Baltimore Society of Model Engineers - About Us

About the BSME

The Baltimore Society of Model Engineers is a model railroad club, that was formed by a group of local modelers in March 1932. The BSME is the oldest exclusively model railroad club in the United States, it is the second oldest modeling club after the New York Society of Model Engineers.

The Society is located on the third floor of 225 West Saratoga Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201. We have been at four locations throughout the clubs history.

The first president of the BSME was Mr. George Nixon (1907 - 1995). George was very active in the hobby and railroading as he also founded the Baltimore Streetcar Museum, was one of the founders of the Baltimore Chapter, National Railway Historical Society, and founded The Friends of President Street Station, in Baltimore.

The society operates both HO & O Scale layouts, each 12x65 feet. In addition to these two layouts the club room has displays of railroad history and lore. Part of this display is a large collection of railroad heralds, many from railroads that no longer exist.

We are currently active in looking for new ways to expand our facilities and services.

We are always interested in new members, regardless of your modeling skills, part of the clubs activities helps beginning members become skilled in all aspects of the hobby. We also have plenty to keep the experienced hobbist interested and challenged.

Donations of model trians, magazine, and railroad items are welcomed, but please contact us first about your donation. (Contact us) Unfortuneately your donation is NOT tax deductilbe as we are not a 501 3(c) corporation in the eyes of the I.R.S.

We hold Open House Shows to promote our hobby with the general public.