEL email discussion list 
<sel at lists.stationary-engine.com>
Subject: [SEL] What do you think? Get rid of my engines or not?
Date: Wed, 25 Apr 2007 17:12:57 +1000

I have a bit of a dilemma - over the years I've collected a number of
engines. Since returning to involvement with my local steam railway and
becoming a Scout Leader I've not touched them in the last three years or
so. I've not had time to play with them. I've not had time to go to any
shows (although I plan on taking the troop to a show this year). The
engines just sit in my shed deteriorating. I've become the kind of
person I was disappointed to meet when I was trying to acquire machines
- a hoarder who does nothing with his machinery. The nearest I get is
these two email lists.

My boys are 10 and 12, but neither have any interest in the engines.

Should I keep them and give them to the boys when they're older or get
rid of most of them?

ps. don't offer to buy them - I'll be ignoring any self-interest answers :)

Paul
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