Thinking of joining Fareham & District Model Railway Club, or coming along for the first time? Here are answers to some common questions about visiting, membership and modelling with us.
Visiting and joining
Do I need experience to join?
No. We welcome newcomers to model railways as well as experienced modellers. You can learn from other members, ask questions and get involved in shared projects. An interest in the hobby is a good place to start.
Can I visit before deciding whether to join?
Please get in touch before your first visit so the membership team can talk you through joining and confirm the arrangements. Use the membership enquiry form and tell us a little about your railway interests.
When does the club meet?
The club normally meets on Monday and Thursday evenings, with additional running and working sessions. Please contact us to confirm the arrangements for your first visit. The club events calendar lists events when they have been added.
Where can I find directions and visiting information?
See our contact page for the club location and how to reach us. If you have questions about parking, access or particular requirements, please ask when arranging your visit so we can give you the right information.
How much does membership cost?
The membership subscription currently listed on our About Us page is £9.50 per month, or £114 per year. The membership team can confirm the current subscription and payment arrangements when you enquire.
Can younger modellers get involved?
Please contact the club to ask about opportunities and workshops for younger members. The team can explain the current arrangements and any age or accompanying-adult requirements before a visit.
Modelling and club life
Do I need a layout of my own?
No. You can enjoy club membership without having a home layout. Members work together on club layouts and share interests in building, scenery, track, wiring, rolling stock and operation.
Which scales and gauges do members model?
Our members have a wide range of interests, including 2mm/N, 009, OO, EM, P4 and O gauge. Browse our layouts to see examples of what members build and operate, or ask us about your particular interests.
Can I bring my own trains to run?
Running locomotives and rolling stock is part of club life. Please check with us first about suitable tracks, gauge, control system and the session you plan to attend, so we can confirm what will work with your models.
What can I get involved in?
Activities include building and developing layouts, running trains, sharing practical skills at workshop evenings, club outings and helping take layouts to exhibitions. You can contribute your existing skills or learn something new alongside other members. See our membership page for more about club life.
Can I book a club layout for an exhibition?
Several club layouts are available for exhibition bookings. Start with the layout pages and send an exhibition enquiry. Availability, space, operators and other practical requirements need to be confirmed for each booking.
Still have a question?
For questions about joining, use the membership enquiry form. For anything else about the club, send us a message through the contact page. We are run by volunteers and emails are not monitored daily, so please allow time for a reply.