About Us

The Bracknell Railway Society was formed in 1959 by a group of local enthusiasts.

Unusually, the Society has from the outset covered most aspects of railways. Among our members there are Railway Modelers who build and exhibit layouts; those interested in full size railways both historical and modern; and Model Engineers who build miniature railway locomotives and road vehicles as well as operating a miniature railway at Jocks Lane Park, Bracknell.

Meetings are held every Friday at the Society headquarters, located at the Pinewood Centre, Wokingham Without, near Crowthorne. During the winter months (October to April) there are visiting speakers, films, members slides, etc. Recent talks have been by Chris Awdry on the background to the Thomas the tank engine stories, Ted Abear an ex Great Western locomotive fireman and Stan Hinbest on his days at Stratford Works. It's not all trains though; there have been talks on London buses and the changing face of Reading over the years. The British Transport Films are always a favourite.

On Tuesday evenings the small scale section meet to work on the Society's large 0 and 00 gauge layouts, as well as their private models. Visitors are welcome on both nights.

The Miniature Railway at Jocks Lane Park provides rides to the public on at least ten occasions during the spring and summer months and is operated by those members interested in the construction and operation of miniature locomotives.

An annual indoor exhibition is usually held at the Park, featuring model railway layouts built by members, with train rides on the outdoor miniature railway. Details can be found at on the Exhibition '06 page.