Test running the Indian Glory tank locomotive No. 30646

Model engineering is not a well-known hobby in India. Iqbal Ahmed not only took up this hobby but he even elevated it to new towering height by his work and experience. Initially not having the nearby support of fellow model engineers, clubs or even the ready availability of many publications to help him, Iqbal has developed his skills all on his own. From the variety of his work it can be observed that he is willing to take on any challenge from extremely tiny steam engines to very complicated IC engines, and the test of his work is that these engines all run. Though he might not have the best tools, what he produces it an artistic turnout. This is an excellent example of the fact that craftsmanship comes from the craftsman, not from the tools. He also has an interest in restoring classic cars and doing gun smithing and other machining jobs, while his spare time is spent on the same machines making the tiny projects he loves.

Iqbal's "thumbnail" working steam engine weighs just 1.72 grams and fits on his thumb tip. It is the "World's smallest steam engine" for which he is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records.

In 2001, Iqbal Ahmed entered the Sherline Challenge contest with a small steam engine and boiler that did not place highly. In 2004, his small brass lathe with electric motor took 3rd place. In 2005, his 4-cylinder internal combustion engine took 2nd place. In 2007, he dominated the contest, winning both first and second place with his tiny scale models of a Sherline 5400 milling machine and a Sherline 4000 lathe. These machines were superbly made and equipped with accessories like chucks, a rotary table, tilting table and mill vise with rotating base. These places Iqbal in the company of some of the best model engineers in the USA and some former winners of the Craftsman of the Year award with his contest win in the Machinist's Challenge.

Miniature Sherline Mill	Guinness World Record Holder
Miniature Sherline Lathe	Model Internal Combustion Engine
A model of a "Mary" beam engine from the 19th century	Visible Heart Pump Demonstration
Elbow Engine	Iqbal's thumbnail working steam engine

Apart from the above mentioned projects Iqbal has also many other astonishing small-scale working models. Iqbal's smallest "Victoria" steam engine fits easily on the palm of his hand. He not only scaled down some smaller versions of engines but made them work, which is a remarkable achievement. Iqbal built this 0-6-0 live steam locomotive called the Indian Glory. The pulling power of this little engine is beyond imaginations, ie. five adults and two children. A live steam engine recently completed by Iqbal Ahmed is the Fairy Queen. Based on a scaled down version of the Indian glory shown above, it is a 45 mm scale engine. The tank engine is tested with compressed air. It is capable of hauling the weight of an adult and child!!!