Introduction
One of the unique features of the F&DMRC is its members’ wide range of interests. We model in all the principal scales and gauges; our prototype interests range from pre-grouping companies through to the post-privatisation scene of today (has the wheel gone full circle?). Standard gauge, light railways, narrow-gauge or model engineering – you name it, at least one of our members will have an interest in it. There are three main special interest groups within the Club, and we also regularly host meetings of the Solent and Southdowns Area Group of the 3mm Society.
Costs and Benefits of Membership
A lot is written about the pros and cons of belonging to a model railway club in the modelling press. There are many benefits, not least of these, because you get to rub shoulders with others who share your interests and from whom you can learn. As with many things in life, it will boil down to the costs of being a club member. Of the model railway clubs in this area, we are one of the least expensive. Annual Membership costs £9.50 Per Month or £114 pa. For this, you get unrestricted use of club facilities, including the test track, and you can attend as many meetings of the different groups as you wish. From there on, it is up to you. The Club aims to promote railway modelling in the Fareham area, which is precisely what we do. If you are desperate to build a model of Fareham Station as it was in the early 1950s to exact scale in 7mm fine-scale, then come along and inspire us to help you. You will get out of the Club what you put into it.
Club Groups
The smallest scale we currently model is 2mm British N Gauge (as yet nobody has proposed a Z layout, but you never know). There is also the 09 project, which represents 15″ gauge trains in 7mm/ft scale (so-called Minimum Gauge modelling). Moving up the scales and gauges, there is an active 4mm group who work in 00 Gauge. We also have several members who dabble in EM and P4, and one of the original protagonists of the heretical 00-SF “pragmatic fine-scale” movement. At the “Senior” end of the scales, we have an active 0 Gauge group who, in addition to evenings, meet on a Wednesday lunchtime.
National/Regional Groups
In addition to our own Club Groups, we host meetings of the Solent and Southdowns Area Group of the 3mm Society. We have historic connections to this group through longtime members of the Club.
3mm Society
The Solent and Southdowns Area Group of the 3mm Society meets in our Clubroom on the second Saturday of most months. Historically (when the Club was first founded), we had several 3mm scale modellers members. Although the two groups have gone their separate ways for several years, we have now come back together with their regular meetings at our base.
Club meetings
The club normally meets on Monday and Thursday evenings, with additional running and working sessions. Please contact us before your first visit to confirm arrangements. The club calendar lists events when they have been added.
Trustees and committee
Meet the volunteers who help organise the club and its activities.