The ‘Modern’ N Gauge Society

Most railway modellers will have heard of the N Gauge Society but probably not many, at least those who are not already members, will have much idea of what it can offer in the way of support for the ‘modern’ modeller. This article hopefully explains what the society has for modern enthusiasts and the benefits that it offers for the D&E modeller.

The ‘N Gauge Society’ isn’t an exclusive and nostalgic steam era club. It caters for all N gaugers so embraces both steam era fans and ‘modern’ diesel and electric enthusiasts, and claims, with a fair amount of justification, to represent British, overseas and freelance interests. Inevitably that means there is a bit of everything in all their efforts but there are specific items and projects that are eminently suitable or specifically for ‘modern’ modellers;

• The Society has a network of local Area Groups and under that umbrella a couple of national but more specific interest groups of which the ‘Modern Area Group’ is one. This group is for those with a specific interest in modern traction such as diesel and electric. The MAG has it’s own website, which you are currently visiting, and produces a quarterly newsletter that is distributed electronically to members. Membership of the group is free but you must be a member of the full society first.
  
  
• The Society produces a range of wagon kits available from its mail order shop, which also stocks a good range of the more difficult to obtains bits and pieces all at very reasonable prices. In the range are the following ‘modern’ TOPs era wagons;

  HJO/HJV 24.5t hopper.
  
  JIA Polybulk bogie hopper (with an option of Distillers or Grainflow pre-printed coloured side overlays).
  
  YGB Seacow bogie ballast hopper.

  Kit 11 - Seacow bogie ballast hopper assembled and painted but waiting decals (not included) to be added.

  BDA bogie bolster.
  

  Kit 12 - BDA bogie bolster assembled and painted but waiting decals (not included) to be added.

  
  HTO/HTV 21t hopper.
  
  Cartic 4 articulated car carrier (in three versions).
  
  YMA Salmon bogie track panel carrier (including crane jibs),
  
  Halls/RMC PHA/JGA bogie hopper.

  Kit 28 - RMC JGA hopper wagon

   

  PNA railtrack spoil open (twin pack)

  KPA Hopper/JJA/HQA autoballaster (due late 2008)

• Every two months all members are sent a copy of the NGS Journal. This is a quality full colour 60 page plus magazine including articles, features, news, and reviews all exclusively about N gauge including many specifically about modern subjects.
  
  

  NGS journal - bi-monthly, full colour and over 60 pages all exclusively about N gauge.

  
  
• Every year the Society holds an AGM. The official business meeting is a short affair in the afternoon but in conjunction with it, throughout the day and at the same venue, is held a mini exhibition and the annual modelling competition. Many of the entries are of high quality diesel and electric locomotives and units, and the event is a great social occasion to meet like-minded modellers.
  
  
• Since 1987, at five yearly intervals, the Society had been organising a large N gauge ‘anniversary’ exhibition. The next one is scheduled for 2007 and will be held in Kettering on 16th and 17th September. This will celebrate the Societies 40th anniversary and the show will undoubtedly include some of the best modern layouts around at the time. And it is intended on the Sunday that members will be allowed in from 9.30am while the show will not open to the general public until 11.30am. An opportunity to browse, view and purchase in relative comfort.
  
  
• One thing often overlooked or not considered is that the Society provides a group voice for all N gauge modellers and like a trade union represents their views and opinions. They have close ties and relationships with most manufacturers and traders. In fact many are members of the Society and the late Sidney Pritchard from Peco was instrumental in the inauguration of the Society
  
  
• The Society has an award winning website; http://ngaugesociety.com which is packed full of information and images about N gauge. It also has details of all the other benefits of membership such as the comprehensive handbook issued to all new members, the area groups network and the mail order shop.

But probably what is more important is that what you get out of the society, including enjoyment and fun, is directly proportional to the effort and support you provide it. Obviously the first stage is joining, but after that you can take things on to whatever level you’re comfortable with such as joining a local area group or writing articles for the journal, to actively helping organise events. However, on the other hand if you’re less inclined to join in, you can just pay for membership, sit back and look forward to the bi-monthly journal and enjoy the benefits that don’t require any effort or commitment – they’re still very worthwhile. But please do remember that it is run by unpaid volunteers.

For further details visit the website at http://ngaugesociety.com/index.htm or for an introductory pack that includes a journal and joining instructions write to the N Gauge Society, 17 Toll Bar Road, Christleton, Chester, CH3 5QU, with a cheque or money order payable to N Gauge Society for £1.50 (£2.50 for overseas).