Welcome To The Harrow Model Railway Club Website

The club was formed in 1958 with a view to having a working "Railway" in model form. We concentrate on reproducing prototype operations in miniature in a realistic manner, rather than being a fine scale model railway. However, the tracks do operate in a fully scenic environment, which produces the essential features of a real railway.

The system is "OO" mainly of Hornby Dublo (originally 3 Rail) but which has been converted to stud contact. We extend over five rooms with various end-to-end lines with a double track main line connecting through all the rooms. There are seven signal boxes to operate the layout with fourteen driving positions. All lines are fully track-circuited, and points and signals are interlocked in a prototypical manner in each signal box. Signal boxes communicate with each other using full-size block instruments and appropriate bell codes. An automatic telephone system is also available for communication to all driving and signalling positions. There are ten different time-tables. Which one is used depends on the number of Members present. Each driver keeps a log of times and miles (not scale) for maintenance purposes. Passenger trains have coaching sets as per the time-table. Goods train formations are designated by our Control Office for each running session.

A member is 'graded' dependant on his ability to conduct an operation successfully. In the first instance to work as a driver on all positions, then if he so wishes, progressing as a Signalman in all boxes and finally into the Control Office.

We operate on Monday evenings (or Tuesdays after a Bank Holiday) from 7.30 p.m. until approx' 10.00 p.m. Ten different timetables are available for use, the number of members attending a session determines which. A timetable has to be completed to leave all trains ready for the following week. Maintenance night is on a Thursday for those who are able to offer any services.

If you feel you may be interested in joining, we welcome new Members and can accommodate a visit by prior arrangement.

Further information can be obtained from norman.balch@ntlworld.com Or Telephone 020 8427 7085

Norman