Two views of the well-equipped workshop for mechanical engineering students,
allow thirty students to carry out work. All machines are powered by electric motors. The size and arrangement of the workshop enables full size setting out work to be done where necessary.
The building course not only includes a thorough training in carpentry work but also includes practical surveying work and instruction in tracing and draughtsmanship. In the surveying course the student takes part in every aspect of the survey, including field work with instruments and the plotting, calculating and setting out of the results of his field work. As part of the students training, a complete survey of an area was taken bounded roughly by Morrison Hill Road, Leighton Hill Road, Wong Nei Chong Road and Sports Road.
The draughtsmanship course trains students for work in architects or engineers offices, and includes the drawing up of plans, elevations and sections, large scale detailing, lettering, etc., etc.
Another activity, which offers possibilities of valuable training to the student, is the testing laboratory with which the College is equipped. This laboratory contains a 5-tun Avery tensile testing machine which is used for compression tests and shear tests and for testing for Young's Modulus, a 100-ton Avery compression tester, a torsion testing machine, a Hounsfield Tensometer, and a Briquet making plant. The laboratory has been having a particularly busy time testing cement samples and concrete blocks, etc., for various Govern- ment departments, these tests being carried out by the students themselves under supervision.
The
A second year evening class has been started. These evening classes, during the 5-year course, will cover approxi- mately the same ground as the full 3-year day course. applications for these evening classes greatly exceed the avail- able vacancies, but as many of the applicants are engaged in work not connected with building construction and since the aim of the courses is to assist those who are making building construction their life career, such applicants are refused ad- mittance. 34 boys remained in the first year evening classes, and 16 have been enrolled in the second year evening classes. There is a larger proportion of wastage in these evening classes than in the full time courses.
The main engineering workshop is situated on the ground floor of the building. On the same floor in adjacent rooms are situated the Garage, Power House, Paint Room and a Heat Treatment Room. The laboratory used by both Engineering and Building students is on the first floor.
In the main workshop the following major equipment is installed and in use: two 81′′ all geared centre lathes, six 6′′ all geared centre lathes, one 34′′ centre lathe, one cutler grinder, one shaper 14′′, one Universal Milling Machine, one power hacksaw Rapidor, one power driven Grinding Wheels,
one large Vertical Drilling Machine. one Sensitive Vertical Drilling Machine, one Marking-off Table.
On the electrical side, is a Crypto universal tester. Special benches are arranged in this connection for electrical work and Bunsen Burners are now in course of being fitted up as well as other supplementary equipment. Vices are arranged on benches around the workshop for handwork.
A wide range of hand tools are available and students are expected to be thoroughly conversant with the use of micro- meters, verniers and various dial and limit gauges.
In the preliminary stages, a course of fitting is progressive- ly arranged commencing with the use of the fundamental hand tools, hammer, chisels, files and scrapers, and followed by pro- gressive steps to the machines. A variety of motor vehicle engines are available, with engine stands to facilitate overhaul. The course of instruction commences from first principles supplemented by lectures on Engineering Workshop practice. Materials, Mechanical Engineering based on the Internal Combustion Engine, Mechanical Drawing, Mathematics, Mechanics and Applied Heat. Students are taken to various works at suitable intervals.
The Garage has a fitted hydraulic lift with the necessary 2 stage air compressor. Various other supplementary plant and tools are on order but not yet received. The Blacksmith Shop consists of two forges, together with anvils and swage block and the required blacksmith's tools. Also in this shop are an electric arc welding set and an oxy-acetylene welding set.
The Power House is incomplete, as a C.1. Engine with Alternator and Switch Board is not to band. Plant at present installed consists of a Heenan and Froude Hydraulic Brake capable of 120 H.P. Air is supplied through the various shops and air dryers installed for the use of spray painting equip- ment.
The Heat Treatment Room has the following equipment: Vertical Electric Furnace with Pyrometers, Vertical Harden- ing Furnace, Salt Bath and Drying Units and various quench- ing baths.
It is envisaged that the course may cover a period of three years. with possible extension to a fourth year and on successfully completing the course students obtain the Technical College Diploma.
Principal: G. White, B.Sc., A.M.I.Mech.E.
Chief Instructor, Engineering: F. Buckle, M.I.Mar.E. Chief Instructor. Building: N. J. Bebbington.
Chief Instructor. Radio Communication: S. J. G. Burt, A.M.I.E.E.
Senior Chinese Master: Watt Hoi Kee, B.Sc., A.M.I.Mech.E.
Two views of the laboratory with students at work on the
various testing machines.
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