Southland Society of Model Engineers Inc

About

The SSME is made up of 4 different groups with a common interest, that of sharing knowledge and camaraderie around models for their own and others enjoyment.

Story

SOMETHING ABOUT US
The Southland Society of Model Engineers Inc was formed in 1937 and has developed facilities at 23 Surrey Park Road, Surrey Park, Invercargill, since that time.
The Society is for those who have an interest in Engineering models, (locomotives, traction engines, stationary engines etc), R/c off-road vehicles, scale Model railways and all types of Marine vessels. There is also a small group who share an interest in R/c Aircraft of various types.
OUR FACILITIES
The grounds include a meeting hall, kitchen facilities, a workshop, a library of modeling publications and videos, while in a separate building our H0/00 and N gauge model railway layouts are setup. The outdoor Railway track has been developed to include an overbridge, tunnel, and station, and all this surrounds a newly constructed r/c Off-Road racing track plus our Pond suitable for both power boating and yachting.
Our policy is for ongoing development for the enjoyment of our members and the visiting public.
OUR ACTIVITIES
Besides the monthly club meetings, the various groups meet on a regular basis to pursue their particular interests, from engineering to boating to photography, radio control gear and scale modeling.
During the year the facilities are made available for other organizations to use for gatherings, picnics, children's parties etc, where much use is made of the ride-on trains, the train layouts are seen operating and boats sailing on the pond.
Activity days are held when the public is welcome to visit, and members join together from time to time to maintain the grounds and buildings and to undertake other projects.
Our well known "Great Little Train Show", held each year at Labour Weekend in October, is a showcase of our activities and is visited by several thousand parents and children over the shows very busy two days.
Depending on interest, visits to other like clubs, competitions such as loco¬motive trials, boating regattas and in the past, Ghost-Branch line tours are organised.
The members assist one another with information and practical help for their model making and encourage all newcomers to the hobby to participate fully in club activities.
YOUR CONTACTS
President: Greg Fordyce, 027 622 8176
Secretary: Russell Irvine, PO Box 216, Invercargill
Or call in at our Surrey Park grounds whenever the gates are open.
Monthly General Meeting......... Second Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm.
Model Railway Group ............ Wednesday evenings at 7.30pm.
Model Engineering Group .......Fourth Thursday of the month at 7.30pm. (currently on hold)
Model Boating Group ............. Wednesday evenings at 7.30pm.
R/c Off-road Racing Group….. Wednesday evenings at 7.30pm.
Monthly Club Day............ First Sunday of the month from 1100am, weather permitting.