In its 119 year history the Society of Model and Experimental Engineers has acquired a collection of engineering models including locomotives, ships, stationary engines, tools and experimental equipment. All have stories whether of their makers, donors, construction or restoration. Some will feature in these articles. SMEE's Stationary Engines Committee members have restored many to working order and conserved others for display. Though models are kept off site SMEE arranges displays at exhibitions when possible. Time has been measured by analogue means at least as far back as the Egyptians by observing burning candles, clepsydra with water flowing from containers and various types of sundial. All changed near the beginning of the 14th Century when time started to be measured digitally by counting the swings of a foliot or balance. These 'clocks', so called because they rang a bell giving the timing for prayers, were one of the earliest complicated forms of mechanical engineering.
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