Trustees
Simon Key
I have always been interested in Model Railways, clearly inherited from my dad and his brothers. Although these days, I haven’t been in a position to be able to create my own layout, being part of Fareham Model Railway Club lets me get involved in the world I have loved from a small child.
My interest in “the real thing.” is quite varied. Living in the Midlands as a child meant that on an almost daily basis, I would see the British Railways’ blue livery on diesel engines, and so have a fascination with the class 37 and class 93 Engines. I particularly remember trainspotting at the small through station Twyford near reading and watching the intercity trains run through at full speed.
Now, my work means that I spend a lot of time with technology, so I initially got involved with the club to help with the website and RailEx. I am also chairman of trustees and continue to help with the Tech needed to run the RailEx Model Railway Exhibition. This allows me to enjoy the layouts that the club has created and, occasionally, even get to drive the odd train on our layouts!
With the club’s aim to help keep people interested and pass on techniques to new members in the hobby, I have created Social Media accounts and try my best to keep them filled with helpful tips, articles and images. These are now gathering an increasing following of young and older people who like to see the progress of our layouts.
Lyndon Ford
As a young chap, I joined the club back in 1994. At that time we met in Fareham Community Centre, where we also held our club exhibition. The exhibition organisation got me further involved with the club. With only a break for 2 years, I’ve been the Exhibition Manager since 1996.
With interests in the modern image – 1980s onwards, I’ve recently turned to DCC and acquired a small TMD ( Traction motive depot) to further my layout building and wiring skills.
Away from the club, I’m a musician and hovercraft enthusiast. I also work with the MoD on various projects.
Committee
Chairman
Lyndon Ford
As a young chap, I joined the club back in 1994. At that time we met in Fareham Community Centre, where we also held our club exhibition. The exhibition organisation got me further involved with the club. With only a break for 2 years, I’ve been the Exhibition Manager since 1996.
With interests in the modern image – 1980s onwards, I’ve recently turned to DCC and acquired a small TMD ( Traction motive depot) to further my layout building and wiring skills.
Away from the club, I’m a musician and hovercraft enthusiast. I also work with the MoD on various projects.
Club Secretary
Roger Key
I have been a member of the FDMRC since 2013 having read about Fareham and District Model Railway Club while I was lounging beside the pool in the Mediterranean on a P&O Cruise Ship. I have had long on off relationship with model railways since I was thirteen, but when retirement came along 2 years earlier, I was finally able to build my dream layout in a shed at the bottom of the garden. I quickly came to realise that my skill level in this area was more depleted than I had believed.
Joining FDMRC brought me new opportunities and I was able to learn from other members. I slowly began to fill the gaps in my skills and knowledge by talking with others and working on the clubs layouts. After 10 years my home layout is almost complete but together with other members, we are now building a new Exhibition Layout for the Club. Keep an eye out for Fareport Wharf.
Treasurer
Colin Skinner
I have been a member of the club for about three years, joining just as the pandemic was subsiding and things were beginning to open up. My passion for railways came from my Father Frank who was an honorary member of the club. At the time of his death three years ago, he was one the last surviving steam drivers of the old Southern Railway. After his steam days he went on to drive EMUs on the central division of the Southern region.
I am very interested in German railways and at home have an HO German themed layout.
Joining the club has enabled me to learn some modelling skills and I enjoy learning new things all the time. It amazes me how much skill and expertise in modelling and electronics our members have, and how they enjoy sharing it when asked.
I particularly enjoy supporting the club as Treasurer and also in helping to man our exhibition layouts when we attend other club’s exhibitions.
Membership Secretary
Derek Underwood
As a child I went to school on the train, in the days of steam!
Years later having moved to London for work I was a member of the Ilford and West Essex MRC, and had a layout in the loft.
Then life, children, work etc took over and I stopped modelling.
About 8 years ago I met some members of the club and I was re-invigorated and joined the club.