HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY
The Society was founded in 1948 thanks to the efforts of a few local enthusiastic model engineers, and from the start, regular meetings have been held at various venues in the Sutton Coldfield and Erdington areas. The majority interest represented within the Society is for the steam railway locomotive, but there are also strong followings for road vehicles, stationary plant, machine tools and many other engineering interests.

By 1969, a permanent raised level track had been built in a field belonging to one of our members at Lea Marston. This was "home" until March 1981 when, as a result of a bequest by a member, we were able to purchase a piece of land in Little Hay which is now known as Balleny Green.

Since 1981, the Balleny Green site has been progressively developed to provide the following facilities :

• A raised level track of length 460 feet, comprising of 2½ ", 3½ " and 5" gauges.

Minimum radius of curves is 42 feet, and maximum gradient is 1:220.

• A ground level track of total length 2000 feet comprising 5" & 7¼ " gauges.

Minimum radius of curves is 40 feet, and maximum gradient is 1:90.

• Both tracks fully signalled.

• Covered steaming bays with all essential facilities.

• A tarmacadam surfaced area for model road vehicles.

• A brick-built clubhouse with lounge, kitchen and toilet facilities.

• A hydraulic lift to assist with the loading and unloading of heavy railway locomotives.
  
• In addition, many landscaping and other features have been incorporated such as :-

• Footbridge, tunnel and level-crossings

• Fishpond and stream

• Copses and planted areas

• Some workshop facilities are also available.

• The site has ample car parking.

Several projects are currently underway to further enhance the site and the facilities available to members.

SOCIETY ACTIVITIES 
The activities of the Society extend in two main directions:

• At Balleny Green, members are able to run their models using the facilities provided by the Society. Also, various events are organised throughout the year to which other model engineering Societies are invited to attend. There are also a few events to which the general public are invited to visit us.

• The regular Society meetings are currently being held at Shenstone Village Hall during winter months, and at Balleny Green during the summer. There is a rich and varied programme arranged for these meetings, consisting of speakers on topics of general interest from both within and outside of the Society in addition to auctions, slide/film/video shows, "Bits and Pieces" evenings, etc.
  (NOTE : Please check Programme of Meetings for details of meetings and venue)

In addition, every Tuesday many of our retired members gather at Balleny Green and undertake many of the maintenance and development tasks that are so necessary

The Society welcomes visitors to it’s various activities and meetings.

MEMBERSHIP & MEETING DETAILS
New members are always welcome, it doesn’t matter whether they be "armchair" enthusiasts or prolific model builders!

Please check Programme of Meetings for details of meetings and venue)

Tracksite working parties and activities take place at Balleny Green every Sunday morning from 10.00am onwards.

If you have an interest in the hobby and would like to become a member, or require further details about the Society, then please contact either our Secretary or the Membership Secretary. 

SUBSCRIPTION RATES
The annual subscription rates for 2008/2009 are as follows:-