Reading Society of Model Engineers

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The Reading Society of Model Engineers Website

   

Re-formed in 1948 the Society has been on its present site for over 40 years on land leased from the local authority.

We have a well equipped club house and useful workshop facilities. The society has over 100 members and there are many experienced people happy to advise newcomers. During our regular meetings in the autumn and winter months we have guest speakers giving talks on a variety of subjects. We also have showings of members' slides and videos about engineering and railway subjects. The Society often organises visits to places of industrial, engineering or railway interest and during the summer months, we play host to other visiting Railway and Model Engineering Societies from around the country.

In 2003 the Society played host to SEQLEQ, the 7 1/4" efficiency competition, and in 2005 hosted the GL5 AGM and the Southern Federation Autumn Rally.

Whilst members have a wide range of interests in all forms of model engineering including; steam road vehicles, petrol engines, clocks and workshop equipment, most are interested in all kinds of railways. Naturally this is reflected in the models of all scales and types which they construct and run. The larger scale models are usually unable to be run to advantage at home, so the club has a permanent multi-gauge (3 1/2" and 5" gauge) raised railway track. We are also in the process of installing a new 2 1/2" gauge layout as well. This track is a kidney shaped continuous run of about 1100ft and is provided with ample steaming bays and is suitable for ups to four engines to comfortably use at any one time. The Society itself has a battery powered 5" gauge Class 58 locomotive and in addition an American Baldwin 0-6-0 Tender Loco also in 5" gauge as well as a number of passenger carrying trolleys. In recent years our major project has been the construction of a ground level 7 1/4" and 5" track. Once again this is a continuous run of about 1350ft, with its own carriage shed, turntable and sunken steaming bays.

We currently operate both these tracks to give rides to the public on Bank Holiday Sundays and on the 1st Sunday of each month. On the Saturday following Public Running the tracks are open for members to "play trains".

The Society welcomes all persons over 18 (junior membership is available for those aged 12 to 18) with an interest in model engineering and model railways – Novices and Experts alike. The Society meets on 4 evenings a week from about 7.30pm at our clubhouse in the corner of Prospect Park.

Tuesdays-                   ‘OO’ Gauge

Wednesdays-              ‘N’ Gauge

Thursdays-                  Model and Miniature Engineering – General club night

Fridays-                       ‘O’ Gauge

If you would like to join or would simply like to find out more about the Society and its endeavours, please contact the Secretary or Treasurer.

Les Dawson

Club President