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WELCOME
TO THE GUILD OF MODEL WHEELWRIGHTS. |
The
“Guild of Model of Wheelwrights”, “GOMW” or just “The Guild” has been
going for about 25 years. At one time the Guild could boast an average
worldwide membership of about 125 members. This number would fluctuate
each year due to members passing away or ill health, but new members
would join each year. Very few younger members would join.
At the Annual General Meeting of The Guild Of Model Wheelwrights held
at Hartlebury Castle on 7th. October 2018, the committee unanimously
decided to close down the Guild. This was due to the recent death of
our Treasure Mrs Jan Kitching and the fact that no one else was willing
or capable of taking the job. Other committee members, the Secretary,
Chairman and Magazine Editor expressed their desire to hand over their
respective jobs (we are all getting older and slower!) but again, no
one else was prepared to take over.
Although the Guild has closed down and there will be no more “Wheel
Writes” magazines printed, or new members accepted, this website will
still continue for an unspecified period of time.
From the very beginning the Guild was formed, their were many active
model makers who were willing to display their models at various venues
around the U.K. A number of these earlier model making members have
sadly died but new model making members have replaced them so there
has always been about 20 to 25 members prepared to exhibit their models.
We
are a group of enthusiasts who are devoted to the promotion and construction
of precision scale models of all types of horse drawn vehicles: this
includes agricultural machinery, carts and wagons, light and heavy commercial
vehicles, passenger and road vehicles, gypsy caravans, and many other
little known but fascinating vehicles that are of great historical interest.
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The
picture shown to the right is a 1/8th scale model of a Lincolnshire
Hermaphrodite Farm Wagon, made by Guild member Patrick Hall, from
Warwickshire, from a David Wray plan. This type of vehicle was common
throughout the East Midlands, and for most of the year the rear part
only was used as a tip cart. At harvest time an ingenious conversion
provided the wagon with a large carrying platform needed in the corn
growing districts. The model here shows the forecarriage and loading
platform fitted.
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Guild member Frank Rake lives in Venice, Florida, USA, and shown
right is his superb 1/8th scale model of a Dunton Ledge Caravan. On
retirement, several years ago, Frank was looking for a challenging hobby
to do during the long winter nights and came across John Thompson’s
plans in the Hobby’s catalogue. This was Frank’s first model, and what
a wonderful job he has done! It can take around 1000 hours to complete
a model to this high standard. Many members would of course start with
something less challenging – perhaps like the next example. |
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John Prior,
who lives in Wiltshire, is also a Guild member and he has displayed
a number
of fine models on the Guild Stands. Here to the right is shown a 1/8th
scale Courage Show Dray from John Thompson plans. The actual vehicle
was built in the Old Kent Road and can now be seen at the Courage
Shire Horse Centre, near Maidenhead. It can be fitted with shafts
for a single horse, (as shown) or a central pole for a pair. The fittings
are displayed, including one of the barrels. The construction of this
model is within the capabilities of the average person, but enthusiasts
who wish to make a super-detailed model should note that the scale
plans have not been simplified and show every feature of the actual
vehicle.
Click
on each of the three pictures on the right for a bigger view.
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Shows
and exhibitions of Guild member’s models. |
Usually
starting in March through to the end of November the Guild exhibits
throughout the UK; attending around 20+ various venues at county fairs,
agricultural and woodworking shows, museums and stately homes. This
is a wonderful opportunity for anyone who has an interest in model
making at a very high standard and also the history and diversity
of these fascinating vehicles. We love chatting and sharing our knowledge
with visitors at these events, and should you wish to do so, we would
love to meet you! A list of all Guild events this year appears on
the "Guild News" page, so do try and get to some of them
– you will be most welcome!
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The model
shown right is a 1/8th
scale East-Anglian Wagon, and was made in 1978 with the minimum of
tools. The wheel fellies were turned on a “Picador Pup”, which was
powered by an old washing machine motor mounted under the work-bench;
the cost of this was very little. Those who have a desire and passion
to create a model like this will always find a way to do it!
The making of these models that you see on this website is amongst
one of the highest forms of model making there is; often referred
to as “scratch-building”. Every part of these models is made from
raw materials, as apposed to building from a commercial kit – indeed,
there are no kits available that can come anywhere near the authenticity
and detail of a well-made scratch-built model!
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