Membership

Membership enquiries

Train on the Raised Level Track
Train on the Raised Level Track

The West Riding Small Locomotive Society from its inception has been an ambitious society. A modest get together of 23 members in April 1945 decided that the society should be devoted to the bringing together of persons interested in the craftsmanship, construction, maintenance and operation of small locomotives and model subjects in general. This devotion holds good today and the society welcomes anyone with such interests.

The advantages of membership of the WRSLS are many. Firstly the raised level track caters for gauges 2 1/2”, 3 1/2”, 4 3/4”, 5”, 7 1/4” and locomotives can pull a variety of trains from 1 to 4 riding cars, these being equipped with manual braking.

There is a large amount of steaming bay area and each of the bays are connected to the raised level track by an easily moved transporter.

There are a number of secure engine sheds in which members can keep their loco’s (subject to availability), written application is required.

The raised tracks are served by a station with a water crane and signals can be used if required.

The Raised Track Steaming Bays and Sheds.

The ground level track caters for the larger 71/4” gauge locos and shares the same station and water crane as the raised level track.

On site shed accommodation for locos is available and they can be unloaded from vehicles or trailers via a lifting hydraulic Turntable.

A 12 volt DC supply is available for steam raising blowers in all steaming bays along with a good quality water supply, charcoal, paraffin, steam oil and three grades of coal, supplied free to members who run their locomotives.

The society requires a valid boiler test certificate for all operational steam locomotives, but does operate a service of testing to satisfy this requirement.

The society also carries excellent insurance cover for its members and assets. Additionally providing peace of mind for its members by being under the wing of the Industrial and Provident Societies Act. All the above being provided for within the annual subscription.

A number of rally’s are organised during the year, these vary between members only, visitors only a combination of both and on occasion annual competitions are hosted.

The clubhouse serves the Society as a venue for meetings, refreshment and other functions.

Members are kept informed of current happenings by periodical bulletins and Newsletters.

FULL MEMBERSHIP:- Annual Subscription for persons over 18 years is currently £30.00 plus £1 on joining in order to purchase a company share.

JUNIOR MEMBERS:- Persons between the ages of 12 to 18 years are eligible for Junior membership at the Annual Subscription of £5.00.

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS:- Any partner of a fully paying member is eligible to be a Associate Member at the Annual Subscription of 50p.

Clubs & Societies come and go but the WRSLS at Blackgates has stood the test of time, we are a forward-looking group with a rich history and and we are justly proud of what we do. Come & join us, enjoy being part of our present and help ensure our future!

To inquire about becoming a member you're very welcome to visit us at Blackgates on a Wednesday or Sunday afternoon and have a chat - we'll be delighted to see you. You can also contact the Membership Secretary, David Sigsworth at: membership@wrsls.co.uk.