WELCOME TO THE BRIDGEND & DISTRICT MODEL ENGINEERS SOCIETY WEBSITE

The Bridgend and District Model Engineering Society was founded in 1984 by a group of like-minded people interested in the construction and operation of models of a mechanical and engineering nature, a hobby more commonly known as Model Engineering.

A brief history

Between 1984 and 1987, before finding a permanent home, the Society met at a number of venues including a local cricket club pavilion and raised funds by operating a portable track at local events. Motive power was generally provided by a couple of 5 inch gauge locomotives owned by two of the founding members.
In 1987 a site was found on old railway sidings near to the former Tondu Engine Shed. With workshop and kettle housed in a pre-owned Portacabin, 800 feet of raised level dual gauge track was built and was opened in 1988 by the local MP. Unfortunately three years later it came to light that the our landlords had sublet the ground to the club without the permission of British Rail who owned the land and the club was evicted at very short notice. Despite the clubs best efforts, another site could not be found in time and the track and Portacabin were demolished to make way for redevelopment which in the end never happened. Today the site remains empty and neglected and is used as an unofficial tip.
Following the restitution of the open cast mine at Parc Slip by British Coal in the late eighties, BDMES acquired their current site in 1992. Within the first year the area had been extensively landscaped and graded to suit a miniature railway. The first circuit of track was completed in the first year and in 1993 the clubhouse was erected.

Track and facilities

Today the club has 620 feet of 3 ½” and 5” dual gauge raised track and over 1300 feet of 5” and 7 ¼” dual gauge ground level track. The raised track is served by 6 steaming bays with an unloading ramp whilst the ground level has a hydraulic lift to a 6ft diameter turntable serving 5 steaming bays. Soft Welsh water (from a tap, not the sky!) and mains power are available in both areas. There are also extensive workshop facilities, secure rolling stock storage and an extensive library of Model Engineer magazines and other publications for the use of the members.

Membership

The Bridgend and District Model Engineering Society currently has about 30 members. Whilst many are interested in steam power in the form of railway locomotives, traction engines and stationary engines, not all members are active model makers. Many enjoy the operation and maintenance of our miniature railway. Others have interests in machine tools, signalling systems, electronics and automation, model boats and radio controlled models of various types.
Many of the successful model makers have no formal engineering training but have learned the skills themselves and the membership of the club is drawn from a wide variety of professions and trades. Despite the name, the hobby of Model Engineering requires neither engineering experience nor qualification to get started; an interest in mechanical miniatures and enthusiasm is the best start you could have. By joining a ME club you will meet people with experience and skills who will be only too willing to help and guide you in the right direction.