Shop Departments:
Trains - The CT Society of Ferroequinologists and Model Railway Engineers
What is the theory behind the club?
The theory of the club is to design and build model railways based on 1950-1970 using historical Southern New England properties. It also serves to educate people about the train hobby, including construction and operation.
Who are the club leaders?
President: Ted Polinski, Vice President: Gene Koss, Secretary: Stu Horn, Treasurer: Don Sierakowski.
Is an application needed?
eMail Bob Bell
Does the club put on any shows for the public?
CT Eastern Railway Museum, Cheshire H.S., Windham H.S. and every 1st and 3rd Sunday here at Time Machine Hobby.
When does the club meet?
Thursday nights.
What are the club dues?
$36.00 per year.
Additional Comments...
CSFMRE is a 52 year old group of enthusiastic, active model railroaders. Join us for great fun with historical research, model building and railroad operation on the New Haven RR and its interchange lines.
History
The Connecticut Society of Ferroequinologists (translated: students of the iron horse) and Modern Railway Engineers (SDF & MRE) Club was founded in 1952 by Stan Manning, Paul (Skip) McKay, Jon Steele and Dan Trefethern. Weekly club meetings were held at their homes on a rotational basis and consisted of layout operation and maintenance, slide and movie presentations, informational discussions and planning a club layout. The club quickly acquired fame for its name: reportedly being the second longest railroad club name in the United States. A Rochester, N.Y. club with a similar name claims top honors. The first club layout was constructed in the home of Jon Steele in Manchester. The layout was a 3-rail 0-27 gauge subway system built under his personal layout, and it was connected to Jon's NYC system at a small interchange yard. The club's railroad name was the Connecticut Terminal Company (CTC). The second club layout was hosted by Stan Manning after Jon entered the service. This was an 'HO' layout, and it was built with the help of a few new club members in 1958.
In 1961 the rails for a third club layout were installed at Brian Wagner's home in Manchester. The 0-gauge layout was constructed using a three rail Gargraves track, and it featured an operating catanery system and an independently operated branch line with main line interchange. The railroad name was changed at this time to the New Haven Railroad and the Meeting night was changed from Sunday to Thursday. New England Hobby Supply, The Train Exchange, located at 71 Hilliard Street in Manchester, became the latest club residence in 1985. The construction of the fourth club layout progressed quickly and detailing is still continuing. This layout is approximately 65' x 15' and it is built with gargraves 3-rail 0-gauge track. It has two main lines with independent operation of weigh freight sidings and two yards. Motive power and rolling stock is comprised mostly of Lionel, Williams and Weaver products intermixed with products from past manufacturers. The rolling stock is scale or standard "0". Pennsylvania and New Haven railroads are featured.
The club meets every Thursday evening from 7-9 p.m. and it operates the layout every 1st and 3rd Sunday from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. and on every Sunday between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Club meetings on Thursdays are typically used for construction, detailing, maintenance, operation, business meetings, "rail head" talk, bad jokes and occasional slide/VCR shows and operating sessions at other area layouts.
The club also owns a small modular layout that is operated at local train shows to promote the hobby and the club and to recruit new members. Current membership is approximately 15 members including Jon Steele, one of the original founders. Visitors and potential members are always welcomed and encouraged to join us at our Thursday club meetings or Sunday operating sessions to discover and promote the fun of model railroading.