Society History
The Society was formed in 1977 by a number of steam enthusiasts attending the Merthyr Tydfil Technical College, evening class 'Working in Metal' .
The following year the Merthyr Tydfil Technical College Model Engineering Society was formed. The Society then joined the 'Southern Federation of Model Engineering Societies' and became an affiliated member.
A base needed to be sourced in the surrounding area, and talks began with the local authority to establish a miniature railway in a local park. Cyfarthfa Park was the ideal place due to the annual events and the attraction of the beautiful Castle and Parkland.
In late 1983 a tenancy agreement was reached and an area in the Castle frontage was allocated to the Society. Planning began and the fund raising started. The Society held a number of model show at local venues, with the portable track built by the members in the college class, earning money to fund the new track.
The track eventually opened in 1987 for the Urdd Eisteddfod held in Cyfarthfa Park, where the miniature railway was operated by the volunteer members for the entire week.
In 1988 the society was renamed the 'Merthyr Tydfil and District Model Engineering Society', and run as a 'non profit making organisation, supported in its entirety by volunteers.
During the 1988 running season some issues were found during that time, and thus the track was relaid over the future months.
From that day until present, the rails have required little maintenance, except in 2004 when an errant car demolished a large section of track!
Electic was installed in 2003 together with the increased parking area for members cars. With the connection to the mains the track was enabled to have lighting and 12 volt system installed to power the signals etc.
Most of the skills required to undertake model engineering can be self-taught. One of the benefits of belonging to a society is the help and knowledge freely available from other members.
New members interested in Model Engineering are always welcome, you don’t need to have any particular skill. By drawing on the vast pool of knowledge, you can gain confidence to start your own model.
The Society meets on Thursday evenings throughout the year. During the running season, the meetings are held at the park whilst members attend the Leisure evening class ‘Working in Metal‘ at ‘Merthyr Tydfil College’, during the winter evenings.
Members are also needed to help with the operation of the railway; there are a multitude of jobs required for its running. If you are interested in joining or taking part in any of the above, please ask a current member of the society or alternatively contact us at: