Do you need letters to do the job?

I read with some wry amusement the letter from Larry Heslop defining who an engineer is, particularly his final hope that his letter clarified the issue.

Without wishing to challenge anything Mr Heslop said, I think I would like to offer my own definition of an ‘engineer’, particularly as it applies to our world of old motorcycles. When I use the term I am thinking of the sort of chap with a good knowledge of metallurgy. He knows what metals to use for what applications in engines. He understands what happens to components when subjected to the stresses of life in an engine. He knows something about lubrication. He is expert in the use of a lathe, a milling machine and other tools for fashioning engine components out of metal. He fully understands how to measure fit and working tolerances.

I would not describe myself as an ‘engineer’, merely a moderately competent amateur mechanic. I have a friend or two to whom I would accord the term ‘engineer’ and I readily turn to them for advice and assistance. I do not know if they have any ‘letters’ but I would certainly call them engineers. They are men who really know how to build engines that work well for a long time. Geoff Stovold