Nottingham Society of Model and Experimental Engineers

The Nottingham Society of Model and Experimental Engineers Ltd was founded in 1929 and is one of the longest established societies in the UK. From humble beginnings, its membership is now in excess of 280, whose interests span the many branches of model engineering.

The society was originally based at Valley Road, Nottingham and moved to its current location at Ruddington Fields 1990. Many photographs of the site being developed can be viewed in the gallery “In the Beginning”.

Our miniature railway tracks caters for all popular gauges, including Gauge 1, 3½ inch, 5 inch gauge raised tracks and 7¼ inch gauge ground level track each complete with tunnels, extensive landscaping, full signalling and easy unloading and loading of engines.

In addition to the first-rate track facilities, which include covered steaming bays and stations, the society also has its own club-house and workshop. The club-house is equipped with audio/visual facilities and forms one end of an extremely impressive workshop facility that caters for the needs of those members who either do not have their own workshop or need access to larger machine tools.

The roadway network of the centre offers its own possibilities for those traction engine aficionados wishing to run their models. Road Runs through the adjacent Country Park are a popular feature of our traction engine rallies.

Monthly members meetings provide varied programme of interesting talks from either guest speakers or knowledgeable members. Alongside this there is a full diary of public running days from Easter to October, and special events, such Standard gauge, and Narrow gauge themed invitation days. These provide opportunity for members of other clubs to enjoy our facilities.

The club subscriptions cover only a small part of our annual running costs. Providing rides to the public and also our popular bric a brac shop cover the rest of our expenses.

NSMEE has several lady members who take an active interest in model engineering and railway activities as well as attending its many social events.

Facilities

Here at Ruddington, we are proud to offer members use of:

• 7¼” gauge ground level track.
• 3½” & 5″ dual gauge raised track.
• Gauge 1 raised track.

Members have full use of fully functioning Workshops and a well equipped Machine Shop with various machinery and tools to handle everything from basic maintenance to complete projects. A project room with bench space to work on and assemble projects after machining. Experienced members are always on hand to give advice and lend a hand as required.