You are on the platform and about to see the steam train leave the station. The carriages are loaded with waving children and adults who feel like children again. Puffing and whistling the steam locomotive pulls the carriages out of the station into the park.
While driving a lap with the train between tall trees and dense undergrowth, you can smell the air and feel the heat of the fire in the locomotive. The bells ring, lights flash and the barriers close while the train passes the crossing. Back at the station you can take a look over the shoulder of the driver at the maintenance of the fire, the intake of water, the lubrication and ........ polishing. Since we are proud of our equipment we like to see everything shining.
Almost everything you see has been built by our members in their spare time. Not only the locomotives and carriages, but the rails, the switches, the station, the signals along the track, the signalboxes and the clubhouse.
35 Years under steam
You may wonder how such a model building society like “Stoomgroep West” has ever started.
35 Years ago a few enthusiastic people who loved to play with trains thought it would be fun to start a model building society. A good location was being looked for and then the construction of the railway started. Of course it wasn’t an easy ride. With a lot of perseverance and team spirit the association has become one of the largest model building societies in Europe. 35 Years old … and still on track.
Are you interested in our hobby? Let us inform you about the possibilities to become a member of our society. For more information please visit us during our club days and ask for one of our committee members or contact us through e-mail.