The society was founded in November 1959 by a group of railway enthusiasts who came together to make visits to various railway sites and exchange information, photographs etc.In 1963 one of the original headboards from The Elizabethan [A non stop express service which ran from Kings Cross to Edinburgh from 1953 to 1962] was purchased from B.R. by the society members and has remained in our possesion ever since.Within a few years they were joined by modellers which led to the purchase of our original clubroom,erected on our present site between 1969 and 1972.In the next few years layouts were constructed including Trawden and Milnforth ,both featured in Railway Modeller.Our annual exhibitions began at various local venues[usually in mid october] and have proved very popular with the public and exhibitors alike.
Then came disaster.An arson attack on our clubrooms in August 2004 destroyed the building and most of the contents [Including Milnforth our N Gauge exhibition layout]and all the other partly built layouts inside.
The membership continued to meet in the local church hall to plan the societys future.The N Gauge group also met at a members house and began construction of baseboards for a new modular layout.
With assistance from E.W.S.,Model Rail magazine ,several model railway clubs and other sources we now have a rebuilt clubroom [erected January 2006].A grand opening took place in late March2006,[see photo page]followed by an open weekend on 8th and 9th of April.
Layout building is in full swing in all gauges.Why not come along and view progress,visitors and new members are always welcome.
