The Great Western Study Group began in 1975 as a non-profit making body of enthusiasts sharing an interest in studying a variety of aspects of GWR history and practice, and in promoting research into GWR topics.
Bringing together like-minded enthusiasts and helping to source material related to the Great Western Railway are probably the most important functions of the Group, whether you are a modeller, social historian or transport historian, interested in railway or industrial archaeology, or just generally enthused with “God’s Wonderful Railway”. Interests are not confined to prototype practice, but include modelling in various gauges and in maintaining a close interest in current trends in the commercial modelling market.
The aims of the group are to promote and nurture the free flow of information and skills between members. To this end we provide a number of services to our membership.
Newsletter
Members receive a quarterly newsletter typically about thirty pages long. In addition to group news, it contains details of new GWR related products from the model industry and reviews of GWR related books.
Click the cover to read a sample copy of the Newsletter (Note: Personal information has been deleted from this sample copy)
Pannier
The Study Group Journal “Pannier” is our flagship publication normally published twice per year. This high quality magazine is typically forty pages long and contains a wide variety of GWR related articles. Contributions are mainly from Study Group members so there is an opportunity to publish your researches to a wider audience in a fairly informal manner.
Click the cover to read a sample copy of the Pannier.
Online forum
Members get exclusive access to the Group’s online discussion forum where a wide range of GWR related topics are discussed and questions answered.
Books
We publish a range of GWR related books which are available to members at a substantial discount. See our Books page for a current list with prices.
Stewards
The Study Group has a comprehensive system of Stewards who cover specific areas of GWR research such as “Signalling” or “Broad Gauge”. The Stewards aim to assist members with queries on their particular topics either directly or by directing members to suitable sources of information.
Membership list
Members are encouraged to list their specific interests on our membership list. This allows members to located others who share their particular area of GWR fascination.
