One of the most popular subjects is the building and operation of miniature locomotives. The club has a ground level track that caters for locomotive gauges of 3½ inch, 5 inch and 7¼ inch.

Another popular subject is the construction and operation of steam boats. This is not strictly model engineering since the boats and steam plants are at a scale of 1:1. These ‘models’ are full size working replicas of Edwardian steam launches! The Scottish canals and lochs provide ideal locations for gently steaming along recalling the elegance and engineering of a time long past. Our members involved in this hobby are also members of the Steam Boat Association of Great Britain. If you wish to learn more about this hobby please visit their website www.sba.co.uk

Several members are interested in the construction and operation of steam powered road vehicles such as traction engines. The society benefits from the use of the private roads on the estate where we are based, which provide quiet traffic-free operation for such machines.

Members also have a wide range of other interests such as the construction of machine tools, and the modelling of stationary engines, hot air engines, military vehicles and almost any type of steam plant you can imagine. One member is building a replica Bugatti from scratch.

The society has the use of several basement rooms within the estate mansion. These include a general meeting room and library, a kitchen, storage facilities, a fully equipped machine shop and a general workshop.

Within the beautiful estate grounds we have a ground level track with raised steaming bays and turntable. The track consists of a double loop approximately one quarter mile long, the inner loop being a 3 ½ inch and 5 inch gauge track and the outer loop being a 7¼ inch and 5 inch gauge track. The loops are connected to a raised steaming bay and turntable over a triple gauge track. The rail is of prototypical profile ¾ inch high, flat bottomed steel on timber sleepers set in ballast. A station area provides passing loops and watering points and the track passes through open country and woodland and crosses a substantial bridge. The track is not suitable for the largest 7 ¼ inch gauge locomotives, but can handle most sizes up to about 350kg in weight. There is no limit to the size of 5 inch or 3 ½ inch gauge locos that we can handle. Since we are on a private estate we do not in general steam for members of the public, however members can bring along family and friends for a ride.

The society has a track, locomotive and rolling stock that can be taken to fetes and other such events to give rides to children, of all ages! This can be used to raise attendance or funds for your event.

Throughout the winter season the society arranges a programme of events such as talks, videos and visits on engineering subjects.