Chichester
& District Society of Model Engineers Ltd.
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Founded in 1948
by a small group of enthusiasts, the Chichester & District Society of
Model Engineers has grown through the past sixty years into a well supported
organisation covering a variety of members
interests. The aims of the
Society are simple: to bring together all persons who are interested in the
construction and, or working of models, and to provide a well equipped
workshop for the purpose of lectures and instruction for the improvement of
the individual craftsmanship of its members. To encourage
these activities the Society provides excellent facilities at its
headquarters. In the Society’s grounds of one acre there are three railway
tracks for model locomotives. Behind the main building is a small elevated
track for the gauge one and gauge o’
sections of the Society while the other elevated track of 560ft is of dual
gauge for 5in and 3½in gauge locomotives. Around the perimeter of the site
there is 735ft. of ground level dual gauge 7¼in - 10¼in track. The passenger
carrying tracks are controlled by a fully automatic electronic signalling
system that can also activate level crossing barriers situated across the
main entrance. Both tracks are served by stations with platforms and there is
vehicular access to the steaming bay facilities. The large
clubhouse has comfortable lounge accommodation, fully equipped kitchen,
washing and toilet facilities and a very well equipped large workshop. The
workshop is vital to the encouragement of model engineering in view of the
initial cost of machinery. The machinery includes an 8½in centre Harrison
lathe, a 4½in centre Alpine lathe, a large vertical mill, engraving machine
and surface grinder. Casting work is also undertaken with foundries for
aluminium. Members also benefit from the wealth of knowledge given by the
older members (including precision engineers) making this interchange of
advice a vital part of the Society’s function. Although the
steam locomotive is the interest of the majority of the members, the Society
also caters for all forms of models, including, petrol hydraulic locos,
battery powered locos, traction engines, clocks and watches, stationary
engines and specialist tools. For the last few
years we have been open for public running from Anyone
interested in model engineering, who would like to join the company of others
who enjoy a similar hobby, is warmly invited to come to the headquarters,
view the facilities, and seriously consider becoming a member of the
Chichester Model Engineers. Membership is open to anyone over the age
of 14 years and an application form can be found on our home page. |