ABOUT THE GROUP
The New South Wales N Scale Group (NSWNSG) was an unincorporated body formed in 1988 after discussions between various modellers who wanted to model NSW/Australian outline in N Scale (1:160). Prior to this time there had been almost no commercially made NSW outline rolling stock available. As a result of the formation of this Group availability of models is improving. Some members have formed “Cottage Industries” to create models, some ready to run (RTR), others in kit form. Members are encouraged to produce models and to make them available to others.
The Group is now incorporated as a non-profit association (NSWNSG Inc.) to promote the modelling of the railways of New South Wales to a scale of 1:160. A constitution, resolutions and guidelines pertaining to the management of the Group have been prepared and are available electronically on request.
Membership of the Group is by application and payment of an annual fee. Participation in Group activities is purely voluntary, but all members are encouraged to participate to learn, to share knowledge and skills, and to enjoy the company of like-minded people.
The Group meets monthly generally in member’s homes and occasionally by invitation in other group’s premises, at related venues or at prototype locations throughout the state. Active and more proficient members are encouraged to conduct demonstrations, modelling clinics and participatory workshops at Group meetings. Special interest sub-groups meet for further activities such as layout construction or maintenance. An annual general meeting is held in December to review the past year, propose future activities and to elect committee members.
A number of exhibition layouts have been constructed by the Group which it exhibits from time to time. These include “Cockle Creek” based on that Newcastle location, “South Creek” based on the Sydney suburb St Marys and “Illabo” depicting that location in the state’s south near Junee. A new layout “Allowrie”, based on the Illawarra Line, is under consideration.
Members are encouraged to participate in exhibitions by helping to run their own rolling stock on the Group’s or their own layouts, to conduct modelling demonstrations or clinics, and to generally promote the modelling of New South Wales Railways in N Scale. Many members support the bi-annual National N Scale Convention which is held in different states on a rotational basis.
Group activities are publicised, approximately monthly, through emails, an electronically delivered coloured Newsletter and a web site that is being developed. Past Newsletters have included data sheets of NSW prototype railway details, info sheets and rolling stock outline drawings scaled to 1:160. Members are encouraged to submit articles on prototypes, modelling tips, reviews of new commercial releases, news of upcoming models and details of future events.