Csmee.org.nz
Title
Canterbury Society of Model and Experimental Engineers
Description
Our Society's membership, which stands at around 160, is drawn from all walks of life with a large cross section of interests and skills. We cater for many activities including the building and running of model steam, electric and I.C locomotives, radio controlled boats, traction engines, stationary steam and internal combustion engines. Interests also include the building of workshop equipment and machine tools.
The Society was formed by a small group of enthusiasts in 1933. Mr. L.E Walcot-Wood was the first president. The first premises was a small garage in Whiteleigh Avenue used as a workshop, this was vacated some months later because of the expense and unreliability of the gas engine used to drive the machinery. Our next ’home’ was a double garage in Manning Street, Riccarton. Membership at this time was 38 members. The next move, in 1947, was to our site in Andrews Crescent, Spreydon. There, members built the first clubrooms and the first multi gauge railway track. Some time later the pond was formed. In 1979 the members rebuilt the clubrooms in permanent materials and re-designed and rebuilt the railway track, which is now 1127 feet long. For a photographic view of some of the changes that have taken place over the years click here
Great improvements were made to the pond with a new boat shed. Other work completed includes a loco shed, steaming bay and station. All these projects being undertaken by members who have donated many hours to make our complex one of the finest in New Zealand.
