LEICESTER SOCIETY OF MODEL ENGINEERS
| Published: 31st March 2008 11:26 |
LEICESTER SOCIETY OF MODEL ENGINEERS
HISTORY
The Leicester Society of Model Engineers dates back to October 1909, when a group of gentlemen met at the Rutland Coffee House, Leicester to discuss the formation of a club for local model engineers. The Society prospered with regular meetings and lectures until 1915 when the First World War intervened. The Society restarted officially in 1925 and staged several exhibitions in and around Leicester in the following years. In 1950/51 the Society negotiated with Leicester City Council for the use of an area in Abbey Park on which to build our miniature railway. This was officially opened for public running on the 23rd June 1951. We have continued to operate and improve the facilities ever since, with the track being rebuilt three times and officially opened twice, the first time by the late Lord John Gretton.
In 1982 it was decided to add a 7.25" and 5" gauge ground level track to the existing 2.5", 3.5" & 5" gauge raised level track at Abbey Park. This plan also included for a station/clubhouse based on the Midland Railway building at Irchester. This project took some five years to complete and was officially opened by the Lord Major of Leicester, Councillor Guy Collis in August 1989.
In recent years numerous improvements have been made, including work to renovate the station area in 2003. By far the most ambitious project though, is the addition of a loop around the centre of the site extending the length of the ground level track by almost one third, and it is expected that this will be opened as part of the societies centenary celebrations in 2009.
MEMBERSHIP
We have about 100 members with wide ranging skills and interests. Most are involved in building and operating locomotives and rolling stock in the larger scales, with which they are happy to give rides to the public each weekend from Easter to the end of October. The trains are hauled by steam, electric or I/C powered locomotives and all fares collected are used to improve the site and facilities, although special events are also run each year in aid of local charities. We also have members who are interested in other branches of model engineering such as miniature steam traction engines, stationary engines, marine models, garden railways and model railways.
During the winter months, a programme of indoor lectures and social events are organised, and regular work parties at Abbey Park take place throughout the year.
INVITATION
If you have an interest in any branch of model engineering, please feel free to make contact with us, either at Abbey Park (the railway is located next to St. Margaret's Sports Ground - vehicular access via Slater Street entrance) or by contacting our officers (see below) or by viewing our website at :- www.lsme.org.uk
John Lowe
LSME Publicity Secretary
Tel. 01455 272047
e-mail greenbriar@tiscali.co.uk
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