S.C.M.E.S is run by members interested in Model Engineering
Rail Enthusiasts and volunteers
The club was formed in 1948 where like-minded model engineers came together and formed a club. The original site was at Lea Marston. In 1985 the club split into North Birmingham and South Birmingham clubs. The Land at Little hay was purchased for the North Birmingham club and has been our home ever since. Called Balleny Green after one of our founder members. This now incorporates Little Hay Miniature Railway. The club was made into a public limited company limited by guarantee in 1989. Sutton Coldfield Model Engineering Society Ltd, as it is known now.
The club owns the 2½-acre plot of land where we have ground and high-level tracks. We have the capability to run 7¼, 5, 3½, and 2½ inch gauge locomotives. We also have a SM32 Garden railway. In addition, the society owns a 3.1/2" gauge and a 5”-gauge steam locomotive, as well as four 7.1/4" gauge diesel outline locomotives, all of which are available for members use.
Ground level 5” & 71/4” track of approximately ½ mile run. min radius 55ft
Raised track for 2 ½”, 3 ½” and 5” gauges. 480 ft track min radius 40ft
& SM32 Layout. 300ft track
Space to run your Traction Engine.
We have regular Steam up Days - usually the first Sunday in the month and some Saturdays. We have a very full programme of events for members. There are several public event days we hold. Garden Party, Bonfire night and Santa Specials. Private birthday parties where you can hire the facilities and we run the trains are also very popular.
Our Calendar and bi monthly newsletter Steaming Ahead can be found on our website.
New members are always very welcome, it doesn't matter where your interests lie in model engineering. We have members who model in 32mm gauge up to 7 1/4" gauge locomotives, also traction engines, stationary engine and even clock and boat builders. Also, many of our members have hobby interests outside the club from N gauge model railways right up to 12" to the foot scale (full size)
You can become a member and will be able to join in all aspects of our society, be it for only a couple of hours on a Sunday morning or Tuesday for club maintenance, gardening and upgrading of the site etc. or you may feel like you can help in other ways or at our events.
You will be able to join in all aspects of our society, we have a very full programme of events for most years. There is no hard work we do not allow this! There is always lots of tea/coffee to hand.
There are no age limits for joining although junior member (Under 16) must be accompanied at all times by a parent or family member who can have a joint membership. So, come on! With an offer like this, how can you not give it a try? Contact us for a chat and come and see our facilities for yourself. What are you waiting for? Call in or Email us NOW.
We run an introductory membership programme where you can pay a small fee and become a member for 3 months. You will have all the benefits of a full member, except you can't vote at the society AGM and you can't have a boiler test until you become a full member. You can run your locomotives or traction engines with a current boiler certificate. You are encouraged to join in any events during your introductory period.
After the 3-month period, you can either upgrade to a full membership and pay the balance or you are free to leave the society.
Please call in for a chat. Make yourself known to a member and sign in our visitors book
or contact us via email
Membership information and fees below
Title | Fee | Age Group | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Introductory Member | £37.00 | Any | Introductory become a member for 3 months |
Junior Member | £37.00 | Up to 18 | sponsored by an adult member |
Junior Joint Member | £ 37.00 +
£ 37.00 | See "Notes" | Adult Non-member and young person under 18 years of age joining as a pair |
Young Person Member | £37.00 | 18 - 23 | aged 18 to 23 |
Ordinary Member | £70.00 | 23 - 65 | Ordinary Member who shall be at least 23 years of age |
Senior Member | £70.00 | 65 and over | being persons who have attained the age of 65 years. |
Associate Member | £37.00 | See "Notes" | partner or family of adult member |
Honorary Life Member | n/a | See "Notes" | being persons to whom the Company is particularly indebted admitted to membership by the Directors |