Ben Hammer has spent the better part of 10 years building the 1880’s vintage steam engine, Early American 440. He has spent countless hours working on patterns, plans, metal and wood work and piecing together the locomotive. The engine is 18½ feet long and just fits inside his SCW garage. Most of the parts were built at the SCW Metal Club and the SCW Wood Club with the help of friends at the Clubs. Hammer, 94 started building small engines when he was 12 and it has been a full time hobby since his retirement. This is the third large model he has built. He has enough parts to start building another locomotive but isn't sure he will take on the task.

The next general membership meeting of the SCW Metal Club will be at 10:30 AM on Thursday, April 16, 2009 in the R. H. Johnson Lecture Hall located next to the Village Store. All Metal Club members are encouraged to attend. Two lucky members attending the meeting will receive $25 checks.

Over 300 pieces of metal art created by members of the club are on display year around at the Metal Club and the SCW Village Store. Metal art can be purchased at the Village Store in the R. H. Johnson Rec. Center or at the Metal Club. Vacation/security mailboxes are available at the Village Store.

A large number of members of the Metal Club had no experience in metal work prior to joining, and have found the club a wonderful place to learn. New members can expect to develop a wide variety of new skills in the myriad of classes available and from members willing to demonstrate and teach informally at almost any time. The annual dues of $20 provide access to hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of first rate equipment unavailable elsewhere.

If you are interested in joining the Metal Club, stop by for a visit and tour of the facility. The Metal Club also offers social opportunities and events which include spouses or significant others.

Custom sheet metal, milling and lathe work, repairing garbage container tops, metal furniture repair, welding, custom metal art, etc. are services offered to the community by members of the Metal Club. Visit the Metal Club and let us know of your needs.

Visitors are always welcome at the Sun City West Metal Club during normal operating hours from 8 AM to 4 PM weekdays. Tours are available for those wishing to see the excellent facilities and equipment. Fresh coffee and pop is provided for visitors by our friendly members.

For additional information on the Sun City West Metal Club and its many activities and programs, please visit our website: www.scwmetalclub.com

The Metal Club is located in the large rose/beige building next to the S.C.W. Visitors Center/PORA at 13849 Camino del Sol. Club hours are 8 AM to 4 PM Monday through Friday. Stop by for a visit.  Information:  (623) 584-0150

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Contact: David Teslow, Chair PR Committee, S.C.W. Metal Club, (952) 888-7074
E-mail - Davidteslow@comcast.net