The Beds Area Group
We are one of the longer established 'Local Area Groups' of the Association of 16mm Narrow Gauge Modellers. Our members are all interested in creating and operating models of narrow gauge railways to a scale of 16mm : 1 foot, or if you prefer 1/19th full size. Our group has an indoor layout that we operate at our monthly meetings. The track gauge used on our layout is 32 mm (the same as 0 gauge), which in our chosen scale equates to a full size railway having a track gauge of 2 foot (60 cm), such as the Leighton Buzzard NG Railway or the Ffestiniog Railway. For the most part we are not rivet counters. Members model prototypes originally operating on anything from 18 Inch to 3 Foot gauge, but having their model gauge 'adjusted' to 32 mm. Prototypes modelled vary from electric to diesel and steam, with the model being powered by either batteries or steam, the steam models being heated by either spirit, gas or coal. You do not need to be a model engineer to enjoy yourself in the Beds Area Group. Member’s models vary in construction from wood and card, through plastics to brass and steel.
Visitors and new members are always made welcome at our monthly meetings.
The 16mm Association
Rather than us type in here everything about our association, it makes more sense to link you directly to our Association web site at :- http://16mm.org.uk/
Affiliations
As well as being members of the Association of 16mm Narrow Gauge Modellers, the Beds Area Group are affiliated to the Southern Federation of Model Engineers - http://www.southernfed.co.uk. We are also a member of the Chiltern Model Railway Association - http://www.cmra.org.uk. These contacts are used to enable us to promote both good engineering practices and fellowship among railway modellers in our group. Our affiliations also enable group members to take advantage of attractive insurance schemes written specifically for the model owner and model engineer.
Safety
We are a safety conscious group, and require all drivers to take responsibility for the condition and safe operation of their locomotives. This is in the interests of the membership and the public at exhibitions and similar events.
We are able to test model steam boilers at club meetings, to either the 16mm Association or Southern Federation of MES standards if necessary. Our boiler tester can be contacted via e-mail: boilertester@bag16mm.org.uk. At present we do not have the equipment to test gas tanks, so we must use the good offices of the 16mm Assn. appointed tester, e-mail: south.gas.tester@16mm.org.uk.