A recent arrival on the Quainton scene is the Vale of Aylesbury Model Engineering Society. Founded in 1971, the Society was created to serve the interests of local people from all walks of life who share a common interest in faithfully recreating in miniature form the engineering masterpieces of the 19th and 20th centuries. Their individual interests vary widely, but like most other similar societies the predominant activity is the building and operating of model steam locomotives. Many of the society's members have personal experience of life on the footplate, and others both young and not so young can claim an expert knowledge of railway affairs from the early years of the last century. Thus, there is a common bond between the model engineer and those who unstintingly devote their time and energies towards preserving the few remaining examples of the 'iron horse'.

In establishing Quainton as its permanent home, the Society aims to provide an additional centre of interest for members of the public, and regular visitors to the QRS Centre will already be familiar with the portable track which has delighted hundreds of children and their parents during the past. Planned developments provide for the laying of a permanent miniature track in an area adjacent to the northern boundary of the site. Initially, the permanent track will consist of a short straight section which will be later developed into a continuous loop approximately 1,000 feet in length and include a cutting and elevated section. Ultimately, the plan provides for a station facility and block signalling.

The Society is confident that the track will eventually rate as one of the best sites in the South of England and that it will provide a very attractive facility for Quainton's public visitors.

Notes:
The text in this Quainton Railway Society publication was written in 1979 and so does not reflect events in the 38+ years since publication. The text and photographs are repeated verbatim from the original publication, with only a few minor grammar changes but some clarifying notes are added if deemed necessary. The photos from the original publication are provided as scans in this internet version of this long out of print publication.

Reference:
Quainton Guide 1979