Useful Sites Index
Created by: Lester Caine, Last modification: 03 Jun 2025 (07:36 UTC)
Over the years I have logged a large number of useful websites, some of which still exist and others that have disappeared over time. It is a sham that a lot of historic material is no longer available on line and even the Internet Archive has failed to capture a lot of it. I have often stored copies of useful pages and even whole websites that I have found interesting and I need to consolidate that material at some point. My own websites have a lot of now somewhat out of date material and I am loathed to simply take it down since it helps follow historic developments, but even I fail to actually check in with it today so perhaps it is time to just cull it and replace it with current material.
I do need to develop an easier way to manage the index and the various search tools in bitweaver does provide a good base to build on, but for now I'll just tabulate new material to make a start.
| Category | URL | Notes | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| MEDW | ME Projects Index | ||
| MEDW | Project Sources | ||
| MEDW | Useful Links | ||
| MEDW | Garden Narrow Gauge Scale Links | ||
| Model Traction | https://medw.uk/modeltractionengines | A legacy site that had all of the material I was gathering to build my 3" Burrell Traction Engine. The Lion Works book is archived there. | |
| Model Steam | https://www.clevedonsteam.co.uk/ | Clevedon kits are available as Engine Kits, Boiler Kits or Steam Plant Kits. | UK |
| Model Steam | https://www.chilternmodelsteam.co.uk | Chiltern Model Steam provides a range of live steam model (miniature) steam engine kits, fully machined, that can be easily assembled into fine examples of the sort of engineering that powered the industrial revolution. | UK |
| Model Steam | https://miniaturesteammodels.com | At Miniature Steam Models (MSM), we are passionate about creating reliable and powerful model marine steam engines, boilers and the other items that are necessary for powering a model boat when it arrives "on the pond" - driving model boats that will delight and inspire. | AU |
| Model Steam | Cheddar Valley Steam | Looks as if Cheddar Boilers is not longer active which is a pity ... While About Steam list other options on their information page. | -- |
| Model Steam | https://www.westernsteam.com |  Western Steam Ltd specialise in the production of copper boilers for live steam locomotives and traction engines. Boilers can be built to either standard published designs or supplied drawings. ( They have a 5" Springbok boiler in stock ) |
UK |
| Model Steam | https://www.ptmachining.co.uk | The Southern Boiler Works manufacture fine quality copper boilers. A family run business employing 1 full time and 2 part time machinists. All boilers are manufactured 'in house' by Paul Tompkins a time served Toolmaker by trade and life long model engineer by hobby. We are members of the APCBM (M.E.) and are fully compliant to the 97/23/EC Cat 2 regulations allowing us to manufacture 71/4” size boilers up to 200 bar litres. | UK |
| Alternative Index | https://www.wildaboutsteam.co.uk | Not updated in the last 2 years and many links no longer work, but still a useful set of links which I will review as time permits. | -- |
| Model Engineering | http://www.blackgates.co.uk | UK | |
| Publications | Brown, Son and Ferguson Ltd | We have been nautical publishers, printers and ships' stationers since 1832. In our site you will find nautical textbooks both technical and non-technical, books about the sea, historical books, information on old sailing ships and how to build model ships. | UK |
| Tools | https://www.toolnut.co.uk | Many of the tools we stock are British made including one of the largest collections of British woodcarving tools in the UK. | UK |
| Model Railway | https://peco-uk.com | PECO has an extensive range of products to help you get the most out of your pastime, whether it be track, (our speciality), or a kit, accessory or model that allows you to complete or enhance your layout. As well as the wide range of PECO group products listed here, you will also find the brands that we distribute to the trade, namely Harburn Hamlets, Romford Models, Dundas Models and Melcam Models (Tracksetta). | UK |
| Model Railway | https://ev-north.co.uk | Some 45 and 32mm chassis parts ... Little Bo and Hudson Hunslet | UK |
| Model Railway | https://shop.bowatersmodels.co.uk | Welcome to the home of Bowaters Models, Bona Models, Fareham Carriage Works Designs, KBW Kits and Avontuur Models! The home of distinctive rolling stock kits for your Garden Railway as well as a growing range of 4mm scale models for 009 and TT:120. Nice range of 15mm Scale kits! | UK |
| Model Railway | https://www.gardenrailways.co.uk | The REGNER live steam UK authorised agent. REGNER Sales, Service, Spares and Repairs. We carry a large stock of genuine REGNER spares not all are on this website, please contact us if you can't find your bits! We also stock Accucraft, Piko, LGB, Pola, Viessmann, Etc. If you can't find what you are looking for give us a ring. | UK |