An inaugural meeting was called back in 1973 by Dr. Brian Rogers who, with the help of model engineering journals, suggested a meeting of like minded people to join him to see whether there was sufficient interest in 7 ¼” Gauge miniature railways that he himself had. 

As a direct result of this meeting, The Society was founded by a group of people with aims rather different to that of a Model Engineering Society of the usual kind. The main aim is to act as a communication channel between the growing numbers of people working in this gauge. The membership covers those with interests in Standard and Narrow Gauge railways both prototype and freelance. The Society has members living in many countries, and in various parts of the world the gauge of 7½” is used and there are members using this size who contribute to the Society.

Brian became the first Chairman of the Society after this meeting and subsequently took on the role of President, a position he still holds and cherishes today.

The Society publishes a quarterly high quality journal which includes many advertisements from traders for items particular to the gauge and a number who do not normally advertise in the model engineering press because of the specialist nature of their products. Each issue is accompanied by a newsletter giving various administrative details including invitations to members’ railways and many other Societies’ events including some overseas. Members can also insert advertisements of items Wanted or For Sale free of charge in the newsletter. The Annual General Meeting is held at a different venue each year when the host provides running facilities for members’ locomotives over the weekend. The actual AGM meeting takes place usually on the Saturday evening followed by a meal and get-together.

The Society is managed by Officers of the Committee who are elected annually at the AGM. There are Officers responsible for the running of the Society and for collating and publishing trade information specific to the gauge.

All you need to join the 7¼" Gauge Society is an interest in railways, modelling, engineering and having fun! You don't need an engine for you and your family to be able to participate fully in all of our social activities throughout the world.

Membership is open to all people who are interested in the gauge. Members who have voting rights are liable for payment of subscriptions and must be over 16 years of age. (There is also a Junior member category introduced at the beginning of 2002 - see membership application section for details). Associate members shall be any immediate family member, (husband, wife, partner, children and grandchildren), of an ordinary member. They have no voting rights and do not pay any subscription.

The annual subscription is the same for both UK and Overseas members. The subscription year runs from the 1st January, whilst members joining after 1st September receive membership for the whole of the succeeding year. The current subscription rate is £20 p.a.for Full Members and £5 p.a. for Junior Members.

Get an application form here.