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BMEG stands for Beamish Model Engineering Group
BMEG was started by Ken Swan in 1991 following discussions with John Gall ( Deputy director of Beamish), and Robert Atkinson (Friends of Beamish). The membership of the group was drawn from the the night class run at Wallsend Technical Institute (as it was), and the Chester-le-Street Model Engineering club.
Initially the group was closely associated with The Friends of Beamish in building embankments and other parts of the infrastructure. There has been considerable interchange of members of the two groups over the years depending on interests. Throughout the group has had the support of Beamish Museum which has benefited from the engineering skills of members. Successive directors (Peter Lewis and Miriam Harte) have taken a close interest and exercised a light touch. Curators Jim Rees and Paul Jarman involved in Beamish’s full size locomotives have given much assistance and advice. We are extremely grateful to the works staff who have shown considerable tolerance of a mildly eccentric group.
Many BMEG members are building locomotives to the designs of Ken Swan. These include various versions of Koppel, Wren, Jessie, a six wheel version of Bridget. two members are building a Neptune, an original Ken Swan design based on a little known ship yard engine. The tolerance of the group is tested by the members building Dolgoch and traction engines.
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