New England Model Engineering Show

The room is filled with the sounds of the gentle clacking of miniature steam engines shifting back and forth as the compressed air operates the models. Exquisitely decorated models of antique power plants for mills and steam locomotives are displayed throughout, each with the craftsmen who built them.

For the past 20 years, the New England Model Engineering Society members have welcomed the public to see their creations each February. The show is once again at the Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovation in Waltham.

Artist Todd Cahill exhibits a number of museum quality model steam engines that operate on compressed air. Vibrantly painted, Todd’s models have the unique reputation as unexcelled, historically accurate working models.

The New England Model Engineering Society will hold its 20th Annual Model Engineering Show on Saturday, February 20th from 10 AM until 4 PM at the Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovation at 154 Moody Street in Waltham. The Museum charges $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors. Children under 5 are free.

Machinist Dick Boucher excels in the display of working model steam locomotives. His Tom Thumb locomotive has been enjoyed by three generations of Boucher’s, and he has displayed the progress of the Frodo locomotive project, one of a set of 5 Frodo locomotives that a team of machinists are building from steel bar stock.

Other NEMES members will bring hit-and-miss gasoline powered engines from the turn of the century, and carefully crafted airplane engines. Another displays a wooden steam powered boat and wooden model trucks.

If you are looking for a unique way to spend a Saturday afternoon in late February, stop by the NEMES Model Engineering Show at the Charles River Museum of Industry.