About us...
West Lancashire '0' Gauge Group
was formed in 1956, at about the same time as the Gauge '0' Guild, to
which it is affiliated. (The Guild was formed to promote the 7mm:foot
scale, which was then declining owing to the development of smaller
scales, considered more suitable for building layouts in 'compact'
modern houses.) The group is also a member of "North-west '0' Gauge
Modellers". Links to both organisations are via the logos, below.
The West Lancashire Group was set up as a single-scale society in order to concentrate and capitalise on the particular advantages of Gauge 0, which has seen a considerable resurgence in more recent times. After 50 years, the Group had to move out of its original premises in Crosby (owing to their demolition for redevelopment) and now has excellent accommodation in Bootle.
When formed, the club was, indeed, in the west of Lancashire. (A mile further west and it would have been in the Irish Sea!) Since then (and without any action required), in 1974 it found itself in the newly-created county of Merseyside. With the addition of Halton borough (technically still in Cheshire) to the existing five boroughs of Merseyside, it is now in what is known administratively as 'Liverpool City Region', though the historical club title of West Lancashire has been retained.
It currently has a Test Track, an end-to-end branch line and a continuous-run main-line layout with Motive Power Depot and single-track branch. A new exhibition layout made its debut at The Big Hobby & Model Show at Aintree in 2022 and another one is in construction.
A magazine for members is published quarterly. The electronic file is in Portable Document Format (.PDF) and a link to each edition's location for download is sent to members' nominated e-mail addresses via an e-mail distribution group. A Zoom meeting is held on the first Monday of each month, enabling more distant members to "attend".
Clubroom meetings are generally held each week on Wednesdays and Fridays between 7.30 and 10pm (approx.)
Non-members wishing to visit or join the club are welcome to attend, either as the guest of a member, or alternatively by leaving a relevant explanatory note, along with their name, phone number and e-mail address in the contact box below, so that Hon. Sec. can provide suitable information about the location of the clubrooms etc. and/or make any other arrangements, as required.
Join us...
Subscription rates are currently undergoing a period of gradual harmonisation which will result in a single rate being applicable from 2025. Meanwhile, the annual subscription rates (on special offer from now until the end of 2023) are: Full-rate £27.50; Reduced-rate £17.50.
These are supplemented by a 'visiting charge' (into the plate at the clubroom) of £2.50/week during any week when actually visiting the clubroom. (Note: Not a payment per visit, so just one payment per week even if visiting more than once that week.)
As an alternative, members can cover both charges by BACS monthly standing order of £10/month, which works out cheaper for full-rate members making frequent visits.
Reduced rate subs are available to those who live beyond (approx.) 20 mile radius bounded by the Ribble and the Mersey (determined by specified postcode districts, as listed on the membership application form). Reduced rate subs are also available to those who are not in receipt of income from a wage/salary in excess of 16 hours/week and not self-employed and not in receipt of a pension.
Safeguarding Policy:
Children (<16) and 'vulnerable adults' can attend free of charge as the guest of an appropriate adult guardian/carer member who must retain full responsibility for them and must remain in their presence at club events and in the clubroom.
16-17year-olds can join but will require an additional signature from their parent/guardian/carer.
SUBMIT AN EMAIL - all fields are required*
National Exhibition Check
The West Lancashire 0 Gauge Group
has no connection with any traders mentioned on this website
other than that of a satisfied customer.