Started by the German firm of Lehmann in the 1960s, with a trade name of LGB (which translated means Lehmann Big Railway), G scale is essentially the modelling of narrow gauge railway on track 45mm wide (the same as gauge 1, but to a heavier profile). The quality and variety of LGB products is almost legendary and such has been their success that many other manufacturers have entered the scene, including Playmobil in Germany, and Bachmann and REA in the USA. G Scale products are long-lasting and reliable, and generally weatherproof making them ideal for outdoor operation.

Founded in 1987, the Society now has hundreds of members in the UK and overseas. It caters for all modellers working in G Scale and has a liberal approach, believing that enjoyment is just as important as rivet-counting, but with no bias in either direction!

Informal area groups exist so that members can share their modelling experiences and run their stock on other lines. Members are given a further chance to meet at G Rail, the Annual Convention and General Meeting, which is held at a central UK location and features working layouts, trade stands, and slide or video shows.

A quality journal is published quarterly by the society for its members.

The area group's initial kick-off meeting was in March 2002.
The "Thames Valley Area Group" covers Berkshire (ish) and surrounding areas. This in practice is the area from Slough to Didcot, down to Ascot, Up to Aylesbury, and anywhere else within driving distance. Anyone from other area groups are also welcome, which has lead to some successful joint area group meetings with nearby groups.

We, as an area group are now 1 year old. As usual, thanks for our success are due to many people, so before we start, in no particular order, here are a few names, which have been instrumental in the start-up and running of this group.
Derek Holt (and Joyce)
Tony Waite (and Anne)
My wife (Gwyneth)
Pat Finch
Jason Palmer
There are many others who have contributed and helped make this group a success, you know who you are, and so I do, so thanks.

So what has happened? Well from initial talks with a few other G Scale members in the area, we decided to start the group, as a local group did not exist. At the time, the West London Area group was a possibility, so we defined our area top sit beside them. An initial mailshot was put together and sent to all known members in the area with a list provided by the Membership Secretary. All those that replied were put onto a mailing list. As new members have joined in the area, we have sent an offer to join the area group (via email or post), and all those that reply have also been added to this local area group list if they wish.
If you are in the "Thames Valley" area (as is loosely defined) and are not currently on my mailing list, then please let me know if you wish to be added.
Those that have email, receive the mailings that way (and also meeting updates), others get them by post.

After our initial meeting in March 2002, which was very well attended (including many G Scale Committee members), we have had a number of meetings this last year, including:-
Running a stand at the Large Scale Model Rail Show at Reading,
Garden meetings in Alesbury, Binfield, Reading, Henley on Thames, Maidenhead, Whitchurch on Thames.
Scout Fund Raising indoor meeting in November

The group has about 25 active members coming to most meetings, which so far have all been weekend meetings. Most meetings have had a buffet snack/meal available for visitors later in the afternoon (For which many thanks are due to what in most cases is hard working wives in the background). Some new members have come from the visitors that people have brought along.
The area layouts have ranged from 2 years to 10 years old, and have included the full mix of battery, steam, track electric, and track digital. Some are very simple (track dropped onto pea shingle at ground level), others more complicated (4 intertwined running lines, with rivers, bridges, and paths). We have even seen one railway leave the garden, and run up a path outside before re-entering the garden at the other end! - What a way to gain an extra track!