Features

A model railway club is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year and will be holding a celebratory event to mark the occasion. BARMATES was formed in 2007 to promote and generate interest in all aspects of railways. The Society caters for all those who construct layouts and build rolling stock, to those with an interest in full size railways be it photographing or reading or collecting memorabilia, whether it is historical or modern. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the founding of the Society Prospective members who are interested in modelling are invited to come along to the clubroom/workshop which is based on Bridlington railway station at 7pm on Tuesday evenings. Some club members also meet on Thursday afternoons. There are, currently, two layouts under construction one in 00 gauge and one in O gauge. The 00 gauge is based on a location in the South Pennines and members are adding scenery to the baseboards. The O gauge layout was begun a few years ago and is presently being rewired to make operation easier. Once a month on the second Tuesday the Society holds a social evening. The event takes place at the Black Lion, High Street, Bridlington. The activities include:- talks, videos, guest speakers, who come along and share their knowledge and experiences with the group. The Society also arranges outings to model railway shows and places of railway interest. BARMATES has several experienced modellers amongst its members. Some have exhibited layouts at shows around the country. Some have had layouts featured in national railway magazines. Some members have come along to learn how to build layouts whilst others have a genuine interest in railways and transport either because they used to work on the railways or they are volunteers for a preserved railways Other members work on the Society layouts and most of them have layouts at home. Some are in lofts whilst others are in sheds and/or garages. The Society holds a small model railway show once a year. The layouts on display are usually those belonging to the Society or individual members. Guest exhibitors are invited to come along and show their layouts. A number of model railway traders are also invited to attend. The Society has built a good working relationship with the East Riding Finescale Modellers , based in Hull and the Scarborough Model Railway Society and both groups have exhibited at the Bridlington shows on a regular basis. Club secretary David Harrison said: “If you would like to join BARMATES you will have the opportunity to work on layouts and get modelling tips from experienced group members. They will happily pass on their expertise and knowledge and there will be visits to other model railway shows and preserved and heritage railways." This year’s show is being held at Christ Church Hall, Quay Road on Saturday 27th May 2017. There will be eleven layouts on display and a selection of model railway dealers who will be selling model railway related items such rolling stock, electronic equipment as well as collectable items and railway books. Admission to the show is £3 for adults and £2.50 for concessions. Children are £2. The show is open from 10am until 4pm