NEWSLETTER updates will form a history of our groups progress.

May 2019 our first meeting in May saw great progress on the New trestles for our group layout, these have been manufactured in kit form by John C, they are designed to be dual heights, IE one height at approximately 36" from floor to rail height & 42" from floor to rail height when they are  turned over and the layout modules are loaded onto them. This enables us to work over the backboards to complete scenery etc. but also gives a great viewing height when the layout is being operated for the visiting onlookers.

March 2019, meetings have occurred where progress on the Groups OO layout means that we have seen the first train run over the tracks. This is great progress and is helped greatly by Mike (Electrician) who has been completing the complex wiring required for each baseboard.
Our Members are well trained at making tea & coffee, and doing the washing up!!!  Speaker for our AGM in September announced

February 2019, another steady progress month for our group of modelers. Progress indeed on the modular layout, plus the test tracks are now operational for OO & N Gauge tracks, this also means we can test run 7mm Narrow Gauge & 009 Narrow gauge locos and trains as well. Kits of buildings are being built for the modular layout, see pictures featured in the gallery of progress. Plus a few pics of a personal trip to the South Devon Railway featuring a Pannier Tank Loco plus 3 Auto-coaches on Driver training days. 

January 2019, Our evening out to Exeter Power box was absolutely brilliant.
​We were treated to a full and frank explanation to the workings of this large Power 'Signal' Box, and the total area it covers. Over 90 miles of track are controlled by three signalmen, working 8 hours shifts on a rotational basis. Concentration & a Very calm atmosphere were very evident at our visit. Some 12 of our members visited on the 30th January. This was a privilege to allowed to visit this Large Power Box 'Signal' Box and control panel based at the rear of Exeter St David's Station, where also a lot of work is being carried on to service Loco's and carriages. Inc. Diesel refuelling & Carriage / Train washing facilities. Lots of investment in this area. Thank you to those who organised and allowed us to visit.

December 2018. Thought you might like to know that last week at the Exeter Club Tom Whittington won a cup for his “cricket” diorama which we as a club were proud to see at our Club night. "Keith"
​We have had a very successful year in 2018, membership has steadily increased. Our location to Sidford Social Hall was an excellent choice, we are very lucky to have some storage space (thanks to our Chairman and Secretary)  Our group Modular layout has now had a power point added to a few sections of track, a train has run!
The OO Test track is operational although a bit of warping has taken place in the plywood base, the N gauge track is now a full loop, again a bit of wiring needs to be added to allow full circuits of model trains. It has been running on a temporary basis.
​A Special visit has been arranged for 12 members (maximum) to visit the Exeter Power Box on the 30th of January, contact the Secretary in the first instance to register your interest. Closing dates for registration 16th January.
​Thanks to Keith for arranging this event.

October 2018 After the excellent AGM & Talk/presentation by Peco we had a busy meeting signing up 5 new members.
​Our Bring n Buy sale evening went of really well, along with a visitor bringing items for sale some members also brought along a vast variety of 'stock'.  A full and busy month with lots of friendly chatter!

September 2018 We are pleased to announce Mr Michael Pritchard Chairman of the Peco group of companies will be our Guest Speaker after our 'Short AGM' on the 19th Sept. Starting at 7:00pm
Visitors are welcome to come along for the evening, an entrance fee of £2 is requested.

June 2018 the 2nd meeting of the month will see more progress on our Modular group layout, some of us are attending the
​Exeter-Gauge 0 Groups Open Day on the 24th June at Whimple Victory Hall 10:00 - 4:00 £2 for a Platform Ticket!

April 2018, the first of our two weekly meetings went very well.  10 members only but everybody kept busy on 
the layout boards, masterclass on soldering by Keith. Card kit building by JC. Walls started for the layout.  JQ donated 10 or 12 kits of walls and low relief buildings for the layout.  Good time had by all.

​March 2018, at our meetings in March great progress was made on our 00 Scale group layout, track all purchased, we are preparing electrics, and track laying programmes. We have decided to hold 2 meetings a month, which means a change to our Diary. PLEASE CHECK NEW DIARY DATES! Our 00 Test track is now fully operational, and plans are afoot to make an N Gauge track circuit within the 00 Track, we have the controller already, so its just a case of laying the track, watch this space!​ 

February 2018, our latest meeting was held in the freezing cold spell in the Parish Hall, fortunately the Hall heating system is very efficient! Completion of the track wiring and the fitting of the over centre latches was carried out to our test track, some small adjustments to the actual track in places to correct fish-plates is still required. All was running reasonably by the end of the evening, using the H&M dual controller donated by Len Howse (deceased) this controller will provide the facility to have an N Gauge track system in the future, designs were being discussed for approval. Alan was offering help in this regard. 
Future track laying was planned for the Groups module 00 scale layout, pictures of the basics posted on our gallery page. All this work and work in our storage facility has taken place in 11 months since our first meeting. A great atmosphere is building up and a lot of cooperation between members is taking place, a really good group is progressing well. Next Month is 1 year since our first meeting.

January 2018, we held our first meeting of the new year on the 3rd of Jan, with at least twenty members attending, we were very pleased to sign up 2 new members, Welcome (you know who you are)
A few pictures have been added to the Gallery Page for SidMRG, so please look  and see the great progress made over December, a New Test track facility for 00 with the chance to put N gauge on the same board.
A New Club twin track controller (donated by Len Howse) suitably PA Tested by Mike for group use.
The Storage facility at the hall was cleared and the Test Track location established and fixings put in place (Thanks Mike) Progress on the Modular Club layout is progressing well. 
The vertical storage shelf trolley is to slot away our modules and store them safely without damage to future scenery etc. (Thanks Garvin) Alan brought along a Kato N Gauge track set up, and ran some 009 Narrow gauge stock by Heljan and Peco. As a MERG (Model Electronic Railway Group) member, we shall see what Electronic wizardry can be put to use in the future for our group. A great deal of progress has been made and everyone was continuing our friendly and mixed bag of interests, you can see we even rolled out the Big Guns, (John) with everyone encouraged to make a small donation to the group for the privilege of drinking the tea, coffee, and biscuits provided. Please consider 50p each would help a lot to group finances over the year.... Thanks All of you.

​November 2017, New Test Track available for the first time, Our 28 foot long modular Group Layout plans were laid out on all the boards and discussions took place to determine the track layout. The Local hostelry was tried as a watering hole after the meeting. All Approved for future!!!

October 2017,​​ Our new Group 00 Layout baseboards are progressing well, first layer of cork added. The Track plan is being developed and prepared for approval by the group. Why not come along to see how we get on, Even if you dont want to join our group you are welcome come along and visit for £3 which includes. Tea, Coffee, Biscuits. see the latest developments.

​Sept 2017,​​ Our first AGM was held followed by an Illustrated Talk and Discussion by our Local Author & Railway Historian Mr Amyas Crump. Approximately 25 possible members were treated to an evening of Old and Newish slide photographs, 
of Railway and nearby structures from Exeter St Davids, through Topsham, & Exmouth, including the Exmouth Dock, onto Whimple, Newton Poppleford, Tipton St John, 
Budleigh Salterton to Sidmouth Junction and eventually Sidmouth Station its self. With lots in between. Some fascinating stories, of developments at places along these lines, 
with some truly vintage slides, of places such as Ladrum Bay Caravan Park in the late 1950's. Some wonderful pictures of the Railways in Sidmouth itself, 
including the contractors Railway from the mouth of the river Sid, along the beach & Sea Front. 
The AGM saw the New committee elected, John Simpson presiding as Chairman, Our Treasurer John Cavell taking membership subscriptions, with Peter Eagles keeping up with the lists etc. 
On show were our New Baseboard modules for the Groups new 00 (4mm) Scale layout. Kindly donated by Keith Gowen and Mike Buncombe. 
Even if you dont want to join our group you are welcome come along and visit for £3 which includes. Tea, Coffee, Biscuits. see the latest developments.

August 2017 ​Pictures in the Gallery page of the Sidmouth Station 4mm Scale to P4 Standards layout shown at Exeter has been to Sidmouth in August '17 with a resounding success in terms of visitor numbers, more than 1150 in three days! Plus some pictures from the First St Teresa's Hall meeting in April 2017. Fun with assembling a 1960's vintage Triang Train Set, plus some serious models, from 16mm Narrow Gauge Locos, A Lovely De Winton Chassis and boiler, put to test on compressed air, through 7mm (Gauge 0) fine scale models, RC control, to 4mm Hornby. John Cavell kindly gave a demonstration on the use of AnyRail layout planning software on his laptop. ​A great variety for members to view and take part in.

July 2017 More 'history' & progress on the SidmouthMRG, in July 2017, the group received its first bespoke baseboards for the new group layout to be built in 4mm scale. Kindly donated by Mike Buncombe & Keith Gowen. Progress on the Layout design is being carried out now. Great plans are in place for a group layout based on modules that can be expanded etc. in 4mm Scale this will give us the broad spread of stock and 
interest agreed at the June meeting. Work is progressing on the new baseboards.
A new format for our group has been set up with a view to the long term, along with our established Treasurer (John Cavell) we welcome John Simpson (acting Chairman) and Peter Eagles (acting secretary) 
to progress the group forward. Also on the committee of five is Chris Ward (founder) as Web Master and Keith Gowen as Member for Technical matters. It has been put forward to have an Annual General Meeting on September and formally elect officers and members of a committee. Agree a Constitution and Subscriptions etc. We do hope you will attend.

15th March 2017 History of the Sidmouth Model Railway Group which held its first meeting on 15th March 2017. In Sidmouth At All Saints Church Hall (Lounge) 18 attended the Inaugural meeting, to discuss the viability of a local group. All model railway enthusiasts were welcomed, ranging from N Gauge, 00 Scales, Narrow Gauge, 0 Gauge & 16mm Scale.