Canterbury & District Model Engineering Society
Canterbury and District Model Engineering Society was formed in 1972 to provide for the interests of local model engineers and operates a 750-foot continuous circuit 3.5 and 5-inch gauge miniature railway on Brett’s Quarries site at the end of Marlowe Meadows in Forwich.
The society has around 60 members who come from all walks of life. Whilst a few are professional engineers, most are amateurs who work at home in their spare time to produce miniature locomotives, traction engines, stationary steam engines and the like.
Not all the models run on steam and indeed, diesel outline battery powered miniature locomotives have, in recent years become very popular and have provided an entry into the hobby for those without the time, know how or workshops to produce steam locomotives.
Members can be found at the railway, weather permitting on most Sunday afternoons throughout the year and will happily provide rides to passer’s by but the 2nd Sunday in each month is specifically advertised as an afternoon when rides are offered to the public. The society does not make a charge for trips around the railway but a donation towards the upkeep of the site is appreciated.
In August the society stages it’s Trains and Traction weekend when on the Saturday, members of other model engineering societies around Kent, are invited to run their locomotives and traction engines at the site and on the Sunday the day is advertised as a public event often with other attractions in addition to the usual Sunday afternoon’s.
The society also will operate the railway for children’s birthday parties and often entertains other local groups such as cubs and nursery school’s to a morning, afternoon or evening at the railway.
During the winter months the society meets on the last Monday in each month at The Barn, Kingston were members gather to discuss model engineering matters or attend talks given on topics of engineering interest.