RichieB

Hi Phil, the short answer is no, the 'UK Model Shops' website is primarily concerned with model railway clubs, hence its name. Yes, it does make reference to a some non-model railway societies, but that is not the focus of the website, and it is very far from comprehensive in that regard. The RCD covers traditional railway societies only meaning: 1. National railway clubs (like RCTS, LCGB and SLS), 2. Specialised national railway societies (like the Industrial Railway Society and Narrow Gauge Railway Society), 3. Historical 'line' societies (like the Great Central Railway Society, the North Eastern Railway Association and the Midland Railway Society) and 4. Local railway clubs. It does not include pure model railway clubs for two reasons: 1. The reason you have pointed out, i.e., model rail clubs are already well catered for through a variety of existing websites. 2. There is estimated to be something like 400 model rail clubs of some form or another in the UK (many are small without any internet presence, so the exact number is uncertain). Anyway, if you mix model rail clubs with the 100 traditional societies under my above definition, you completely crowd out those traditional societies. The RCD has created for traditional societies (as defined) their own space, something they currently do not have. Perhaps that is way so many of the clubs are supporting it. Also, the information provided by RCD on each club is comprehensive. It is not a list with a few basic points and a link. The entries are all approved by the clubs themselves and contain a considerable amount of detail. Far from being just a list, the RCD has many elements as described, (i) a printed directory running into about 200 pages, (ii) a forthcoming dedicated website, and (iii) a dedicated social media presence. Hopefully all railway clubs will thrive. Some at the moment are doing better than others. The smaller local railway clubs (non-modelling) are particularly suffering at the moment. Lets hope they all survive post covid. The chairmen of some have told me that for them it is touch and go. Thanks for raising your points. Hopefully I've answered them.

I'm just writing a few words about a project I'm involved with, the 'Railway Club Directory'. The RCD is an altruist project dedicated solely to promoting traditional railway clubs and historical railway societies. This means (i) national railway clubs (like RCTS, LCGB and SLS), (ii) specialised national railway societies (like the Industrial Railway Society and Narrow Gauge Railway Society), (iii) historical 'line' societies (like the Great Central Railway Society, the North Eastern Railway Association and the Midland Railway Society) and (iv) local railway clubs (of which there are over 60 throughout the country. Preservation groups and model railway clubs are not included as they are well provided for elsewhere. Even so, there are over 100 such traditional clubs. Over 60 of them are already part of the RCD project, with the remainder going through their usual internal approval processes. Covid has had a detrimental effect on many railway clubs, in particular the smaller local clubs. I have spoken to the chairmen of many such local clubs, and many are concerned as to their survival post covid. Something needs to be done, and RCD will play its part. The first thing it is doing is publishing a printed railway club directory, a book entitled 'National Railway Society Directory', which includes entries of all 100 plus railway clubs and societies within its scope, with full particulars given about them, including how to join. The second is creating a dedicated website to promote traditional railway clubs and historical railway societies. That is a work in progress. The third is a social media presence. At the moment this comprises a Facebook page (www.facebook.com/railwayclubdirectory ) which has just launched, but will expand into other media. The overall aim is to promote railway clubs and societies, in particular to generate interest in them and increase their membership. If you'd like to know more, please visit the RCD Facebook page mentioned above. And please consider joining a club! Richard Bowry

Many thanks to everyone who replied to my post. It is much appreciated. Sorry its taken a month to get back, but I've been crazy busy. As was referred, I did not explain the nature of the book which would have helped! Actually its called 'Railway Club Directory' (a facebook page has just been opened under that title). It is literally a directory of all the railway clubs in the UK (excluding modelling and heritage support groups which have their own places) with summaries of what each club is about and photos of part of their journals. Book is pretty much complete, with entries now going to each club for comment. I've been corresponding with all 106 of them as this is a collaborative project, not a list and publish thing. So much work has been involved but every Chairman I've spoken to so far has been very positive. Corneliuslundie, it is interesting that you mention HMRS and WRRC as both feature. Simon, would be good to chat, and I will DM you. Thanks again everyone.

I’ve nearly finished my railway book, and I’m now thinking about publishing. I could go the self publishing route or choose one of the 20 or so transport publishers operating in the UK. Has anyone had any experience of publishing their own book, which route did you take, and any interesting experiences with any particular publishers.