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For only £15.00 per year enjoy the many benefits that membership brings. These include:

Colour bi-monthly Journal Exclusive wagon kits for GWR, SR, LMS, LNER, BR and modern image wagons Modelmaster transfers for locomotives, coaches and wagons Mail order shop - database of products stocked now online Area Groups Handbook Regular competitions Annual Model Making Competition - Entry Form

Photo of Mill Lane Sidings AERO wagon kit Join online using our Secure Server How to start in N Gauge

The N Gauge Society was formed in 1967 by a small group of N Gauge modellers from West Yorkshire, supported by the late Sydney Pritchard, the founder of the present day Peco Railway Models.

The Society's aims then, as now were to promote the gauge and encourage active participation in N gauge railway modelling. In the late 60's, the Society campaigned for British N gauge standards as, at that time, we were reliant on foreign manufacturers and Lima in particular were producing models that were hopelessly out of scale with coaches at 1:160 and wagons at 1:140 (their locomotives were even worse). Peco agreed standards with the Society and their ex LMS Jubilee locomotive was a classic of its day.

From the outset a magazine was produced for members. Originally called the 'N Gauge Gazette', it was published bi-monthly in A5 format. The purpose of the magazine was to keep members up to date with developments in N gauge and provide 'armchair' advice. Following a questionnaire to members, it emerged that the service most sought after was the setting up of Area Groups. This was slow to develop, as it appeared that those keen to take an active role lived miles from similar minded members. Eventually, groups were established in Stockport, Torquay, Newcastle and Peterborough.

Like many similar organisations the Society has had its ups and downs. In the early 70's it suffered personality and financial problems, however the storm was weathered, the seeds were sown and the vibrant Society that we know today grew to fruition. However, these difficulties also led to the disbandment of the Area Groups and a decline in the membership.

By the late 70's the Society Committee was formed of members in the South of England and membership stood at around 500. The magazine had been renamed the 'N Gauge Journal' and in 1979 was reduced back to A5 format and published quarterly. Familiar names came on to the scene, some of whom still assist with the running of the Society today. A fresh attempt was made at setting up Area Groups with Chester, Humberside, Mercia and West Lancashire being the first of the new breed of Area Groups that now totals more than 40 across the country.

With the ever increasing sophistication of communications, the benefit of having all or most of the committee members in one geographical area receded, and our present committee is formed of members from all over the country. Every committee has had the interests of its members at heart and strives to improve the services to the N gauge modeller. Today, the 'N Gauge Journal' is published bi-monthly, has colour pages, good quality photos and is professionally distributed. The turnover and ranges stocked by the Society shop continues to grow, our website receives thousands of visits every year, the range of wagon kits increases and the 'Helpline' is well used. High quality 'all N gauge exhibitions' have been organised in various parts of the country with the 1997 and 2002 Bletchley exhibitions being outstanding successes.

It is without doubt that further additions/improvements to the facilities offered to N gauge modellers will be made in the future and that the N Gauge Society will continue to be one of the largest model railway groups in the country.