IF you have a passion for trains, or engineering and electronics are your hobbies, then the Durban Society of Model Engineering (DSME) is the club for you.
The club has been running since 1913 and celebrated its 110th year in existence in July. It is based at Kellaway Hall, 10 Hinton Grove, Virginia, Durban North, opposite Checkers.
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Speaking to Northglen News, DSME chairman Bruce Lavender said the number of visitors to the club had declined since the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We’d like very much to continue promoting the culture of steam engines and steam technology. We encourage anyone who has an interest in electronics, engineering and model-making to contact us to see what it’s all about,” said Lavender, who is an electrician by profession.
“We also host children’s birthday parties, and it’s always so good to see children interested in trains and how they work. Bookings for parties have also dwindled but we’re hoping these will rise again,” he said.
Lavender added that the smell of coal and the steam of a train is really something every person should experience in their life.
“Trains really are a thing of beauty. Steam engines have personality. We’re very passionate about what we do and we’d like the people of Durban to share the experience with us,” he said.
Vice president Alfred Farr has 46 years of experience working in maintaining electric locomotives.
“The world needs engineers, and where better for a young child to start than at the Durban Society of Model Engineers.”
“Our members have decades of experience and skills. We need to pass this knowledge on to the younger generation,” said Farr.
On site, the club houses several steam and petrol, miniature, model locomotives, which the public is welcome to come take a look at.
If you’d like to visit the club and see what it’s all about, the DSME hosts an Open Public Running Day, ONCE a month on the second Sunday of the month. The cost of train rides is R10 per person, all ages.
Anyone can become a member. Membership fees are: Senior R150 and Junior R75 per year. A once-off entrance fee of R150 is payable in advance.
Since the club is a non-profit organisation, it relies on subscription fees and funds generated from children’s birthday parties, school parties, events and open days, as well as the occasional donation from the general public to maintain the grounds, trains, etc.
For more information, visit the Durban Society of Model Engineers on Facebook at Facebook.com/Kellawayhall
