Model Engineers Pack Fairgrounds

Model Engineers fired up their engines at the Muskingum County Fairgrounds Saturday.

From miniature automobile engines to mini hand-crafted guns, they were all on display at the 8th annual Mid-East Ohio Model Engineering Expo. Hundreds of model enthusiasts showcased their talents, including, Steve Hock, who traveled all the way from Sterling Heights, Michigan to feature his hand-made inventions.

“I like this hobby because it’s very unique, not a lot of people do it, and the reaction you get from people who have never seen anything like this before is just unbelievable,” Hock said.

All models are fully-operational, just in smaller form. Farmer, Bob Deist, dabbles in a little model engineering and comes to the event every year to take part in the show. His hydrogen-powered engine is one of only three in the world, and was a big hit among enthusiasts.

“It runs on hydrogen, it’s a forest engine made in France, a French guy made the original, this is a copy of the original engine, it’s a full size reproduction, 1/15 horsepower,” Deist said.

Plans are already in the works for next year’s expo. Engineers are expected to pack the fairgrounds once again in mid-October of 2016.