Hi all - Student here.

[the_foofinator]

Hi All,

I'm Mike,

Currently a UK Mech Eng student at University.

My interest in model engines come from Family interest in Steam (my Grandfather has a 32mm Gauge Railway), and I've worked for a year as a Designer/Engineer for a large Diesel Engine Manufacturer.

One day when I get my own place I'd like to be able to get my own machines and have a crack at an IC engine or two. For the time being, it's CADland

[b.lindsey]

Welcome Mike, glad to have some young blood join the group. Will look forward to your participation.

Bill

[Jo]

Mike,

Which University in the UK are you studying at? Many have machine shops where you can use their machines if you are a student and you ask nicely

Which CAD package are you using 

Jo

[the_foofinator]

Thank you all,

I've tried my university's workshop, trust me. There's no money there to replace the machines, so only one /two lathe(s) is working for the techs to use. It's severely understaffed so they are a month behind on the workload. The waiting list for the health and safety training is over 2 weeks. At the moment I'm helping out build the Formula Student car (http://www.imeche.org/events/formula-student).

CADwise:
Creo/ProE (Main)
Solidworks
Inventor

[Kim]

Hi there Mike,
Welcome to MEM!  Nice to have you along.
Kim

[Dave Otto]

Hi Mike

Welcome to MEM!


Dave

[vcutajar]

Hi Mike and welcome to the group.

Vince

[Flyboy Jim]

Welcome to MEM Mike. This is a great place to hang out.

Jim

[fumopuc]

Hi Mike welcome to MEM.
Learning daily a bit more CAD. Fusion360.

[Brendon M]

Hello Mike, welcome to the forum

Another option for you to try is a "makerspace"/"hackerspace" or other such community workshop. Luckily for me, there is such a shop near my work which happens to have a lathe and CNC mill. This is where I have been learning to use a lathe.