We are a Society of around 100 members. Whilst railway locomotives and rolling stock predominate, members interests cover the full range of model engineering activities: - road steam, stationary engines and workshop equipment. Traditional model engineering skills in turning, milling and hand fitting are complemented by members interests in newer technologies of CAD and 3D printing. Help and advice in all areas is available from amongst the members.

 

Our permanent Tracksite at the County Showground has: -

 

·     a 132 metre long raised track for 2½″, 3½″ and 5″ gauge models

 

·     a dual gauge ground level track for 7¼″ and narrow gauge style 5″ gauge locomotives offering a fully signalled run of 545 metres

 

·     16mm narrow gauge (32 mm track gauge) and Gauge 1 elevated tracks, with plans to include a Gauge 3 track in late 2025/2026

 

·     A boating pond

 

We also have a small workshop for members (supervised) use and a Clubroom as a meeting place and for making the all-important tea and coffee and the occasional bacon sandwich!

 

Members have access to the Tracksite at most times, with a few restrictions during the year whilst other events take place on the Showground. We usually meet on Thursday and Sunday mornings, with more formal “Steam -Ups” once a month.


The Formal Stuff

The Society is a Company Limited by Guarantee, Company Number 03647301.

Our principal constitutional document is our Articles of Association. Running of the Society is delegated to a Board comprising Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer and four Directors without portfolio. All are elected annually at our AGM, usually held in April.

A simple and succinct Safety Management System covers our activities at the Tracksite.

Our Membership Year starts on 1st July and subscriptions are paid annually in advance. Our current Membership Application form can be download from our website www.sdmes.co.uk. Subscription Rates for 2025/26 are;-

Ordinary Member £52

Junior or Student Member £6

Associate Member (partner of Ordinary Member or Responsible Adult for Junior Member) £2

The Society is affiliated to The Northern Association of Model Engineers.

There are four boiler inspectors in the Society, who can examine and test boilers ranging from the “garden gauges” through to 7¼″ locomotives. Boiler testing is carried out and certificates are issued in accordance with the model engineers “Boiler Test Code”.

Members are covered by the Society’s Public Liability Insurance arranged with the leading insurer of model engineering clubs.