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BRITISH RAILWAY MODELLERS OF AUSTRALIA
BRMA now have their own web site! Follow this link to visit this exciting new site!
The British Railway Modellers of Australia (BRMA) has over 400 members and exists to help promote the modelling of British railways, and to promote contact between modellers who have similar interests.
Annual membership entitles members to a quarterly journal, The Clearing House, the membership list which helps identify members with common interests, monthly meetings in the bigger cities, and an invitation to the annual Convention.
Members currently model in all scales from 2mm to 1ft (N scale) to 10mm to 1 ft (Gauge 1), and a number also belong to specific scale and gauge groups, such as the N Gauge Society, Scalefour Society, EM Gauge Society and Gauge O Guild.
Members' interests cover a wide range of modelling activities, from basic ready-to-run stock (Triang, Hornby, Mainline, Airfix, Dapol, Bachmann, Wrenn, Lima, Peco, Graham Farish, etc.), through kit-built types (card, plastic, brass, whitemetal, etc.), to scratch-built items from a wide range of materials.
Some members are collectors, whose models are in as close a condition as they originally left the factory, as possible. Others are modellers, who try to re-create the real thing in miniature. The rest of members fall between these categories, but also include a wide range of sub-interests, such as the track-laying expert, the electrical expert, the scenery expert, and so forth. The good thing is that novices can call on these experts for help if needed.
Some members prefer the operational aspects of a model railway, running to a timetable or sequence. Others try to create the atmosphere of a railway running through its environs, in a specific time period (anything from the mid-19th century to the contemporary scene).
Each member has his or her own beliefs and doctrines, but all of these are valid. In other words there are no rights or wrongs in the standards you choose to model to, or the way you enjoy your hobby. However, this will not prevent some friendly banter between members who will extol the virtues of their favourite railway company or British Rail region!
Some members also have interests in related non-railway aspects, such as motor vehicles and architecture.
BRMA meetings are held regularly in each State. Prospective members should contact the Membership Secretary (address given on this page).
These meetings are held at various members' houses and are very informal and friendly gatherings. Some members have operating layouts at which visiting members are welcome to bring their own models to run. Members are also encouraged to bring their latest modelling efforts along to "show off".
Each year BRMA holds or supports an annual British Railway modelling convention which to-date has rotated between Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne. This event is run over three consecutive days, including the weekend, and brings together BRMA members from throughout Australia and overseas. As well as having a strong social programme, there are talks, demonstrations, stalls and one day is devoted to a tour of layouts in the host city.
Why not find out more by visiting the BRMA web site, or by contacting the Membership Secretary whose address is below? You can be sure of a warm welcome!
Membership Secretary
BRMA
13 Rembrae Drive
Green Point
NSW 2251
Australia
(Updated 11/2/05)