The British Train Society (BTS)
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The British Train Society
 
The British Train Society (BTS) is an organization for individuals with interests in various aspects of the railway system in the British Isles both past and present. These interests are fostered through an exchange of information based on actual operating knowledge, research or general interest. Model railway building and operation provides a theme around which other interests can be explored but not to the exclusion of other topics.
 
The BTS was founded in suburban Chicago in the spring of 1995 for the purpose of bringing together those in the Chicago area who have interests in the trains of Great Britain.  We welcome enthusiasts of British railways of all ages and modelers of all gauges.
 
Membership in the British Train Society will acquaint you with others whose knowledge and enthusiasm for British trains spans time from their inception in the coalfields of Britain's North East to today's high-speed international trains of the Channel Tunnel.

The Society's activities are noncommercial and are intended to promote the interests of the membership in a spirit of mutual respect and fellowship.
 
Photo by Don Buchanan
Membership Benefits

Membership in the British Train Society is open to all who have an interest in the trains and railways of Great Britain, whether model or full sized. Regular members receive a monthly club newsletter, Left Hand Running, which has railway histories, model and prototype information and a coming-events calendar.

The BTS meets each month at the home of a member, generally on the third Saturday of each month. Meetings begin at 1:30 pm and consist of a short business meeting followed by a presentation by one of our members.

The BTS is also fortunate to have a member-owned 00-scale modular model railway layout which is exhibited at various public venues around Chicago during the year. Many members of the British Train Society are also active railway modelers with home layouts in most popular scales.

Did You Know?


Did you know that railways and the steam locomotive engine are British inventions?


Did you know that the widest railway track that the world has ever had was in Great Britain?


Did you know that the British railway companies give their locomotives names as well as numbers?

 

And that one of those locomotives was named for an American general?


Membership in the British Train Society will acquaint you with others whose knowledge and enthusiasm for British trains spans time from their inception in the coalfields of Britain's North East to today's high-speed international trains of the Channel Tunnel.