About
The Bracknell Railway Society was formed in 1959 by a group of local enthusiasts.
Unusually, the Society has from the outset covered most aspects of railways rather than specialising on one topic. Among our members there are Railway Modellers who build and exhibit layouts; people interested in full size railways both historical and modern; and Model Engineers who build miniature railway locomotives and road vehicles as well as operating the miniature railway at Jocks Lane Park, Bracknell.
Main Society meetings are held every Friday at the our headquarters, located at the Pinewood Centre, Wokingham Without, near Crowthorne. During the winter months (October to April) there is entertainment monthly by visiting speakers, films, members slides, etc. Recent talks have been by Peter Lugg on the life of Brunel, John Jolly from Mangapps Railway Museum and Colin Bradley about the Isle of Wight Railways. In the past we have been entertained by Chris Awdry on the background to the Thomas the tank engine stories, Ted Abear an ex Great Western locomotive fireman and Stan Hinbest on his days at Stratford Works. It’s not all trains though; there have been talks by Bill Vanryne, who was involved with the Bluebird Project at Coniston about Donald Campbell and the Boat; the changing face of Reading over the years, and a presentation from Peter Smith on Royal Carriages (the horse-drawn ones!) The British Transport Films are always a favourite.
On Tuesday evenings the small scale section meet to work on the Society’s large O and OO gauge layouts, as well as their private models. Visitors are welcome on both nights.
The Miniature Railway at Jocks Lane Park provides rides to the public on at least ten occasions during the spring and summer months and is operated by those members interested in the construction and operation of miniature locomotives.
An annual indoor exhibition is usually held at the Park each spring, featuring model railway layouts built by members, with train rides on the outdoor miniature railway.
There is usually a larger indoor exhibition at Garth Hill College in the autumn.
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