IF you have a passion for mechanics or an interest in model engineering, then you will feel right at home among the members of the Durban Society of Model Engineering.
The NPO, based in Hinton Grove in Durban North, was founded in 1913 at the Durban Technicon. In 1960, the members moved their clubhouse to the uMgeni River, but after six years they were forced to move when council built the Athlone Bridge.
Fortunately, the members were paid out for their premises before the clubhouse was demolished in 1966. With the funds, the members were able to purchase a lot near the Virginia Circle.
“Back in the day, the lot was covered in sugarcane. The members had to dig out the sugarcane on the premises before they could even begin to build the tracks for the trains. Then, on 8 November, 1969, the club was officially opened to the public and it has been there ever since,” said vice-president, Gerard Hall, who has been a member since 1972.
Over the past decades, the organisation has strived to facilitate interest in model-making as a hobby and to promote fellowship among model engineers. On site, the club homes nine steam and five petrol miniature model locomotives. The majority of these models, said Hall, were built in the 1960s, but are still operational.
One of the petrol locomotives, affectionately named Rosie, is used to entertain at children’s birthday events.
Currently the organisation has 40 members, the youngest of whom is 10 years old.
“We offer our members access to various machines that would help them make the parts for their models, as well as dozens of model engineer magazines, dating back to 1898, as well as the knowledge of experienced and equally-passionate engineers,” added Hall.
Membership comprises a R150 entrance fee and then an annual subscription fee of R150. Contact Hall on 082 569 1383.
