The Tamworth and District Model Engineers

The club was started by John Buckley and others in 1996, who saw a need to form a group for men and women who were interested in making scale models of machinery and also developing a miniature in Tamworth. Currently our membership includes miniature locomotive builders of various gauges from HO to 7 ¼", others are interested in stationary steam engines, traction engines, clocks and model boats. We have an interest in preserving antique machinery and inventing new machinery. Our members come from as far as Inverell, Armidale, Walcha, Gunnedah, Willow Tree and of course Tamworth.

We are currently undertaking a major project, the Tamworth Miniature Railway, in front of the Tamworth Botanic Gardens. When completed fully it will comprise four circuits and sidings over two kilometers in length with a station, steaming bays, tunnels and a signal box...Eventually it will allow for 3½”, 5” and 7¼”” gauge locos and a track for traction engines and other models.

Meetings are held on the Second Saturday of the month at our club room at the Botanic Gardens, it is best to check with contacts/members on times before attending. Here we also discuss our successes and failures, compare notes, find better ways of doing things, foster old friendships and make new ones.

We all think it is very important to encourage and pass on to younger people our skills as we were taught ours.

All part of the TDME, our track coming together in Victoria Park, Warwick Schumack attends to his 5’ gauge 3867 during a TDME running day at Gunnedah and the first steaming of Bob Elwins 5’ Gauge 3646.

WHAT IS THE TAMWORTH AND DISTRICT MODEL ENGINEERS?

The Tamworth and District Model Engineers Inc is the name given to a group of Like-Minded people who have an interest in designing, building and operation scale replica’s or models. The replicas can be either a working model or a static display piece. Meeting are held on a monthly basis which allows members to get together and enjoy each others company as well as discussing the various models that are under construction, helping solve another members difficulty or the planning for our operating miniature Railway that we are currently constructing in Victoria Park, Tamworth.

The club was founded in 1996 by the then president John Buckley and several other like minded friends. From these humble beginnings we now have a viable club full of enthusiastic members who are only too pleased to take newcomers under the respective wings to help guide them through the process of becoming a model engineer or an assistant helping to operate the railway. The members interests lie in all aspects of model engineering, building and operating live steam, electric and internal combustion locomotives, stationary engines, clocks, tool making, radio controlled model boats, model trains as well as restoration work on old models and full size engines.

The main project over the past few years has been to find a suitable location around Tamworth which would allow the club to develop an operational Miniature Railway. As a result of departmental co-operation between Tamworth Regional Council and the then Parry Shire Council as well as the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources, a suitable site has been identified within Victoria Park Tamworth and Construction is well under way. Following the approval of the Development application and provision of thirty thousand dollars worth of earthworks from council the club now faces the exciting task of transforming the bare hillside into a scenic tourist stop where visitors will be able to ride the trains, picnic and enjoy the view.

Anyone is invited to join the group with juniors and seniors welcomed, experience as an engineer is not required– Just enthusiasm!, Members can assist with the earthworks, laying of the railway track and filling the positions of Station masters, ticket sellers, train drivers and signal operators, as well as the Myriad of other positions needed to operate the railway. Instruction will be given to all members old and new to attain accreditation to fill the various roles within the railway. The Tamworth and District Model Engineers Inc is a non-profit organization and all revenue will be channeled back into develop and maintenance of the railway. It is the intention of the group to be able to provide the district with a place where the family can go for the day. They will be able to enjoy a barbeque, scenic train rides and have a family orientated day out without a major cost being involved.

Membership enquired and offers of Sponsorship should be directed either to the President- John Black on Phone: 6766 1764 or Secretary- John Davies on Phone: 6766 1667